After Arsenal’s recent frustration and lack of success in front of goal, a fast start was always going to be a big help against a well organised and defensively strong side and we could hardly have asked for more. The Gunners were straight on the front foot and were in front after just five minutes.
The first of Walcott’s first half hat-trick was a magnificently struck screamer from the right side of the box. His next two may have been easier but Theo’s movement and finishing was spot on and he deserved the match ball. Wilshere was also on fire and the Baggies just could not cope with his passing and dribbling and the volley for his goal was sublime.
Our defenders and keeper were largely spectators and with a 4-0 scoreline at the break, Tony Pulis looked like a man who had found a pound and lost a tenner. They would have had the hairdryer treatment at halftime and were better in the second half, while our urgency was understandably less.
Even so we should have had at least one second half goal to celebrate, with Ramsey unlucky to hit the post with a sweet left foot shot and to have one with his right foot tipped onto the post. But the only goal after the break came from a West Brom corner when Mcauley beat our keeper and defenders to a flat and hard cross.
All in all though, a good day for the Gunners and a great way to get back to winning ways ahead of Wembley.
VIDEO – Santi Cazorla’s brilliant FA Cup Final freekick!!