Skip to Content. Skip to Navigation.
Football

Match Report

Arsenal 3 : West Brom 0

Arsenal 3 : West Brom 0

11/05/2011 08:00:34 PM

Striker Robin van Persie scored his 29th Premier League goal this calendar year and set up Arsenal's other goals in a 3-0 romp over West Brom.

Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta were the beneficiaries from their captain's creative display, though a fine performance from Carl Jenkinson at right back did not go unnoticed.

The home side started brightly, dominating possession as is customary at the Emirates.

West Brom were momentarily down to 10 men as Jonas Olsson went off to receive treatment for a facial injury after colliding with Vermaelen, but the defence held strong with Steven Reid dropping into centre back until Olsson was ready to resume.

While the Baggies were not troubling Arsenal in terms of possession statistics, they were threatening on the counter attack, with Wojciech Szczesny diving down to his right to stop a cross while Simon Cox was lurking with intent.

But in the 23rd minute, Arsenal were rewarded for their calm build-up play, as Mikel Arteta beautifully sliced open the West Brom defence to find Theo Walcott.

The winger tried to slot through Ben Foster's legs, but his attempt was stopped, only for van Persie to tap in for his 11th goal of the Premier League season.

Five minutes before half-time, the Gunners doubled their lead.

West Brom failed to clear their lines after a corner, and Alex Song drifted a cross over to the back post where van Persie was waiting to cut the ball back across goal for Vermaelen to finish.

Three minutes after the resumption, the Baggies allowed Vermaelen a free header at goal, though they were allowed a reprieve as the Belgian headed wide of the mark.

After Chris Brunt missed the Baggies' best chance of the game, volleying well over from the edge of the box, Arsenal almost made it three as Gervinho found Aaron Ramsey in the box before the Welshman turned and dragged a shot just wide of the post.

The game was well and truly put to bed after a double-change from Arsenal, and Tomas Rosicky played a key part, finding Van Persie in the box, whose lay-off was perfect for Arteta to sweep a shot into the corner.

West Brom did cause some trouble as Somen Tchoyi came on and had a shot blocked with a sliding tackle from Vermaelen, but the striker really should have done better, as Vermaelen was already on the floor when his shot was struck.

 

You Might Also Like

Most Read Articles

Cold tyres almost cost Webber dearly
Cold tyres almost cost Webber dearly
Motorsport
05/27/2012 10:46:36 PM
Monaco Grand Prix winner Mark Webber described the end of Sunday's race as 'very strange' ...
 
 
Freo's failure comes down to talent
AFL
05/27/2012 11:02:27 PM
 
Leilua charged and stood down
League
05/28/2012 04:01:25 AM
 
Bombers look to set up season
AFL
05/28/2012 01:41:21 AM
 
Gritty Tigers do Sheens proud
League
05/27/2012 10:01:48 PM
 
Alarm bells ringing for Dockers
AFL
05/27/2012 09:24:16 PM
 
Wallabies cop Beale blow
Rugby Union
05/28/2012 03:55:07 AM
 
Thrilling IPL final goes to Kolkata
Cricket
05/27/2012 09:28:04 PM
 
 
 

Your Say

Our Say

Cup double might not save Di Matteo
Cup double might not save Di Matteo
Iain Strachan
Imagine being shown the door by your employer just weeks after reaching the pinnacle of ...more
Luck was due for Chelsea
Luck was due for Chelsea
Ben Sutton
Chelsea will go down as one of the luckiest teams to have ever won the Champions League, ...more