Arsenal 3 West Brom 0: Match report and picture gallery

Nov 5 2011

Another Robin van Persie-inspired performance saw Arsenal collect three points from this afternoon's encounter with West Brom.

The Holland international started the dreary midweek Champions League draw with Marseille on the bench, but was recalled to the starting line-up as Arsenal won their 400th Premier League game.

While unable to match his hat-trick heroics at Chelsea last weekend, Van Persie was the difference once more as he netted the first and then turned provider for both Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta.

Aaron Ramsey's exquisite through-ball helped the Arsenal skipper net his 11th league goal of the campaign, finishing from close range after Ben Foster blocked a Theo Walcott effort.

Vermaelen then netted his first goal for almost two years as he turned in a Van Persie cross and, after the break, Arteta fired home after neat work between the Dutchman and substitute Tomas Rosicky.

Van Persie and Laurent Koscielny were the only two changes Arsene Wenger made to his starting line-up heading into the match, while counterpart Roy Hodgson made four alterations to the side that lost 2-0 to Liverpool last weekend.

Arsenal started the stronger of the sides and dominated the early proceedings in north London, but were struggling to turn their possession into clear-cut chances.

Van Persie, fresh from collecting the October player of the month award, saw a shot blocked by Gareth McAuley inside the opening minute and then Andre Santos thumped a 20-yard free-kick over the bar.