West Bromwich Albion V Arsenal Match Report by Jonathan Creedy
Arsenal proceeded to the semi-finals of the Carling Cup by beating Albion 2-0 at The Hawthornes. Nwankwo Kanu scored midway through the first half before Jeremie Aliadiere added another in the second period, while the Arsenal rearguard defended resolutely to keep their third clean sheet in succession.
Arsenal put out a stronger, more experienced side than in the previous two rounds due to the physical and determined nature of the opposition. Lauren made a return from injury, while Sylvain Wiltord, Ray Parlour and Martin Keown all continued their comebacks after recent injuries. There was still room for 5 of Arsenal's young and inexperienced players in Graham Stack, Gael Clichy, Jeremie Aliadiere, David Bentley and Stathis Tavlaridis.
Stack
Lauren Keown Tavlaridis Clichy
Wiltord Parlour Edu Bentley
Kanu Aliadiere
The game started brightly, with the home side enjoying the majority of the play. Tavlaridis was twice called into action early on; first to make an important tackle on the edge of the box and then to throw himself in front of a West Brom shot. Meanwhile, at the other end, Wiltord was caught offside twice in as many minutes, a familiar sight for Gooners. After 12 minutes, Arsenal conceded a free kick 25 yards from goal which Clement struck powerfully with his left foot. Stack was there to save the attempt, but spilled the low shot. Fortunately, Kanu of all people was on hand to clear.
Then came the first of several penalty appeals for West Brom. Gregan launched the ball into the penalty area, and Keown was seen to be holding Scott Dobie's shirt. The referee, Matt Messias, had a poor view of the incident though and turned down the appeals from the Albion players. In my opinion, this could easily have been given as a penalty, and it was unwise of a veteran like Keown to be doing something like that in the box. In Keown's defence however, one might argue that Dobie committed the original foul in flinging his left arm across the Arsenal man's face.
In the 18th minute, Clement mis-hit a cross from the left and hit the outside of Stack's post, although the young keeper clearly had it covered. At this stage, West Brom were fairly dominant and were playing a very physical game. 22 minutes into the game, West Brom had a goal disallowed. O' Connor got on the end of a cross from the left and headed in, but the linesman wrongly flagged for offside. When the Albion midfielder connected with the header, Stack, having seen the flag go up, had his hand in the air, Barthez style, and let the header in. Once again, the home team had got been unfortunate.
Minutes later, Kanu put Arsenal ahead. Lauren's cross from the right was deflected right onto the Nigerian forward's head. He directed his header straight at Russell Hoult, who could only parry it right back at Kanu, who duly tucked away the rebound.
Then, West Brom had an even more convincing penalty appeal turned down. After the ball ricocheted around the area, it came to Andy Johnson. Keown dived in rashly, and although he got some of the ball, he completely took out the West Brom player. Again, Gary Megson and his players were left ruing their luck. Before the end of the half, Clement hit another free kick just wide, and Stack tipped an over head kick just round his right-hand post. As the players went off for half-time, Arsenal could count themselves somewhat lucky to be ahead.
The second half was delayed by 10 minutes due to an injury to a linesman. The 4th official filled his boots, but there was then no 4th official. Apparently, Dermot Gallagher was 'spotted' in the crowd and he was called down to help out. It was quite farcical really, because anyone could have done the duties of the 4th official quite adequately.
Arsenal started the second half well, as Kanu's shot low to Hoult's right was well saved. Then, confusion in Arsenal's defence meant that Rob Hulse found himself through on goal. Stack was quickly off his line and made himself big to save Hulse shot and preserve Arsenal's lead. In the 51st minute, after a West Brom corner had been cleared, a clever flick by a West Brom player put Lee Hughes, who had joined the action late in the first half, one on one with Stack. Hughes, with lots of time and space, took his shot early but showed no composure and blazed over the bar.
Five minutes later, Arsenal extended their lead thanks to the poaching of Jeremie Aliadiere. The Danish West Brom defender, Gaardsoe, misjudeged his back pass and had Hoult stretching to clear. He could only sidefoot the ball to Aliadiere, who had chased down the back pass, and he was left with a simple left-foot finish. The young Frenchman could have had another soon after, when Wiltord cut inside from the right and squared it to Aliadiere. However, his firm first-time shot was striaght at Hoult.
Wenger made a few substitutions, with Aliadiere replaced by Cesc and Bentley replaced by Jerome Thomas. Meanwhile, on the pitch, Arsenal had begin to showboat a bit, with Edu nutmeggin two players in succession before being fouled. Some good work fro Thomas put Wiltord in a good position, but he shot straight at Hoult. Then, West Brom had two great chances. Dobie hit the crossbar with a well-struck volley before Hughes headed inches wide of Stack's right post. There was to be no miraculous comeback for West Brom though and Arsène Wenger maintained his record of never having lost to lower league opposition as Arsenal manager.
This was a good win for Arsenal, if just to give some of the youngsters another two games to impress in the next round of the competition. They will be playing a two legged game against Middlesbrough in late January, to decide who reaches the final at the Millenium stadium in February.
