Arsenal-West Bromwich Albion: Premier League Player Ratings

Arsenal succumbed to their first defeat of the season. The Gunners endured a horrible 90 minutes, which was largely dominated by West Browich Albion. Arsene Wenger's men were atrocious, lacking their usual spark with fatigue an evident factor.

The absence of Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie, Thomas Vermaelen, and Theo Walcott clearly had its toll as there appeared to be no life in the Arsenal XI. The desire towards retaining and regaining the ball was poor alongside the defensive intensity.

Three consecutive second-half goals saw Arsenal admit defeat, two of the goals coming in two-and-a-half minutes. The Gunners did stage a late comeback largely due to Samir Nasri but it was to little, to late. 

Once again it came down to the lack of presence in the goal with keeper Manuel Almunia making horrendous errors that cost Arsenal dearly. The Spaniard allowed a shot to slip under him for the second West Bromwich goal alongside failing to deal with a through ball that resulted in the third.

The 33-year-old was also lucky to stay on the field after he fouled the impressive Peter Odemwingie in the area early on. However Almunia did redeem himself by saving Chris Brunt's poor attempt.

To add salt to wounds, League leaders Chelsea failed to conquer over big spenders Manchester City. Carlo Ancelotti's men also succumbed to their first defeat losing 1-0. 

Player Ratings

Manuel Almunia:4:

The Spaniard made some smart save, especially the penalty shot. However all his strong efforts this season have been undone as his bad traits re-emerged. Should have contained Gonzola Zara's effort and made a complete hash of a through ball that resulted in the third and ultimate winner.  

Bacary Sagna:5:

The predominantly strong Frenchman was poor. Completely dominated by West Bromwich winger Jerome Thomas, who set up one and scored another. However was a handy contributor in attack.

Sebastien Squillaci, 5.5

Caught out too often and failed to deal with the pacey Baggies attack. The French defender was strong in the air mostly but not a memorable performance.

Laurent Koscienly, 5

Evidently fatigued, Koscienly was completely dominated by Odemwingie as well as being caught out of position and suffering lapses in concentration. Substituted midway through the second half.

Gael Clichy, 4.5

Continually beaten down the left flank, which heaped the pressure on his fellow defenders. Also quite wasteful on the ball and hardly worth mentioning in attack.

Alexandre Song, 6

An up-and-down performance by the Cameroon midfield. Worked tremendously well but was guilty at times of lacklustre passing and poor decision-making. 

Abou Diaby, 5

The imposing Frenchman failed to make his presence felt; often anonymous or wasteful.

Samir Nasri, 7.5

Began with his usual slow start but was always Arsenal's greatest threat and (credit where credit's due) took responsibility in Fabregas's absence. Scored two stunning goals but to no reward. 

Emmanuel Eboue, 5

 Eyebrows raised to why the Ivorian was starting and fair enough as it was a somewhat lifeless display from the usually lively Eboue. Weak defensively too.

Andrei Arshavin, 4.5

Another poor performance and it is growing increasingly frustrating for the Arsenal faithful. Rarely works for the ball and is often lazy and selfish with it. Needs to play for 90 rather than 30.

Marouane Chamakh, 5.5

Worked hard but the Moroccan, like a number of his teammates, looked fatigued and lifeless. 

Substitutes

Jack Wilshere, 6.5

 Immediately brought lift into the team, sparking up a number of attacks. Showed great speed and passing to open the West Bromwich defence up. 

Tomas Rosicky, 6

  Similar to Wilshere, instill some life into the otherwise dull Arsenal attack.

Carlos Vela, N/A