Czech-Mate!

A brilliant all-round performance by Czech Republic superstar Tomas Rosicky took Arsenal to the zenith of three BPL points and resigned West Bromwich Albion to a rare home defeat, depsite a sterling, spirited comeback from them notably in the second domain. From the start, Arsenal displayed that extra quality, moving the ball with purpose and precision to manoeuvre their way around the Baggies’ ranks. Santiago Cazorla was again in the heart of the action, with his movement and prompting integral to the Gunners’ cause.

Arsenal went 2-0 up thanks to two inspired pieces of Rosicky finishing; the first an unstoppable header from a Gervinho cross-shot, the second an even better rebound-finish after bursting through from midfield past a horrified Baggies defence. Even though central defender Per Mertesacker was dismissed midway through the second-half for a clumsy challenge on the hardworking Shane Long, leading to a converted penalty from James Morrison, Arsene Wenger’s side had just enough left in the tank to hang on for a precious three points.