Defeat is not an option for Arsenal today, especially as a loss would make it a damaging three in a row and getting beaten at home to West Brom would be worse than the previous two which were tough away games at Everton and Man City.
Even a draw would be a real blow to Arsene Wenger and the players´hopes of fighting for the Premier League title and Tony Pulis is well aware of this, so he will be coming to the Emirates with the idea of stifling our creativity and silencing the home crowd and the Baggies are very well organised and strong defensively.
Add to this the fact that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has not passed his fitness test and I think it might be the perfect time for the manager to start with both our centre forwards today. Wheher that means him changing things a bit and playing Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud as a front two or whether he pushes the Chilean out to the left flank with the powerful Frenchman through the middle I think the extra goal threat would be worth it.
Having both the strength, stature and aerial ability of Olly and the quick feet and talent of Alexis to deal with would give the West Brom defenders a lot more to think about and make life a lot more difficult for them and with the visitors likely to be sitting fairly deep and denying Arsenal space in the middle, the flanks and the ball into the box could be the key to us winning.
What do you think Gooners?
Bob.