WBA 1-3 Arsenal

they didn't play as well as they did against everton, but the team is playing ok again. but, what has happened to meite?!?! for the duration of olsson being out due to injury, he's gone from looking the only half sufficiently experienced, motivated and hard-working central defender to something akin to a frightened deer caught in the headlights of the TV cameras... alarmingly nervous.

although they're probably well enough drilled and either have or are developing (as with donk and barnett) the knowledge, skills and work rate to be a professional footballer, but the best of the back four is zuiverloon and he's essentially an attacking player in the model of an old-fashioned right winger. the central defenders - and the defending done directly in front of goal is league 1 level, and just not quick enough by half for the pace of the premier league game. scott carson is a top goalie, and was easily the best albion player on the day, as this one could have been 5 or 6-1...

the team is going to have to take a step (and perhaps back to the championship) and develop this element in their game in order - through personal improvements and player acquisitions to be competitive in the premier league at some point in the near future.

i'll let the match speak for itself:

live text replay