Arsenal V West Bromwich Albion Preview: Five Arsenal Players To Watch
Today the Gunners host West Bromwich Albion, and Arsenal will be looking to get all three points from the fateful encounter, all while hoping Manchester City and Chelsea draw each other to help Arsenal in their quest to win their first EPL title in six years.
Arsenal have many key players to watch, and their attackers will most likely enjoy their time against West Bromwich Albion (assuming all goes according to Wenger's plans).
Here, we examine the five players that can make the difference for Wenger and his men today, and make sure Arsenal don't waste two valuable points like they did against in the game against Sunderland last week.
Andrei Arshavin
1 of 5
The Russian magician will be looking to impress against West Brom. His season has been a little bit of a hit or miss thus far, but amidst his inconsistencies he can make the difference and turn the game upside down in a matter of seconds.
With RVP and Bendtner out, Arshavin will most likely be the main supplier for Chamakh, and has the ability to break the West Brom defense with ease. It remains to be seen whether or not Arshavin can deliver a consistent performance for the full 90 minutes, but he will no doubt be a vital part of the Arsenal attack.
Tomas Rosicky
2 of 5
The man in charge after Fabregas and RVP ever since the Spaniard and the Dutchman went injured, Rosicky has been the captain for the Arsenal team.
He started his captaincy in horrendous fashion after missing the penalty against Sunderland, which eventually led Sunderland scoring the equalizer and costing Arsenal two valuable points, but his vision and leadership must be commended nevertheless.
He was crucial against Tottenham in the Carling Cup when he was on the pitch, and is expected to be the general in the absence of Fabregas.
Rosicky needs to add to his tally. He hasn't scored a goal since January, and he has a real mental problem whenever it comes down to finishing a chance and scoring a goal. The Czech international must conquer his fears if he hopes to help Arsenal and win his first EPL trophy.
Sebastian Squillaci
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The Frenchman has been magnificent ever since he arrived from Sevilla, and Arsenal's latest signing hasn't made many mistakes since he arrived. As a result the Arsenal defense is all the better for it.
Arsenal have a history of playing against weaker sides. dominating the game and scoring a goal, wasting unbelievable opportunities, and finally conceding from the only real chance their opponents had throughout the entire match. Case in point, Birmingham last season.
With Squillaci in the Arsenal lineup, Arsenal now have a genuine chance in blocking off the opposition and putting the freak goals conceded to a halt, and finally be able to last for the entirety of the 90 minutes.
Squillaci also is a great header who would defend crosses with ease, and would also contribute to the Arsenal attack during set-pieces.
Jack Wilshere
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The Arsenal youngster has been in brilliant form. He is England's most promising talent and regarded as one of the most talented youth players on the planet, and rightfully so.
Wilshere has already played the majority of the games this season, and his vision and talent has been an important factor for the Arsenal team during their encounter with Tottenham, their North London rivals in the Carling Cup.
Wilshere set up the first and fourth goals against Spurs, was a bane for the Tottenham side that played, and was the man of the match. Wilshere's vision and consistency has given Arsenal fans the hope needed that they will be able to cope with imminent departure of Cesc Fabregas.
At only 18 years of age, Wilshere is already an England International and an Arsenal first team regular. Only great things are expected from Arsenal's brightest youngster.
Samir Nasri
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He scored the goal of the season against Porto last year, and the young Frenchman is one of the most versatile players in Arsene Wenger's locker room. During his absence Arsenal are a lot less frightening offensively.
Nasri has the skill to bewilder any defender that opposes him. His absence from France's debacle in the 2010 World Cup has only increased his hunger to succeed with Arsenal. His efficacy and his ability to enfold the challenges thrown at him are reason for his improvement as a footballer.
Injuries have impeded his progression (the same can be said about RVP), but his resilience has seen Nasri score many crucial goals, such as said goal against Porto. He and Rosicky will be the ones to keep an eye on against West Brom, for their performance will affect the rest of the team, and the outcome of the game as well.
The Gunners will have to cope with the injuries of their most important players in the form of Fabregas and RVP, and must attempt to collect maximum points from the weaker teams until both players return from injury if they are to remain in the thick of things.
The first true challenge Arsenal will face is against Chelsea, and the Gunners will hope that they have a fully fit squad when the time comes to face the Blues.
Until then however, Arsenal must take it one game at a time.