Player Reviews and Ratings
Stack- The Romford-born keeper had another assured game between the sticks. His handling was good, as was his decision-making. He made a few good saves to keep Arsenal ahead and earned SkySports' MOTM. 8/10
Lauren- The Cameroonian right-back looked a bit rusty after a 4 week lay-off, but played well nevertheless. He now has competition for his right-back place in the form of Kol Toure and thsi can only bring out the best in him. 7/10
Tavlaridis- The 24 year old Greek defender was less impressive than in previous games. Despite making some good tackles and blocks, he has a tendency to climb all over attackers to win headers and clearly has a problem with his temperament at this level. 6/10
Keown- The man nicknamed 'the Rash' for obvious reasons looked OK coming back from injury. He made a few careless challenges in the area which he was lucky to get away with, but also managed to keep a clean sheet. 6.5/10
Clichy- The young Frenchman reminded me a bit of Ashley Cole when he first broke into the team. He gets a bit too close to attackers and almost commits himself but has sufficient pace to get himslef out of trouble. He got forward with enthusiasm and is likely to fill in for Ashley when he is suspended. 7/10
Bentley- He looked a bit physically challenged early on, but played better in the second half. He is not a naturally left-sided midfielder and would probably have been more impressive in a role just off the strikers. The possible future DB10 showed some good touches anyway. 7/10
Edu- The Brazilian took control of the game in the second half after a quiet first period. His passing was as tidy as usual, and he worked hard in tandem with Parlour. He did no more or less than could be expected of him. 7/10
Parlour- Had a reasonably good game like Edu. He always looked comfortable and strong in possession and kept the ball well. However, he did nothing that stood out particularly. 7/10
Wiltord- The French international played as though the Carling Cup was below him and did not try very hard. His contractual problems seem to be affecting his performances, and if this carries on, I would not be overly disappointed if he left in January. 5.5/10
Kanu- The Nigerian again played well and seems to be enjoying a new lease of life this season. He was more lively than usual and scored a good goal. He might well be missed when he goes to the African Natuions Cup, though I expect Aliadiere will grab his opportunity. 7.5/10
Aliadiere- The hard-working youngster impressed me again with his appetite and clinical finishing. He is proof that you can create chances for yourself simply by closing down defenders and keepers and by chasing lost causes. He has taken his tally to 4 in this competition now. 7.5/10
SUBS- Thomas and Cesc- Both came on and did well, particularly Cesc who knocked the ball around nicely. Thomas showed us a nice step over which created a chance for Wiltord but aprt from that did little. 6.5/10
Arsenal proceeded to the semi-finals of the Carling Cup by beating Albion 2-0 at The Hawthornes. Nwankwo Kanu scored midway through the first half before Jeremie Aliadiere added another in the second period, while the Arsenal rearguard defended resolutely to keep their third clean sheet in succession.
Arsenal put out a stronger, more experienced side than in the previous two rounds due to the physical and determined nature of the opposition. Lauren made a return from injury, while Sylvain Wiltord, Ray Parlour and Martin Keown all continued their comebacks after recent injuries. There was still room for 5 of Arsenal's young and inexperienced players in Graham Stack, Gael Clichy, Jeremie Aliadiere, David Bentley and Stathis Tavlaridis.
Stack
Lauren Keown Tavlaridis Clichy
Wiltord Parlour Edu Bentley
Kanu Aliadiere
The game started brightly, with the home side enjoying the majority of the play. Tavlaridis was twice called into action early on; first to make an important tackle on the edge of the box and then to throw himself in front of a West Brom shot. Meanwhile, at the other end, Wiltord was caught offside twice in as many minutes, a familiar sight for Gooners. After 12 minutes, Arsenal conceded a free kick 25 yards from goal which Clement struck powerfully with his left foot. Stack was there to save the attempt, but spilled the low shot. Fortunately, Kanu of all people was on hand to clear.
Then came the first of several penalty appeals for West Brom. Gregan launched the ball into the penalty area, and Keown was seen to be holding Scott Dobie's shirt. The referee, Matt Messias, had a poor view of the incident though and turned down the appeals from the Albion players. In my opinion, this could easily have been given as a penalty, and it was unwise of a veteran like Keown to be doing something like that in the box. In Keown's defence however, one might argue that Dobie committed the original foul in flinging his left arm across the Arsenal man's face.
In the 18th minute, Clement mis-hit a cross from the left and hit the outside of Stack's post, although the young keeper clearly had it covered. At this stage, West Brom were fairly dominant and were playing a very physical game. 22 minutes into the game, West Brom had a goal disallowed. O' Connor got on the end of a cross from the left and headed in, but the linesman wrongly flagged for offside. When the Albion midfielder connected with the header, Stack, having seen the flag go up, had his hand in the air, Barthez style, and let the header in. Once again, the home team had got been unfortunate.
Minutes later, Kanu put Arsenal ahead. Lauren's cross from the right was deflected right onto the Nigerian forward's head. He directed his header straight at Russell Hoult, who could only parry it right back at Kanu, who duly tucked away the rebound.
