Arsenal Could not impress but Nasri Impressed

Samir Nasri announced his arrival into English football with an opening goal just four minutes into his Arsenal debut, as the Gunners began their Premier League campaign with a home win over West Brom. The goal came from a typically sweeping team move involving Denilson, deputising ably for the injured Cesc Fabregas, and Gael Clichy, with the Brazilian midfielder racing to the byline and cutting the ball back for the unmarked 21-year-old to make a dream start to his Arsenal career with a calm finish. For the remainder of the match, though, the hosts’ frustrating inability to kill off matches dogged them, and more ruthless opponents might have punished their profligacy. Many people into sports betting made some good profit on the match.

Even before the early goal, Arsenal had already threatened on the left, Emmanuel Adebayor’s inviting pass requiring a crucial interception by Chris Brown. The visitors could have gone two down when Theo Walcott’s goalbound header, from another Adebayor centre, was blocked by Marek Cech. In an exciting opening 10 minutes dominated by the hosts, William Gallas also came close, firing an ambitious daisy-cutter just wide from 25 yards.

It was a baptism of fire for West Brom, who struggled to establish a foothold in the match, and almost fell further behind when Nicklas Bendtner eluded the attentions of Abdoulaye Meite to power a free header wide. Tony Mowbray’s men earned a reputation for winning the Championship on the back of free-flowing football, but it was from a classic up’n'under that they came closest to drawing level in the first half. Scott Carson’s goalkick was flicked on to Kim Do-Heon by Ishmael Miller, only for the Korean striker to be denied by the agility of Manuel Almunia.

As expected, Arsenal carved out a succession of presentable chances to extend their lead, but Bacary Sagna failed to make good contact with a close-range header and Nasri tested Carson from distance before the break. As has so often been the case with Arsène Wenger’s sides of recent years, the Gunners squandered numerous opportunities. Adebayor was the most culpable of all after racing clear of the Baggies defence, only to curl the ball wide of both Carson and goal.

West Brom clung on to the coat-tails of their hosts for most of the match but they were unfortunate not to draw level five minutes after the restart, when the lively Ishmael Miller escaped Johan Djourou before forcing Almunia into a fine reflex save at his near post. Djourou made amends by clearing the rebound off the line.

Arsenal surged forward at will throughout the second period but continued to lack the finish to their fine approach play. Emmanuel Eboue tried his luck three times, only to find his aim badly awry, while the introduction of Robin van Persie, who had two attempts on goal, caused Mowbray’s men problems, with his deft touch and clever movement. However, while a victory will please Wenger, his side’s continued bluntness in front of goal will most worry him.