What did we learn from Arsenal v West Brom

Arsenal v WBA

What did we learn from Arsenal v West Brom

By Oscar Maung-Haley

Arsenal’s 6-0 Carabao Cup win over West Brom was an impressive one.
Here’s what we learned…

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looked pretty sharp…

PEA v WBA

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang got his 2021/22 campaign off to a flyer with a hat-trick against West Brom.
While his first and second goals were fairly routine finishes, the third was vintage Aubameyang.
Cutting in from the left hand side, Aubameyang rifled a shot into the far right corner of the net past Alex Palmer in front of a bunch of delirious Arsenal fans.
It was a timely reminder the Gabon forward is still probably Arsenal’s best player on his day.
An in-form Aubameyang gives the Gunners a completely different look in attack.
Additionally, it’s also important to remember that Aubameyang has recently battled both Malaria and COVID-19 which would knock the stuffing out anyone.
If Arsenal are to achieve any form of success this season, they will need Aubameyang to be in tip top condition.

Space in behind, a sign of things to come?

Arsenal ran rampant against West Brom, partly because of their vast amounts of pace in the starting line-up.
Nicholas Pepe, Bukayo Saka and Aubameyang all found plenty of joy in behind the Baggies’ defensive line, punishing them with almost every opportunity.
With Martin Odegaard, who made his first start since signing permanently for Arsenal following his summer move, pulling the strings, could this be a sign of things to come from the Gunners forward line?


Ramsdale passes first test

Ramsdale v WBA

A 6-0 win would suggest that newly signed keeper Aaron Ramsdale had little to do on his Arsenal debut.
However, Ramsdale was certainly tested on a few occasions, making a number of saves.
There has been much consternation amongst Arsenal fans given the sum of money the club paid for Ramsdale’s services.
But if his debut is anything to go by, he could give first choice keeper Bernd Leno a real challenge for the no.1 shirt.

A fully fit Arsenal could give teams a real headache

While Arsenal’s first XI against the Baggies wasn’t at full strength, the front line of Aubameyang, Saka, Odegaard and Pepe was.
Ben White, Gabriel, Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney all missed the Carabao clash.
With them coming back into the fold, Arsenal, on paper, really do look to have a strong starting XI.
They’ll need time to gel of course and there’s no guarantee that Arteta will get that should results take another dive despite the season being in its formative days.

Football can be fun (and also might not be so fun in the very near future…)

A 6-0 win against West Brom in the Carabao Cup is great!
It gave vital minutes to a host of players who have had a relatively non-existent pre-season.
Arsenal found some real joy in behind the Baggies defence, with Pepe, Saka, Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette all finding the back of the net at the Hawthorns.
Next up for Arteta’s men? A televised 12:30 Saturday kick-off against Premier League champions Manchester City away. 
The lord giveth, and the lord taketh away…

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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