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West
Bromwich Albion v Arsenal
The Hawthorns,
West Bromwich. 26th December 2002, 2.00pm. |
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Albion play one of
the top sides in Europe, cause them problems, deserve something
from the game but come away with nothing. It's all too familiar.
Gregan continued to deputise for Gilchrist in defence while a dislocated
shoulder kept McInnes out with Wallwork taking his place in the
middle of the park. Dichio started up front alongside Roberts.
Albion started like a steamroller and had the Champions on the back
foot from the whistle. With their second corner inside the opening
minute, AJ had a forceful shot saved by Seaman. From another corner
in the second minute, DICHIO powered a header past Seaman to give
the Baggies the lead. A dream start.
Hoult tried to give the Gunners a chance when he dropped a corner
minutes later, but Clement was there to clear. A few minutes later,
Campbell headed wide from a corner.
Arsenal got a hold of the game and put together some slick passing
movements, but the Albion terriers were at them at every turn, denying
them time on the ball and, therefore, the opportunity to create
chances.
It was almost on the half hour before Arsenal had another shot on
goal, with Henry firing well over from 25 yards. Moments later,
Wiltord miscued a cross goalwards and Hoult had to tip it over -
the Champions' first attempt on target.
Keown the cheat, who somehow stayed on the field at Highbury after
professionally fouling Dobie, was at it again nudging and pulling
Dichio who then got himself booked when foolishly exacting retribution.
Henry shot wide once more on 38 minutes, as Albion continued to
hold firm, but making it hard on themselves by continuing to give
possession away. But Dichio was inches away from making it 2-0 from
a Roberts cross just before the break.
Immediately into the second half, Hoult saved well from Van Bronckhorst
as the Gunners started strongly. Then on 48 minutes, a neat move
found Henry on the left. His low cross was almost cut out by Sigurdsson,
but it found its way to JEFFERS who squeezed it past Hoult from
5 yards.
But the expected Albion collapse did not materialise and it was
the Baggies who next cam closest to scoring when Sigurdsson headed
a Koumas corner narrowly over the bar. Albion continued to harass
Arsenal and when they did carve out an opportunity for Jeffers,
Gregan was on hand to muscle the Scouse striker off the ball, leaving
him in need of treatment.
Wenger then made changes bringing Pires and Kanu into the fray.
Pires made an immediate impact setting up Henry with a chance 12
yards out, but the shot was deflected into Hoult's grateful arms.
Chambers almost set up Roberts with a low centre, but JR failed
to connect. Minutes later though, he had the chance of the game
when he muscled his way past Keown and pushed the ball past Seaman
from six yards, but the England 'keeper got the merest of touches
to deflect the ball onto the post.
Both Henry and Pires missed good opportunities before Albion's luck
ran out. Chambers' attempted clearance struck Viera, bounced off
Siggy and fell for HENRY. He beat the onrushing Hoult to the ball
to finish clinically.
The difference between three points and no points was so very small.
Surely, our luck must change.
RESULT - WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1 ARSENAL
2
Marks
Hoult - 7 - A couple of good saves, usual command of the box (except
once).
A Chambers - 7 - Offers something different to Balis, good performance.
Clement - 5 - Still not performing as we know he can.
Gregan - 8 - MOM. Excellent game, solid at the back, good distribution.
Moore - 7 - Another solid performance.
Sigurdsson - 6 - Steady at the back - Still can't pass.
Koumas - 7 - Quieter than of late, but still playing well.
Johnson - 8 - Excellent hard working performance.
Wallwork - 7 - Good performance, looked comfortable.
Dichio - 7 - Classic Dichio goal, always worked hard.
Roberts - 5 - Missed his one chance, not working hard enough, body
language suggests he's given up.
Dobie - 5 - Made little impact.
J Chambers - 6 - Did OK.
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West
Bromwich Albion (3-5-2):
Hoult; Sigurdsson, Moore, Gregan; A Chambers (Dobie 86), Koumas,
Wallwork (J Chambers 84), Johnson, Clement; Roberts, Dichio. Subs
not used: Murphy (GK), Hughes, Balis.
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Arsenal
(4-4-2):
Seaman; Lauren, Campbell, Keown, Cole; Wiltord (Toure 80), Viera,
Gilberto, Van Bronckhorst (Pires 69); Jeffers (Kanu 69), Henry.
Subs not used: Holloway (GK), Upson. |
Scoring: Dichio (2)
1-0, Jeffers (48) 1-1, Henry (85) 1-2.
Bookings: West Bromwich Albion - Dichio (unsporting behaviour 36).
Referee: G Poll (Tring)
Attendance: 27,025 |
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