It was a game the Gunners dominated and this time they were rewarded.
The first half saw Arsenal play better but fail to create any great chances. Welbeck had the best opportunity, but hit straight at Ben Foster.
Albion were unable to threaten at all in the first half as Arsenal’s defence prevailed, although they were helped out once by an errant linesman’s flag.
In the second half Arsenal started to turn up the pressure, but were always a fraction away from converting their opportunities.
Finally they got the goal and from that point they started to drop back and allow Albion, who had brought on more forwards, to come forward and attack.
Albion almost found the equalizer as Berahino headed against the crossbar. Arsenal nervously managed to hold on and break their Premier League losing streak.
Player Ratings.
Martinez 6. Had little to do for most of the match, but had a nervous last ten minutes. Did well to cut out crosses.
Chambers 6. Generally very solid. Beaten by Berahino to the ball late, but the crossbar was in the way.
Mertesacker 7. Fine match from Per. He won all the high balls and made a key block from a late Albion shot.
Koscielny 7. Good to see him back. His pace is so valuable at the back and he made a number of key interceptions. Mistakenly kept Berahino onside in the first half, but the linesman bailed him out.
Monreal 6. Back in his favored left back position, only to leave injured after 20 minutes. Another injury we cannot afford.
Flamini 7. A good gritty performance from Flamini. Didn’t have to foul anyone the entire game.
Ramsey 7. Things still not coming off for him on the attacking end. He had a quick turnaround shot in the first half which just missed. He had several other half chances which he was unable to convert. Defensively, he played well and he worked to the end.
Cazorla 9. Man of the match. An outstanding game for Santi who was involved in all of our attacking moves and was at the centre of all the action. He had a couple of shots, but they either lacked power or were at Foster. His move to set up the goal was outstanding as he took on the defender, got to the byline and pulled back a great cross.
Sanchez 7. A typical Sanchez display. Lots of work and running, always looking dangerous, although Albion kept him under wraps.
Welbeck 8. Outstanding header to win the game. He ran hard and was involved in a number of attacks.
Giroud 7. A hard working performance from Giroud, although he had no clear chances. Did nick the ball off Foster but couldn’t kick it into the open goal.
Substitutes:
Gibbs 8. An excellent display from Kieran, who didn’t get the game off. Attacked a number of times and defended well. Did appear to be hurt a little in the second half.
Oxlade-Chamberlain 6. Brief outing from the Ox. Had one breakaway opportunity, but the Gunners couldn’t convert it and seal the victory. He also appeared to hurt himself a little, a knock on the knee.