West Brom vs. Arsenal: Score, Grades and Reaction from Premier League Game

Danny Welbeck ended a seven-game goal drought to claim a valuable three points for Arsenal in a 1-0 win at West Bromwich Albion. The former Manchester United striker headed home on the hour mark to put the Gunners back on track after two successive Premier League defeats. 

But the story could have been different if referee Chris Foy and his assistants had not given an offside decision against Saido Berahino when he was clear on goal.

Arsenal welcomed back both Welbeck and Olivier Giroud to the starting line-up, meaning it was a first chance to see the strikers in tandem with Alexis Sanchez. Laurent Koscielny also returned in defence for the Gunners.

Meanwhile, Berahino and Sebastien Pocognoli both recovered from hamstring injuries to take their places in the West Brom team.

The early stages of the match were cagey, but Ben Foster saved a tame Sanchez effort in the seventh minute. Some minutes later, Welbeck lined up a chance for Santi Cazorla on the edge of the Albion area, but Craig Dawson blocked his strike.

Arsenal were forced into an early change of personnel midway through the first period, with Nacho Monreal leaving the field through injury to be replaced by Kieran Gibbs.

In the 27th minute, Foster stood his ground again to produce an excellent save from Welbeck after an Aaron Ramsey through ball. Moments later, the Albion goalkeeper was dispossessed by Giroud, but the French striker was at too acute an angle to break the deadlock and there was no Arsenal team-mate in the area to help the ball home.

Ramsey went close for the Gunners in the 37th minute after Youssouf Mulumbu lost possession, but the Wales international's shot flew just wide.

Calum Chambers needed to be alert at the close of the first period when Stephane Sessegnon's dangerous run into the area threatened the Gunners, but the effort was cleared.

Arsenal were almost caught cold early in the second period, but Berahino was adjudged to be offside as he collected Craig Gardner's through ball with a clear run on goal. Television replays showed the Albion forward was being played onside by Koscielny, however.

Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Graham Dorrans was the first man to be cautioned in the game for pulling back Gibbs in the 53rd minute.

Berahino went close after cutting in from the left flank to bear down on the Arsenal goal, but his shot ended up in the side-netting under pressure from Mathieu Flamini. Seconds later, Gibbs chased to the byline before playing the ball across the area. Sanchez looked set to head home, but Pocognoli challenged the Chilean to clear the danger.

On the hour mark, though, Arsenal went in front. Cazorla broke into the left channel, getting in behind Andre Wisdom before sending over a chipped cross. Welbeck rose highest, and Foster could only palm the ball into the roof of his net.

After Albion made a number of changes, Arsene Wenger opted to throw Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain into the fray in place of Giroud for the last 12 minutes. Just after that, Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made his first save of the match when he held a Gardner effort.

Albion were creeping back into the game, though, and Berahino headed against the crossbar in the 81st minute to remind the visitors that the game was not won yet. Gardner also went close before his effort was deflected away for a corner in the 90th minute of the game.

But Albion's belated efforts on goal proved to be too little, too late as Arsenal and Wenger rediscovered a winning formula.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Selected Player Ratings

Danny Welbeck: A

Arsenal striker broke a seven-match drought to open the scoring with a well-deserved goal. Full of running and energy for the Gunners at the Hawthorns.

Ben Foster: B+

A strange opening 45 minutes for the Albion goalkeeper, who made some good saves but also almost gifted Arsenal the lead after being robbed by Giroud.

Mathieu Flamini: A

An understated but effective first half with some excellent passing in his defensive-midfield role.

What's Ahead

West Brom are back in Premier League action on Tuesday when they play host to West Ham United at The Hawthorns. The Baggies will hope to end a three-match losing streak.

Arsenal are at home to high-flying Southampton in the league 24 hours later.

Post-Match Reaction