Gunners lose ground in title race

19 March 2011 19:30
Arsenal's title challenge suffered a blow as their late rally was only enough to secure a 2-2 draw at West Brom. Arsene Wenger's team made the worst possible start as West Brom took the lead after only three minutes. Albion skipper Chris Brunt swung in a corner and Steven Reid crashed a header beyond Manuel Almunia. Wenger then bolstered his forward line with Nicklas Bendtner coming on for Ramsey, but just seconds later West Brom scored again - thanks in no small part to Almunia. The goalkeeper came charging out of his box when Youssouf Mulumbu launched a long ball forward but misjudged it before getting in a tangle with Sebastien Squillaci, and Odemwingie gleefully slotted home. The Gunners seemed to be fading, but a slick move saw them pull a goal back through Andrey Arshavin, who played a one-two with Marouane Chamakh before turning and rifling home. Arsenal began pouring forward and eight minutes later they found a leveller, with the Russian again the catalyst. His cross hit the post and Robin Van Persie reacted fastest to the rebound to bundle the ball over the line.

Source: PA