Arsenal v West Brom - A History
By Jemma Tappenden
August 15 2008
Promotion to the Premier League in this day and age inspires many a conversation. First and foremost there are the funds - the cost of winning promotion. Some clubs even tempt themselves into the thought of the then perhaps inevitable cost of relegation, Parachute payments, but then what? But for many of us, promotion simply inspires the thought of returning to fixtures against the greats.
There is little doubt whatsoever that a Saturday afternoon visit to the Emirates to face Wenger's Arsenal is more exciting than a trip to any number of current or in fact past Championship sides. And West Brom fans will experience just that tomorrow when they kick off their Premiership campaign against the Gunners.
Its is certainly one hell of a welcome back, with Arsenal clearly boasting statistics on their side. Apart from any gulf which may have existed between the two sides in recent times, historically Arsenal have won 34 of their 59 games with the Baggies, having lost just 11.
Arsenal can also boast some fairly solid recent home form. But the Baggies finished last season with strong away form, and are not afraid to face sides away from the Hawthorns.
The last time these two sides met in the Premiership Arsenal ran out 3-1 winners, a game which in it's context put a major dent in Albion's survival hopes for the 2005/06 season.
Hleb had put the Gunners ahead in the 44th minute, but Baggies skipper Nigel Quashie had given the visitors hope in the 72nd minute with an equaliser. Pires had put Arsenal back in front just four minutes later, and Dennis Bergkamp had sealed the London's side victory just a minute from time in front of a set of home fans heavily clad out in orange in support and thanks of the 11 years Bergkamp had given the club, in what was to be his final season.
Albion fans will get their first taste of the new Emirates Stadium tomorrow, in what will be a tough, but reality check of a start to another top flight campaign.
I've done a little bit of digging around for you and this is what I've found:
21st March 1953 - Arsenal 2-2 West Brom.
Arsenal won the league that year on a tight goal difference with 54 points. PNE took runner up also with 54 points, Wolves coming up in 3rd with 51 points, and Baggies finishing 4th with 50.
Hope that helps.
www.wbabaggies.co.uk
www.wbabaggies.co.uk
The Lords My Shepherd.
The future is bright. The future is Stripes.
www.wbabaggies.co.uk