By Matty Sadler
January 2 2021

Arsenal continued recent upturn in form with a convincing away win at a snowy Hawthorns. First half they played some pretty breathtaking football at times, scoring two very different but similarly brilliant goals, and could've had a couple more. Second half we didn't start as great, which I'll put down to the weather conditions, but we eventually settled, playing with confidence and adding another two.

Yet again Arsenal looked to Saka and Smith Rowe, who have added such composure, energy and quality to areas where we've generally looked pretty flat and uninspiring. Shout out to Tierney as well who yet again dominated the whole left side. Really looking forward to seeing Gabriel and Partey in this side.

Got a decent run of fixtures coming up and really need to keep this going. We're six points off the top four.

RATINGS

Leno - 7. Not massively worked but did everything he had to do well, particularly a couple of saves later on.

Bellerin - 7. Decent. Got forward well and could've scored himself early on. Subbed off early.
Holding - 7. One awful pass in the first half, otherwise a comfortable evening.
Mari - 7. Also not overly troubled but thought he looked good again, and I'll admit I was worried about him in the snow.
Tierney - 9. He's been brilliant recently and got his rewards tonight. Scored a world class individual goal, got an assist for Lacazette's second and ran the left wing again all evening. What a player he is.

Ceballos - 7. Better. Didn't think he'd fancy it in the snow to be honest. Played some good passes and was involved in everything. That turn and chipped pass to Lacazette is what infuriates me about him - he has so much talent.
Xhaka - 7. Did well. Kept things ticking over and allowed others to play.

Saka - 9. Superb again, particularly in the first half. You could see him growing in confidence as he ran Ivanovic ragged. Scored and played a part in the third. He has the world at his feet. MOTM.
Smith Rowe - 8. Continues to impress as he keeps it simple and he keeps it moving. Big part in our second and third goals, the first of which was straight out of Wenger's playbook. Genuine argument for him changing our transfer plans this month.
Aubameyang - 6. Doesn't really look like he's enjoying himself but he played his part and could've scored a couple on another night. Hope he gets one soon.

Lacazettte - 8. Another who continued his fine recent form. Played a part in the second goal with a great pass and then scored two in the second half. Nearly scored a cracker in the first half as well.

Subs:

Maitland-Niles - 6. Slotted in well.
Willian - 5. Pretty energetic but didn't do much good, although nearly "assisted" Aubameyang.
Willock - 5. Added legs but nothing came off for him.