The Gunners were very, very lucky to be a goal up on the Baggies at the half. Mustafi clearly took Rodriguez's legs out from under him in the area, and surely the free strike at a tight angle was not really an advantage over the PK. The rebound presented an even better opportunity, but it was spurned. Amazingly, play continued without any punishment for our CB's rash slide.
Both sides were living dangerously, and it was not long before an infraction was punished with a goal. Lacazette made no mistake on his rebound opportunity (he made a wonderful run to get there) when Alexis's free kick crashed back off the bar. Monreal made a spectacular goal line clearance when we were caught out on a well executed West Brom counter.
After the half, Arsenal dominated, and it was a disappointment that all they could put past Forster was Lacazette's PK following Nyom's shove on Ramsey as he blew by him on the endline. Ozil made an appearance near the end. The three points were earned, but with an asterisk.
Monreal was magnificent, and not just because of the goal he saved. Kolasinac was his usual awesome self. Kos was great. Mustafi is worrying at times, but we got away with it today. Bellerin did a fine job vs Gibbs, who looked to be a solid starter for the Baggies. (He took their corners and free kicks, too, but was just OK at that.) Xhaka and Elneny did enough. Alexis was better than last game. Ramsey did well up front. Lacazette did the business, and he is definitely going to take our penalties when he's on the field.
On to Belarus.
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