Tierney stars as Arsenal cruise to 4-0 win at West Brom

It was yet another miserable night for West Brom as Arsenal run riot at The Hawthorns, putting two past keeper Sam Johnstone either side of half-time. 

The Gunners continued their recovery in the Premier League with an impressive performance against the struggling Baggies.  This was Mikel Arteta’s third victory in a row, after they went winless in the seven games prior to the London derby win against Chelsea. 

Arsenal fans will certainly cherish this one from the comfort of their living rooms. The Gunners will have certain individuals to thank for this win, being at the helm of everything that happened.  

Kieran Tierney had a game to remember at left back as he scored the first goal and set up the fourth. He was up and down that left wing all game long, interchanging passes and running off the shoulder of Darnell Furlong at right back.  

The 23-year-old’s night got off and running just 23 minutes in when Rob Holding fed him a pass, the Scotland international knocked it past the oncoming Furlong and then cut inside only to guide a curling shot into the top right-hand corner. It was on his weaker foot and was a magnificent goal.  

Next on the 64th minute the former Celtic full-back got up to the byline again and smashed in a devastating ball into the box all for Alex Lacazette to turn it in from two yards out.

These were only his first goal contributions of the season, but if he continues to play as well as he did last night then there is no reason why he can’t go on to contribute double figures this season, but then again not every defence is going to be as open and nice to you as Albion’s was. 

Another player that stood out was Bakayo Saka, he got another goal to add to his tally for the season. The 19-year-old finished off a delightful team goal just five minutes after the opener to make it 2-0. He and Emile Smith-Rowe combined in a lovely one touch passing move that shown shades of the Arsene Wenger days.

Saka was a constant threat to the Baggies defence, especially in the first half when he was coming inside and swinging in dangerous crosses.  

Lacazette was also a big threat in the box for the away side, he scored a brace with his goals coming four minutes between each other in the second half. They were poachers’ finishes with both of the Frenchman’s goals lashed into the back of the net from around the six-yard box. 

Arteta was impressed with the desire of his team and said after the game, “After the results we had before, we had to lift things straight away. Now we have got some discipline back. We look more creative in the final third and solid at the back.” 

As for West Brom, they didn’t offer much but they certainly tried hard, but any Arsenal side in this form are going to be so hard to beat.  

Regardless manager Sam Allardyce knows things must change on the pitch, he said after his sides disappointing loss, “Another game gone by where we learn more about the players we have. We have learnt an awful lot about what we can and cannot do. We need to work out a way of not trying to be as sloppy as we have been at conceding goals. It appears when we try to open up we leave opportunities for the opposition and we cannot cope.” 

Now that the January transfer window is open, it’s fair to say Allardyce’s backroom staff will be working around the clock to identify potential transfer targets and Albion fans can hope for some incomings.

The 66-year-old knows where his side are going wrong and with backing in this winter window, many will have faith he can keep them up come the end of the season, as they’ve certainly got quality in the dressing room. 

Next up for Albion is Blackpool in the FA Cup next Saturday. As for Arsenal they host fellow Premier League side Newcastle next weekend, also in the Cup.  

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