W Brom 0 – 4 Arsenal

Alexandre Lacazette continued his recent scoring streak with a double in Arsenal’s 4-0 win at West Brom, with the Gunners winning a third consecutive Premier League game.

Kieran Tierney (23) put the dominant visitors ahead with a magnificent solo goal, his first of the season. The impressive Bukayo Saka (28) doubled the lead shortly after when Arsenal displayed sensational team play.

West Brom had his best spell on either side of the break, but a mistake by Semi Ajayi allowed Arsenal to hit the Baggies with a devastating attack that ultimately ended with an effort from Lacazette (60). The Frenchman added his second shortly after, returning home from close range (64).

Lacazette has already scored five goals in his last four outings in all competitions, while Arsenal’s resurgence continues with a third consecutive Premier League victory and a second clean sheet in a row. The victory lifts them to 11th place, while West Brom remains 19th, having conceded 12 goals in Sam Allardyce’s first three league games at home.

Arsenal’s revival continues at The Hawthorns

Arsenal were alive in the first half and had two great starts in 10 minutes. Branislav Ivanovic was just ahead of Lacazette to clear a cross from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, before Hector Bellerin saw his rebound attempt saved by Sam Johnstone and Saka blocked a third Arsenal effort. Shortly after, Saka passed Dara O’Shea, but her shot went straight for the goalkeeper.

Arsenal’s opportunities kept coming as it snowed heavily at The Hawthorns. Saka beat O’Shea down the right wing again after a sumptuous pass from Dani Ceballos. However, his cross pass in front of goal was missed by incoming Aubameyang at the far post. Saka got involved again shortly after, sending a cross from the top right corner, but it flew a bit over Lacazette and Aubameyang in the middle.

West Brom’s only shot on goal in the first half came in the 21st minute. They hit Arsenal at half-time, Matheus Pereira holding the ball well before passing it to Matt Phillips. The Baggies captain sent a strong volley towards the goal, but Bernd Leno rejected it.

Two minutes later, Arsenal took a well-earned lead with Tierney’s wonderful solo effort. He sped past Darnell Furlong on the left before cutting into the area past West Brom’s defender again, leaving him behind. Then the left-back sent a superb curved shot into the far corner for his first goal of the season.

Soon after, Arsenal went to the other end of the spectrum and produced a dazzling team goal to double their lead. Emile Smith Rowe, Saka and Lazacette combined around West Brom’s box, before the former passed the ball for an unmarked Saka to expertly concede.

West Brom had his best spell on either side of halftime and had the ball in the back of the net early in the second period. Pereira was played, but his scooping effort on Leno crashed against the crossbar. Callum Robinson then crashed the rebound, but the flag went up with Pereira offside when the opening ball was played.

But it wasn’t long before Arsenal found their fluid rhythm from the first half, arriving at three on the hour. Ajayi won’t want to look at him again though, as his loose pass allows Aubameyang to send Lacazette with a tapped pass. The Frenchman then chose Saka from the right, but his cross was mercifully sent to the crossbar by Ajayi. The West Brom defender took Smith Rowe’s rebound to the stomach before Lacazette tossed the ball around Ivanovic.

The forward scored his second goal four minutes later. Aubameyang was the instigator again, driving through midfield before choosing Tierney on the left. The Scotsman then threw a cross ahead of the defenders before an unmarked Lacazette made him a target with a high foot. There was a brief glance at the linesman for offside, but he was comfortable.

Arsenal could also have added more as the game progressed. Aubameyang was close on three occasions, shooting wide, seeing a shot from Johnstone and missing a Lacazette cross as the Gunners finished the game with 20 shots on record, the most they have recorded in the Premier League this season.

Man of the Match – Kieran Tierney

The left-back has become a fan favorite at Arsenal and showed exactly why on Saturday. It was devastating down the left as West Brom struggled to contain the Gunners’ talent on the wings, getting a well-deserved assist for the second from Lacazette. He also made four key passes and had 96 touches, both the highest in Arsenal’s squad.

But it was his goal that was the most impressive. He spun Furlong twice, leaving the defender in his wake, and his finish was simply excellent, especially considering he is not known for his goals. In fact, it was only the 10th goal of his career and the second with Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta said BT sport after the game: “He’s been fantastic since I’ve been here. The moment he recovered from his shoulder injury, he’s been fantastic. He’s a guy who gives you absolutely everything, he’s improving, he’s ready to do better and better. and brings great energy and quality to the team. “

Opta Stats: Allardyce’s Unhappy Beginning

• West Brom is the first team to lose consecutive Premier League games at home by at least four goals in every loss since Wigan in August 2010.
• Without any clubs, Sam Allardyce earned fewer points (1 level with C. Palace) or conceded more goals (13) after his first four Premier League games in charge of those he has with West Brom.
• Arsenal have scored in all 25 Premier League encounters with West Brom, the best record for 100% goals by one side against an opponent in the competition’s history.
• Alexandre Lacazette has scored five Premier League away goals in 2020-21, his best record in a single season in competition.

Whats Next?

Both teams are in action in the FA Cup next Saturday. West Brom travels to Blackpool, while champion Arsenal faces a Premier League opponent in Newcastle. The Baggies will return to league action on Saturday, January 16 when they travel to the Wolves, while Arsenal host Crystal Palace on Thursday, January 14, live on Sky Sports; start 8pm.