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Arsenal humbled by battling Baggies

15/10/2005

Arsenal’s championship challenge appears all but over following a shock 2-1 defeat by West Brom.

The Gunners looked to be in control of the game and took the lead through an early headed goal from Philippe Senderos, who benefited from some slack marking at a corner to volley home/

However, the north London side failed to press home their advantage and were left to rue a string of missed opportunities when former Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu lashed home a 37th minute equalise with a stunning volley.

West Brom upped the tempo in the second half, bringing on Geoff Horsefield to partner Kanu up front and the move paid off as they secured only their second win of the season when Darren Carter hit his first goal for the Baggies 15 minutes from time.

Carter, a summer signing from local rivals Birmingham City, volleyed home from 20 yards to send the Hawthorns into raptures.

Chris Kirkland pulled off a number of outstanding saves to deny Jose Antonio Reyes, Robert Pires, Dennis Bergkamp, Kolo Toure and Cesc Fabregas, but Arsenal grew increasingly frustrated and never looked like equalising following Carter’s wonder strike.

The defeat leaves Arsenal 14 points behind league leaders Chelsea and still searching for their first away win of the season.

West Brom, on the other hand, move up to 14th position, with the win a massive boost for the Baggies’ under fire boss Bryan Robson.

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