It was a physical match, abetted by referee Lee Mason, which created untidy scrappy play on both sides, matched with little precision passing in the final third.
Arsenal fell behind in the first half, failing to clear a corner and the resulting cross fell to a wide open Yacob, who headed home.
Arsenal did pick up the tempo in the second half and carved out a number of half chances, before Wilshere put the Gunners even.
I thought they’d go on and nick the victory, but they couldn’t convert the few chances they created. WBA could’ve won the game as well, but they squandered several good chances, especially Anelka’s near miss early in the second half.
Player Ratings:
Szczesny 7. Might have come out to claim the cross that Yacob scored from, but was otherwise solid. Made a couple of excellent saves.
Jenkinson 6. A couple of errant crosses, a couple which might have found someone. Defensively, he played okay, but could’ve covered Yacob.
Mertesacker 7. Some timely interventions, no real mistakes, perhaps makes him a candidate for man of the match.
Koscielny 7. An all round good game for Laurent, who made a few forays forward, all to no result.
Gibbs 6. Failed to cross to Giroud early in the first half and instead blazed his shot into the stands. He was busy defensively, made no big mistakes, and did attack effectively at times.
Flamini 7. Had another good game. Received his yellow card a little too early though, which stresses me out (one of these games he’ll get a second yellow).
Arteta 7. A good game, passed well, defended well. I just wish he was a little more creative at times, as he often sits in good positions.
Ramsey 6. Aaron’s injury has to be a concern. He was moving gingerly for most of the game. Had a good scoring chance blocked.
Wilshere 7. Scored his first goal of the season, with an assist to Olsson, and was always looking to push forward. However, he spent most of the game on the ground and being kicked. Sometimes he forces things and sometimes the ref just ignores the fouls. With the amount of abuse he takes, it’ll be a wonder if he lasts the whole season.
Ozil 7. Decent game from Mesut. It was his defensive efforts which led to our goal, something not everyone will have seen. Made a couple of good passes which should have resulted in goals, but to no avail.
Giroud 5. Olivier works hard, but he squandered a couple of great chances. His inability to go past Myhill was perhaps his best chance, but his hurried shot after Ozil’s little scoop chance was wasteful.
Substitutes:
Rosicky 7. Tomas injected some life into the attack and upped the tempo of our passing. Blazed one shot over the bar.
Bendtner n/a. Less than ten minutes. He had a couple of touches, but had no real service and no chances for the glory he craves.