A hard fought draw at the Hawthorns ended Arsenal's impressive run of away victories but on reflection they will consider themselves fortunate to escape with a point. If ex-Gunner Nicolas Anelka had his shooting boots on he may have condemned his former club to their first defeat since the opening day of the season. Twice in the opening moments of the second half Anelka had guilt edge chances to double the Baggies advantage only to miscontrol the first opportunity in front of an open goal and then narrowly curl the ball wide when bearing down on Schezney. The first half was a rather tame affair with West Brom happy to surrender possession while defending deep and Arsenal unable to find the passing rhythm that had served so well this term. However, in the closing moments the home side built up a head of steam and after a period of sustained pressure Claudio Yacob powerfully headed home Morgan Amalfitano's cross. After the break Arsene Wenger replaced Aaron Ramsey, who seemed to be struggling with a knee injury, with Thomas Rosicky and Anelka's misses aside there was a marked improvement from the Gunners. This resulted in Jack Wilshere equalising with his first goal of the season albeit with a slight deflection of Jonas Olsen. The goal seemed to invigorate Wilshire who had been strangely off his game until that point and he sent Oliver Giroud through with a delicious cross field pass only for the French forward to be denied by some brave goalkeeping by Boaz Myhill. The game ended with both teams searching for a winner but settling for a share of the spoils. With the international break now upon us it may give Arsenal a time to regroup and get a few of their injured players ready for action. Although no one can argue with their start they looked in desperate need of some width to their play at the Hawthorns and the returning Walcott, Poldolski and Carzola could have the double whammy of adding some balance and competition for places Steve Clarke will be more than satisfied with his team's recent form after wins at home to Sunderland and the memorable one at Old Trafford. They more than matched the league leaders this weekend and will return from the international break looking to climb the table and improve on last seasons' eight place.
