A first-half own goal from Mikel Arteta has helped to give West Bromwich Albion a 2-1 victory over Arsenal this afternoon.
The visitors dominated possession in the first half, but were unable to create any clear opportunities until taking the lead on 28 minutes, when Olivier Giroud headed past Boaz Myhill from a well-struck Mesut Ozil free kick.
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Arsenal could have added a second goal moments later as Alexis Sanchez set up Kieran Gibbs on the edge of the West Brom penalty area, but the makeshift winger blazed his effort over the bar.
The Baggies found an equaliser against the run of play on 35 minutes, when Chris Brunt whipped an inviting cross to the far post, where James Morrison connected to fire past Petr Cech.
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Tony Pulis's side added a second goal five minutes later, as a James McClean cross struck Arteta, whose touch was enough to divert the ball into the Arsenal goal.
After the break Arsenal continued to dominate possession, and came agonisingly close to an equaliser on 49 minutes as Ozil struck the post from distance.
The Gunners missed a great opportunity to score on 67 minutes through substitute Joel Campbell, who fired wide from close range.
Arsene Wenger's side almost fell further behind moments later when Jonas Olsson hit the crossbar from a Brunt corner, before Saido Berahino was deemed to be offside on the follow-up.
Arsenal were awarded a chance to find a late equaliser when Brunt brought Sanchez down in his own penalty box. Santi Cazorla stepped up to take the resulting spot kick, but blazed his effort over the bar after slipping over when striking the ball.
Stephen Topping
