Who would have thought that after losing 3-1 to Aston Villa on the opening day and no major summer signings this summer until the transfer deadline day, after nearly 2 months the gunners would be at the top of the premier league table. a run of 5 consecutive wins has seen them blaze past the competition at the pinnacle of the English top division.
Good pressing, excellent passing and clinical finishing are the traits of the improved arsenal team which now relishes taking on every challenge that the league has to offer.
In ozil they have possibly the best player in the league at the moment moving with class, desire and purpose. With every magical touch, the 24 year old German oozes confidence that has made him the best playmaker in Europe for the last 3 years.
West Brom are also riding high after defeating defending champions Manchester united at old Trafford, an impressive attacking performances sees them occupying a comfortable mid table position. A hostile crowd that is smelling another big team’s blood.
Manager Steve Clarke’s mantra of pressing high up the pitch has seen them score twice against a good defensive unit of united.
There appears a new star in the making with Amalfitano, the Frenchman providing the winner and scoring the opener last weekend looking in prime form and a decent replacement to last season’s talisman Romelu Lukaku.
Arsenal seem to be a great unit up the pitch but the same cant be said about the defense which has managed to keep just one clean sheet in the league so far, the back four have been far from convincing this term.
But a great first half display this season against Napoli in the midweek champions league game saw their star midfielder Mesut Ozil bag up a wonderful goal scoring delightfully with his left foot and in front of the home crowd showed why he can be a threat to any defense in the league.
With Theo Walcott, Alex Ox chamberlain, Lukas Podolski and Santi cazola still to return the gunners are looking a serious title contender this season.
Lineups
Arsenal
Scezny,jenkinson,Mertersacker,Koscielny,monreal,Flamini,Ramsey,Wilshere,Ozil,artetay,Giroud
West Brom
Foster, Ridgewell, Olsson, McAuley, Andrews.Morrison, Mulumbu.Thomas, Odemwimge, fortune
Players to watch out
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
The German will possibly be this year’s player of the year if he continues his excellent start to the season lethal on the counter attack, comfortable in possession. he seems to have become the fan favorite and the best creative talent since the days of Denis Bergkamp.
Amalfitano (West Brom)
The French forward seems to be the man that manger Steve Clark will look up for some goals. Lethal on the counter and the composure that he showed against united to open the scoring was remarkable.
Prediction
The hawthorns at home to a riding arsenal this game looks like it has all the makings of a tough and a tactical game. But arsenal might just edge past with their mighty attacking talent.
2-1 to arsenal with Giroud and Ramsey to score.