‘Hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Arsenal’: Michael Owen predicts WBA v Gunners clash
Michael Owen thinks that Big Sam’s problems at West Brom are going to be compounded after a defeat to Arsenal on Saturday.
The former Liverpool striker is predicting a 2-1 win to the Gunners despite Mikel Arteta’s side not enjoying their recent travels to The Hawthorns.
“Arsenal travel to West Brom with their tails up after back to back wins,” Owen said in his regular BetVictor column.
“That said, The Hawthorns hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Arsenal recently. They’ve failed to win on their last 3 trips there, however, anything other than 3 points on this occasion would be a big disappointment for Mikel Arteta.
“West Brom got a great result when drawing 1-1 at Anfield, but it’s been at home where they’ve struggled most. I’m expecting Arsenal to continue their good run and come away with all 3 points again,”
PL survival could hinge on Jan business
Any early hope for the Big Sam regime following the 1-1 draw with Liverpool was snubbed out with the 5-0 defeat to Leeds.
That laid bare the state of the squad and showed that investment in January is essential for Premier League survival.
Leeds are a squad who West Brom were going head-to-head with last season before finishing as runners-up in the Championship.
Leeds have taken a big step forward, signing Premier League level players such as Rodrigo and Raphinha in the summer.
West Brom have stayed still and that’s not good enough for the Premier League.
That’s not Big Sam’s fault but the tactics for the Leeds game were.
We need to see a big reaction against Arsenal or we could be in line for another big defeat.
In other West Brom news, ‘It’s a surprise’ – Exclusive: Pundit shocked by Big Sam decision in Leeds defeat