Can Arsenal Continue Their Smokin' Hot Winning Ways? West Brom previewed

It's most unusual here in the Midwest with these beginning days of October being humid and hot and thunderstorms popping up here and there.  It's taking some adjusting to get used to after previous cool and seasonable weather.  Being an Arsenal fan has been the same in a way.  Starting off as a fan of the Invincibles, the last several years I have acclimated to expecting young, talented players to not reach their potential, or after doing so, leaving for greener and richer pastures.  Seeing the young come good and spending riches to bring in the cream of the world crop has seen us top the Champions League Group Stage and the Premier League table (until this morning). Winning is so much more enjoyable than steamy and sticky weather.

West Brom will prove another tricky test.  They are sitting mid-table, but are coming off of a win where they beat Manchester United 2-1 and were,  inarguably, the better looking team.  Playing in the West Midlands again a team gaining confidence can be problematic.  Although over the summer, their squad was thinned, losing loaned- out- from- Chelsea Lukaku as well as Gera, Fortune, and Thomas.  They did acquire Anelka, but he is currently a doubt because of an ankle injury.  And yet, Steve Clark and company grabbed three points last week playing a 4-4-1-1 using Anichebe up front and Sessegnon slotting in behind him.  The second goal in particular was due to Manure's defense allowing Amalfitano to dance his way to the goal pretty well unimpeded.  Arsene may well employ the defense used against Napoli to ensure that doesn't happen.

The combination of Arteta and Flamini sitting behind Mesut and the wings was particulary effective.  Not surprising really when you consider that Mikel and Mathieu are the Ying and Yang of defensive football.  Mikel is discipline, technical, calm, and metronomic  in his passing.  Matty is all passion and grit.  He flings himself sideline to sideline breaking up plays and making stinging tackles the opponent will remember.

As far as they rest of the squad, Sagna is out for three weeks with a hamstring injury so Jenks will be starting at right back.  Arsene will have to decide between Gnabry, TR7, and Jack.  Jack did not start against Napoli and will be chomping at the bit to get a starting position back, but he may also be in the doghouse after his smoking incident.  Considering how hard a worker Jack is though, I think he will pay a fine (to Per), get a talking to from Le Boss about health and PR concerns (fire your reps Jack.  They did you no favors), and be in contention for starting.

Up top, the decision picks itself.   Unless Giroud gets hurt, Bendtner will start from the bench.  I'm of the mind that if we start hard and fast like we did against the Italians, we will put West Brom on the back foot and bring home a win.

So here's hoping our terrific effort and performances repeat themselves against a team that is attempting to evolve.  A win will reestablish us as table toppers.  I could get used to that.  But, let's get rid of the mugginess, shall we?  That is one thing I don't want to get used to.

Have a good one Gooners.