Gunners Fire Late to Deny Baggies Win

A battling West Brom almost pulled off the unthinkable after taking a 2 goal lead against Asen Wengers' Arsenal

But after sitting off the Londoners for most of the game Arsenal struck late to tear 3 points from the hands of Hodgson's men.

Just 4 minutes in retired Ireland international Steven Reid met Chris Brunt's corner with a powerful header that sailed past Almunia in the Arsenal goal to give his side a shock early lead.

But having taken the lead the Midlanders sat back and let Arsenal take the game to them. Luckily for them, Arsenal struggled to create and managed to trouble Scott Carson's goal just once throughout the opening 45.

That chance fell first to Robin van Persie, when his header sailed onto the crossbar of the Baggies goal, the resulting rebound falling to Ramsey who, unchallenged, fired straight at Carson's flailing body denying Arsenal their equaliser.

Arsenal looked poor, and West Brom defended in numbers keeping 10 men behind the ball as Arsenal tried to probe their way through any cracks they could find. Arshavin continued his inconsistent form and was kept at bay by Reid on the Arseanl left, while Nasri and van Persie played little part on or off the ball.

The half time break did little to change the tie, as Arsenal continued to become frustrated with the Baggies defence, while the home side looked to hit on the break.

Chris Brunt could have doubled the lead 5 minutes into the half after Cech broke down the left flank and found his Captain at full stretch at the back post, but Brunts effort went the wrong side of the post and into the side netting

Arsenal's pushed forward more and more and eventually a goal came. Youssouf Mulumbu's long ball forward reached Odemwingie as West Brom hit Arsenal on the break. With only Squillaci to pressure the striker, Almunia got caught in no mans land trying to assist the troubled defender as Odemwingie controlled, carried the ball left of the stranded keeper and slotted home to double West Brom's advantage.

Arsenal refused to admit defeat and as the Baggies continued to sit back inside their own half Arsenal accepted the invite to attack.

Andre Arshavin linked with Chamank, brought on for a struggling Denilson, and lashed a strike from just inside the area. Carson was routed to the spot he watched watched the Russians strike fly into the far top corner.

Still West Brom sat back, and after 78 minutes the defences caved for a second time. Arshavins deep cross was met by substitute Nicky Bendtner who directed the ball back across the 6 yard box. Meite couldn't clear as the ball bobbled at his feet and Robin van Persie poked the equaliser past a helpless Carson.

Arsenal could and should have taken all three points as they piled on the pressure but West Brom's last ditch defending was enough to keep Bendtner, Chamank and van Persie from stealing a late winner.

Hodgson would have taken a point before the game but will feel frustrated his side couldn't hold on for the win. His Baggies still sit in 16th but results elsewhere have added to the tension surrounding the bottom half of the table.