Six weeks is a long time in football. It’s enough for one and a half World Cups to be played, the game’s top players to earn more money than you or I will in a couple of decades, and to erase memories of a bad start for your team.
Back in August, very few people took an interest in West Bromwich Albion’s opening day defeat to Southampton. Let’s be honest, did you watch it? Can you remember who scored? Will it be on any highlight reels come the end of the season? Unless you’re a big Rickie Lambert fan, and admittedly there’s a few, then the answer to all those questions is no.
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Contrast that to Arsenal’s 3-1 loss against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium. That result had alarm bells ringing for fans of the Gunners and, once again, Arsene Wenger’s future was being called into question.
Now, at the beginning of October, Arsenal sit on top of the Premier League with five wins from their last five games, while West Brom are coming off their first victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford since 1978.
Arsenal’s success is thanks in part to the transfer deadline day acquisition of German international Mesut Ozil. The ‘Assist Machine’ has been very impressive since making the switch from Real Madrid and has set up four goals in just three league games. He also netted his first goal for the club in the Champions League game against Napoli this week before putting one on a plate for Olivier Giroud as Arsenal won 2-0.
While Ozil is understandably attracting a lot of attention, Aaron Ramsey is finally beginning to realise his true potential after the start of his career was interrupted by injury. The Welsh midfielder had never scored more than four goals in all competitions in a single season but already has eight to his name in this campaign. At 22, his best years are still ahead of him.
As impressive as Arsenal’s run of form has been, West Brom won’t hold any fear when they host Wenger’s men at The Hawthorns this weekend. The Baggies’ win over Manchester United wasn’t just impressive on paper; the manner in which they beat the reigning champions drew plaudits from all corners.
Saido Berahino is 20 years of age and reportedly earns just £850 a week under the terms of his current deal but you wouldn’t have known it as he slotted home the winner on Saturday.
Steve Clarke has assembled a good squad with players like Stephane Sessegnon, Nicholas Anelka and Morgan Amalfitano, who calmly chipped the ball over David De Gea for the opening goal, adding pace and power to the attack.
No doubt Arsenal will be favourites for this one but don’t be too surprised if West Brom claim at least a point with home advantage. Our friends at Luxbet have the draw at $3.65 which could ultimately be where the money finds itself. Luxbet are also featuring many more West Bromwich Albion vs Arsenal markets.
The two sides have already met this season in the League Cup at the end of last month. Arsenal came out on top 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out but it would be wrong to read anything into that given the sides fielded by both clubs.
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