West Bromwich Albion 0 – 1 Arsenal: 1-nil to the Arsenal
Two wins in a row.
Still doesn’t change anything. As I said last time, at least I think I said it last time, we’ve done this before.
I still think the overall performance from Arsenal wasn’t where it needs to be but the three points are welcome, especially as it looks like other teams, Manchester United and the Tottenham team I’m watching right now, may begin to pick up some more points themselves.
I don’t think Arsene Wenger found a winning formula but there was a boost in performance from Santi Cazorla and it was good that Danny Welbeck scored again. Wonder if we have to get used to these on and off periods from the Englishman. Oh, well.
Sanchez had a quiet game compared to what he’s done so far but that’s not to say he was bad. He’s probably beginning to tire a bit from carrying the squad on his back for so long. Wenger should watch that but he probably won’t and will run the Chilean into the ground especially as he’s not used to no winter break. We’ll see how that pans out.
There’s not a lot to say about the game. It was pretty much as straightforward as the Champions League encounter. There were nervy moments, that will probably never go away for Arsenal, but for the most part it was a comfortable game as much because of Arsenal’s usual dominance of possession as it was their opponents poor play. A few injury possibilities capped of a regular day at the office for the Gunners.
Interestingly enough, there was still a message for Wenger from the traveling fans despite the three points. I guess a few more supporters believe that the wily old Frenchman is just talking the talk when it comes to January transfer signings. He already has his excuse in place for that time by saying everyone’s looking for the same quality. True, but those who actually want to buy do, and will spend to do it, as they feel it will help your team. You, however, have a number of new signings coming back from the physio room don’t you?
Ah, well. Moving on.
Southampton will provide a sterner test during the week as they’ll be looking to bounce back from their loss to Manchester City, and Stoke City away is an even more worrisome prospect at the moment. It’s a big week, and we’ll see how the Gunners come out at the other end.
Always Thinking Football 