Then, West Brom had an even more convincing penalty appeal turned down. After the ball ricocheted around the area, it came to Andy Johnson. Keown dived in rashly, and although he got some of the ball, he completely took out the West Brom player. Again, Gary Megson and his players were left ruing their luck. Before the end of the half, Clement hit another free kick just wide, and Stack tipped an over head kick just round his right-hand post. As the players went off for half-time, Arsenal could count themselves somewhat lucky to be ahead.
The second half was delayed by 10 minutes due to an injury to a linesman. The 4th official filled his boots, but there was then no 4th official. Apparently, Dermot Gallagher was 'spotted' in the crowd and he was called down to help out. It was quite farcical really, because anyone could have done the duties of the 4th official quite adequately.
Arsenal started the second half well, as Kanu's shot low to Hoult's right was well saved. Then, confusion in Arsenal's defence meant that Rob Hulse found himself through on goal. Stack was quickly off his line and made himself big to save Hulse shot and preserve Arsenal's lead. In the 51st minute, after a West Brom corner had been cleared, a clever flick by a West Brom player put Lee Hughes, who had joined the action late in the first half, one on one with Stack. Hughes, with lots of time and space, took his shot early but showed no composure and blazed over the bar.
Five minutes later, Arsenal extended their lead thanks to the poaching of Jeremie Aliadiere. The Danish West Brom defender, Gaardsoe, misjudeged his back pass and had Hoult stretching to clear. He could only sidefoot the ball to Aliadiere, who had chased down the back pass, and he was left with a simple left-foot finish. The young Frenchman could have had another soon after, when Wiltord cut inside from the right and squared it to Aliadiere. However, his firm first-time shot was striaght at Hoult.
Wenger made a few substitutions, with Aliadiere replaced by Cesc and Bentley replaced by Jerome Thomas. Meanwhile, on the pitch, Arsenal had begin to showboat a bit, with Edu nutmeggin two players in succession before being fouled. Some good work fro Thomas put Wiltord in a good position, but he shot straight at Hoult. Then, West Brom had two great chances. Dobie hit the crossbar with a well-struck volley before Hughes headed inches wide of Stack's right post. There was to be no miraculous comeback for West Brom though and Arsène Wenger maintained his record of never having lost to lower league opposition as Arsenal manager.
This was a good win for Arsenal, if just to give some of the youngsters another two games to impress in the next round of the competition. They will be playing a two legged game against Middlesbrough in late January, to decide who reaches the final at the Millenium stadium in February.
Player Reviews and Ratings
Stack- The Romford-born keeper had another assured game between the sticks. His handling was good, as was his decision-making. He made a few good saves to keep Arsenal ahead and earned SkySports' MOTM. 8/10
Lauren- The Cameroonian right-back looked a bit rusty after a 4 week lay-off, but played well nevertheless. He now has competition for his right-back place in the form of Kol Toure and thsi can only bring out the best in him. 7/10
Tavlaridis- The 24 year old Greek defender was less impressive than in previous games. Despite making some good tackles and blocks, he has a tendency to climb all over attackers to win headers and clearly has a problem with his temperament at this level. 6/10
Keown- The man nicknamed 'the Rash' for obvious reasons looked OK coming back from injury. He made a few careless challenges in the area which he was lucky to get away with, but also managed to keep a clean sheet. 6.5/10
Clichy- The young Frenchman reminded me a bit of Ashley Cole when he first broke into the team. He gets a bit too close to attackers and almost commits himself but has sufficient pace to get himslef out of trouble. He got forward with enthusiasm and is likely to fill in for Ashley when he is suspended. 7/10
Bentley- He looked a bit physically challenged early on, but played better in the second half. He is not a naturally left-sided midfielder and would probably have been more impressive in a role just off the strikers. The possible future DB10 showed some good touches anyway. 7/10
Edu- The Brazilian took control of the game in the second half after a quiet first period. His passing was as tidy as usual, and he worked hard in tandem with Parlour. He did no more or less than could be expected of him. 7/10
Parlour- Had a reasonably good game like Edu. He always looked comfortable and strong in possession and kept the ball well. However, he did nothing that stood out particularly. 7/10
Wiltord- The French international played as though the Carling Cup was below him and did not try very hard. His contractual problems seem to be affecting his performances, and if this carries on, I would not be overly disappointed if he left in January. 5.5/10
Kanu- The Nigerian again played well and seems to be enjoying a new lease of life this season. He was more lively than usual and scored a good goal. He might well be missed when he goes to the African Natuions Cup, though I expect Aliadiere will grab his opportunity. 7.5/10
Aliadiere- The hard-working youngster impressed me again with his appetite and clinical finishing. He is proof that you can create chances for yourself simply by closing down defenders and keepers and by chasing lost causes. He has taken his tally to 4 in this competition now. 7.5/10
SUBS- Thomas and Cesc- Both came on and did well, particularly Cesc who knocked the ball around nicely. Thomas showed us a nice step over which created a chance for Wiltord but aprt from that did little. 6.5/10
