November goes on and on Arsenal 1 WBA 1

By Joe Eastham
November 20 2004

In the first half Arsenal were limited to a few hopeful shots. In the second half Arsenal' inability to hold a lead cost them dear.

November goes on and on

Arsenal 1 WBA 1

The game started off brightly but WBA settled themselves into a 5-4-1 formation and for most of the first-half frustrated Arsenal, limiting Arsenal to a few hopeful shots. West Brom also had a few shots, and corners. Henry was a spectator for much of the first half as WBA deep defending starved him of chances.

Towards the end of the half Arsenal managed to counterattack and put on more pressure.

A Cygan header from a corner was deflected and saved. Albion then attacked but Arsenal defended well and it was Arsenal’s turn to attack as WBA put eleven men behind the ball.

A fantastic Henry curling free kick was brilliantly saved by Hoult. An Henry cross shot drifted wide of the post. Arsenal had the most of possession but no doubt at half-time the WBA fans were more happy with the 0-0 score line than the Arsenal fans. Second HalfGreat start by Arsenal with WBA goal under siege, a final Bergkamp shot skewed wide. Kanu led a counter attack which ironically gave Arsenal the chance to launch one of their own, leading to a 55th Minute goal. Pires hit a speculative curling long range shot which Hoult got his hands to, but he let it slip and the ball dribbled slowly over the line. Arsenal now launched attack after attack, winning three corners in quick succession leading to a Cygan header over the bar.

It should have been 2-0 as Arsenal continued to attack, but they failed to score as the game approached 15 minutes from full-time. WBA had reverted to deep defence with occasional attempts to break out. Arsenal were beginning to look comfortable as Robson brought on Earnshaw, and Horsfield. Kanu’s substitution meant there would be no Highbury dream return for him. Fantastic attacking play by Arsenal, but no player in red could get on the end of the final ball.

Arsenal lost concentration after taking a lead in a match yet again, WBA broke away, and Earnshaw scored the equaliser with only ten minutes to go. Robson’s substitutions had paid off, Wenger responded by taking off Fabregas and bringing on Reyes.

Albion began to put more pressure on Arsenal, as the Gunners looked to restore their lead. With less than three minutes to go Van Persie came on for Bergkamp. Arsenal looked for the perfect goal as Albion hacked the ball out. In the last minute home team pressure wins a corner which clears everyone for a goal kick.

Arsenal are clearly suffering form midfield fatigue and lack of options due to injuries.

Yet another bottom three team has been made to look good by a lacklustre Arsenal display. Teams are coming to Highbury sitting deep and getting a result. Not good preparation for PSV on Wednesday.

 However a big consolation was to follow in minutes as Moanrhino's defence proved to be a bigger disgrace than Arsenal's, as his Chelski conceded two goals for the first time.

Lehmann
Lauren
Toure
Cygan
Cole
Ljungberg
Vieira
Fabregas (81)
Pires
Bergkamp (88)
Henry

Subs Used

Reyes

Van Persie