Arsenal 3-1 West Brom: 5 talking points as Gunners return to winning ways after Europa League exit

#3 Big Sam is relegated

Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League

Sam Allardyce has experienced what relegation is like for the first time in his managerial career. He was brought to the Baggies with a record of never being relegated, meaning he was meant to be a guarantor of being safe from the drop.

Alas, today’s 3-1 defeat condemned the Baggies to the Championship after an abysmal campaign. In the games Big Sam has overseen, West Brom have only picked up 19 points in 21 games, in that time they’ve conceded a whopping 68 goals, losing 19 games.

#2 Saka shines at LB

In the absence of Kieran Tierney, Mikel Arteta has opted to play Granit Xhaka as a makeshift centre-back or left-back. This was detrimental on so many levels, not only did it take out Arsenal's best CM partnership, but it also hindered us at LB as Xhaka was unable to provide an overlap.

Today, Arteta tried a solution that many Arsenal fans thought was obvious: Saka as an LB. Perhaps he was initially reluctant to do this as the youngster has been so influential in the final third, but his performance today proved him wrong.

The 19-year-old looked like a constant threat down the left-hand side, giving Darnell Furlong a torrid time. Down the left, Saka completed two dribbles, provided two key passes, made two interceptions and won 3 duels.

This top-quality display just further proves how versatile the youngster is.

#1 Willian scores his first goal for Arsenal

It’s been a tough time for Willian this season. The Brazilian has suffered ample amounts of criticism from not only the footballing community but his own fanbase. Many fans have questioned the club’s decision to give him a three-year contract when no one else would.

Today, however, the 32-year-old put in his best performance of the season. He produced the most number of passes (14) in the final third, whilst creating the most chances (4) of anyone else on the pitch. Add to that a world-class free-kick and we’re looking at a wholesome performance from the Brazilian.