Match Preview: The Final Sunday – Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion

“[It reminds me of the final game at Highbury] a little bit because the qualifying was the same, with the Champions League at stake.” – Arsene Wenger on the this season’s final game.

Before I write any match preview up I do a lot of reading trying to get the ins and outs of style of play of the opponent, who’s in who’s out all that kind of stuff. And as I’ve read in preparation of this match pretty much to a tee every blog, every pundit and right down to the official dot com all have stated the same exact sentiment –

It all comes down to this.

Yes, the final game of the season. Where Arsenal finish, well just like it was last week and the week before and well, the week before that, it’s all up to them.  Win, and you have no concern for what the hell happens below you. Draw or lose, and well, I hope everyone prayers or believes in miracles because that is what it’s likely going to take.

Spurs sit a point off with Fulham visiting the Lane. You’d think that Fulham would have a chance for at least a draw but their best player Clint Dempsey is out. Newcastle take on Everton, which is a tough match. But West Brom at home looks to be a toughie for us.

Last week West Brom played Bolton and looked to go down to the sword earlier falling behind their opponents 2-0. But not intent to send new England manager, Roy Hodgson off in a whimper, the Baggies fought back and drew 2-2. Sure part of that was down to a weak Bolton team relaxing after going up 2. But given our propensity for shipping in goals it’s something we have to take into account.

Roy tends to set his teams in a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1. They’ll be without Chris Brunt definitely and possibly Jerome Thomas. Peter Odemwingie faces a late test which means Fortune will likely lead the line. Fortune isn’t a prolific scorer (actually no one on WBA is – they average just over 1 goal per game home and away.) but he is working well up front and causing teams problems.

Sure, Roy Hodgson’s teams don’t set the world alight but he gets them play committed football and we should expect them to not roll over and let Arsenal tickle their bellies. It is Roy’s last day and he saved them last season and put them on a course of respectability. They are solid on aerial play and get a lot of joy and goals from set pieces however, they concede a lot of goals on the counter. They have only managed 19 goals at home this season (the same as Wolves) but they have only conceded 19 at home (the same as Manchester United).

Arsenal head into Wenger’s 600^th Premier League match with everything at stake. Champion’s League football, the possibility of Robin Van Persie staying or going, the ability to bring in quality talent, and in my opinion just as important – pride.

Arsenal may not have won a damn thing in 7 years. It is still recognized as a leader and team to respect and emulate in world football. The position in the table and the continued success with 15 years of Champion’s League football are a level of consistency that most clubs want to emulate and of course better.  A lot of wounds will open up tomorrow at 1700 GMT/1200 EST should the undesirable happen.

There can be no overestimating opponents or assuming things are locked down no. If it means you are trying to churn out 7 goals for a full 90 minutes the team simply cannot afford to let off the gas for the full 90 minutes. As last week showed, it only takes a couple to put things back upside down. No, Arsenal simply have to be the best team on the pitch for the full 90 not in spurts.

It has been a long drawn out slog of a season. From the heartwrench of Manchester United, Blackburn, QPR, Fulham and others, to absolutely being class of the day versus, Cheslea, City, and especially Tottenham the emotions of every gooner and every player have been on one up and down ride. A lot of people I have chatted with just want this season to end. They want to move on to next season. They need a bit of a break but if we win, the signings the club want to make come in, then hope springs eternal for next season.

How the Match Should Play Out.

The early goals will be key for Arsenal. Yes, I said goals. The more open the game is the more it keeps the game open. Also in their last 20 home games WBA have conceded the first goal 7 times winning only once , drawing none and losing 6. As we have said Arsenal need to be aggressive for the entire game. The gas simply cannot go be let go of here.

I’d prefer Wenger go with a 4-4-2 with Chamakh up front and Robin Van Persie slotted just off of him. In the Norwich game last week we created better chances in 15 minutes with that lineup than we did all game (probably an exaggeration but you get the point.) But we’ll probably come in with our 4-3-3 variation.  I think Benyaoun who has been a work horse over the last few weeks will start which means either Chamberlain or Gervinho on the right. One the right Gervinho hasn’t been as effective as he has been on the left so I am opting for Chamberlain in my projection.  I think the desired speed and guile we need we can get from Chamberlain and its time teams got to see more of what they may expect next season. The question obviously is in the midfield for Arsenal where Ramsey, Rosicky and Song seem to be the preferred team with Arteta out. The problem is where is Wenger going to put Rosicky. If he takes him in the Arteta role with Ramsey sitting front, he takes out his more dynamic and creative threat for the most part. If he puts Ramsey in the role Arteta played so well this season, then he creates a defensive liability. I just don’t know.

Caution to the wind, Arsenal with all to play for and West Brom looking to send their manager over to England in style in pride. However, for my money Arsenal haven’t lost on the last day of the season since 2005. They won’t do it again – they will win.

Players to Watch:
Arsenal. Robin Van Persie. One goal ties Henry’s mark for a season and equals Shearer and Ronaldo. Two goals and he sets a new mark for a 38-game season.

West Brom. Roy Hodgson. Roy gets a lot of stick for his speech defect but he has shown himself to be a force of stability and consistency as a manager. While Liverpool did not do well under him (for reasons beyond his control) has done well with the talent he has. Which is why he makes absolute sense as England manager.

Projected Lineups:
 

Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Arteta (ankle) Mertesacker (ankle) Wilshere (ankle) Frimpong (knee) Sagna (broken leg)

WBA: Gera (knee) Morrison (knee) Reid (ankle) Tamas (personal reasons) Brunt (tonsillitis) Thomas (illness)

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal:  Van Persie 30

WBA: Odemiwingie 10

Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 3

WBA: 0

Goals For:
Arsenal (away): 1.8

WBA (home): 1.1

Goals Against:
Arsenal (away): 1.7

WBA: (home): 1.1

Last Five:
Arsenal: DDDLW

WBA: DDWWL

Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 24

WBA: -6

Match Official:
Referee: Mike Jones (Matches 24, R6 Y85)

Broadcast Information:
US: Foxsoccer.tv 1000 AM EST

UK: ????? 1500 GMT

GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!!

www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2

WBA: 1

The Final Word.

It has been a long and wooly season. In the US during game time its churches and mother’s day celebrations in the UK is showdown sunday. And when was the last time the last day of the season had so much at stake outside the relegation battle? It really will be an exciting, nerve wracking day.

YAMA won’t be shutting down for the summer. We’re still planning on bringing you regular content. Over the next few weeks we’ll do season end reviews, a live chat wrapping up the season, and season end awards. Additionally, YAMA plans to track key Arsenal players in the major tournaments of the summer, the Euros and Olympics. When that’s all said and done we’ll be right ready to go with the pre-season and subsequent tour.

Personally, as an editor I would like to quickly thank our newest additions to the team, Alex, Myles and Raj who have all added a tremendous amount to the site. Jamie Dalton is still around and as you’ve read pops up from time to time do one of his quick hit pieces. It has been a yo-yo season for the team but the YAMA crew it was a pretty good year and frankly, I am looking forward to next season as we grow further.

Thanks all for reading, commenting, screaming and sharing. Thanks for being an Arsenal Supporter.

Until our next post – Stay Goonerish!

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