West Brom 1-2 Arsenal - Be Honest, You thought we'd concede late, I did.

I'll be honest, I was sat at the Hawthorns watching the clock thinking the later we go without conceding the inevitable equaliser, the more chance we have with escaping at 2-2, that's what my Arsenal mindset defaults to these days. And to think for an hour Arsenal were pretty comfortable, the sending off was a rash, spur of the moment challenge from Per & maybe in hindsight he should of let Shane Long shoot but that's a massive case of "Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda". It's a win that gets bigger when you give it time to sink in. 7 massive games to come and we're on a good run of 6 wins in the last 7, it's almost a replica of last season but shows you the experience that both the manager and players have of doing what they have to in the last weeks of the season. It doesn't and shouldn't mask what has been an underwhelming season again but the post-mortem can wait until the end.


Player Ratings (Detailed) as I was there:


Fabianski - 6.5 - Didn't really have a lot to do, was a little concerned in the second half that he regressed into his shell on crosses after missing one and lamping McAuley in the back of the head from a corner but does seem to give the back four confidence.


Sagna - 6 - Very busy in the first half going forward, has an almost silent rappour with Gervinho. Excellent in the air but crap at crossing.

Mertesacker - 7 - I love Per. What he lacks in pace he makes up by standing in the right place because he knows where it's going, never really looked in trouble until the sending off (Might be down to Shane Long) and when he was in trouble prior he just dropped on the ball with his back, which was a personal highlight for the season.

Koscielny - 7.5 - Perfect foil for Per, pacy, strong, busy and breakneck recovery pace, looked full of confidence

Monreal - 8 - First time I've caught Monreal playing live and what an unassuming player he is, you hardly notice him unless you watch really closely, excellent in the air and reads the game so well and not afraid to get forward. A really dependable left-back who has slotted in perfectly.


Ramsey - 7 - Runs a lot, always tries to do something which can backfire, missed a sitter but always wanted to be involved. Looks confident.

Rosicky - 8.5 - Have to give him man of the match because he scored 2 goals but I really wanted to give Monreal the MOM. Good to see Tom get into the six-yard box for the first goal and the touch for the second goal was out of this world. Tired a bit second half and was subbed.

Arteta - 7 - If Arsenal have the ball and Arteta doesn't get it within 5 secs I'm shocked these day. The hub of everything and the increased levels of confidence in Ramsey means he can be a bit more adventurous, what's also telling is the old head on his shoulders, knows when to take a yellow for the team.

Cazorla - 6.5 - Slightly subdued performance from the Spaniard, maybe due to the booing he recieved but had an off day.

Gervinho - 7 - Always looks like he'll make something happen when he gets the ball, it could be falling over or setting up a goal but had the West Brom full-backs worried. Great cross for Rosicky's 1st


Giroud - 7 - Ran his nuts off (He doesn't like doing it though), service to him wasn't great which led to some negative comments about his performance. Extra full marking point for magnificent hair.


Onto Norwich.