Jump directly to the content

Sponsored by

Paddy Power

KIERAN GIBBS came back to haunt his former club after winning a controversial penalty to help rescue a point for the Baggies.

The left-back's cross hit the arm of Calum Chambers from close range before referee Mike Dean pointed to the spot much to the disbelief of Arsene Wenger.

 West Brom won a controversial penalty after the referee deemed this a handball
11
West Brom won a controversial penalty after the referee deemed this a handball
 Alexis Sanchez's free-kick found a gap through the wall and into the bottom corner
11
Alexis Sanchez's free-kick found a gap through the wall and into the bottom cornerCredit: Reuters

Chambers' arm appeared tucked into his body at the point of contact.

Jay Rodriguez made no mistake from the spot to salvage a result after Alexis Sanchez thought he won it in the last 10 minutes.

The Chilean's free-kick found a small gap in the wall and sneaked into the corner before being mobbed by his team-mates in celebration.

Considering Manchester City’s injury problems, whether Sanchez remains at the club remains to be seen but he made his mark in an otherwise terrible game - only for it to end in controversy.

 Alexis Sanchez was mobbed by his team-mates after his goal
11
Alexis Sanchez was mobbed by his team-mates after his goalCredit: Reuters
 Arsene Wenger was furious with the decision at full-time
11
Arsene Wenger was furious with the decision at full-timeCredit: Reuters
 Laurent Koscielny added to Arsenal's injury woes when he limped off in the second half
11
Laurent Koscielny added to Arsenal's injury woes when he limped off in the second halfCredit: PA:Press Association
 Petr Cech was called into action to deny Jay Rodriguez
11
Petr Cech was called into action to deny Jay RodriguezCredit: Reuters

Arsenal started the brighter but West Brom managed the first effort of the game, Rodriguez sending a header straight at Petr Cech, who soon after cause panic by fumbling a cross.

Alexandre Lacazette had a shot deflected for a corner and Alex Iwobi delivered a disappointing shot wide after showing strength to see off Jonny Evans.

Iwobi also forced Ben Foster to push away another shot safety but Arsene Wenger’s team did not have it all their own way.

Considering they had not won since August – and had failed to muster a victory in Alan Pardew’s six games – West Brom did okay.

 Jack Wilshere was making his fifth league start in a row
11
Jack Wilshere was making his fifth league start in a rowCredit: Reuters

Matt Phillips caused wing-back Sead Kolasinac problems and Gareth Barry kept a firm eye on Jack Wilshere.

With eight minutes of the first half left, Kolasinac, who suffered a knee injury, was replaced by Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Nothing happened in the second half until the hour mark when Lacazette received a flick from Iwobi and danced past a couple of players before seeing his shot well saved by Foster.

The West Brom keeper then received a let-off when Lacazette failed to get a touch from close range - following a great pass from Sanchez - and the ball sailed wide. Any contact from Lacazette, who was under pressure from Evans, and the ball would surely have ended up in the net.

Should Arsenal defender Calum Chambers' hand ball have been a penalty to West Brom?
 Alexandre Lacazette couldn't add to his eight league goals this season
11
Alexandre Lacazette couldn't add to his eight league goals this seasonCredit: AFP or licensors
 Alexis Sanchez did his best to try and carve out an opening for the visitors
11
Alexis Sanchez did his best to try and carve out an opening for the visitorsCredit: AFP or licensors

Sanchez had a quiet game and in his first opportunity could only find the side netting.

Not enjoying the best of games, Iwobi delivered a lazy shot into the arms of Foster.

And there were cheers from the Arsenal fans when Iwobi was replaced by Danny Welbeck with 16 minutes to go.

Rodriguez stung the hands of Cech with a decent shot.

Arsenal team celebrate with Alexis Sanchez after he scores against West Brom
 Respects were paid for club mascot Richard Eades who passed away on Boxing Day
11
Respects were paid for club mascot Richard Eades who passed away on Boxing DayCredit: Reuters
 Kolasinac hobbled off injured in the first half and was replaced by Ainsley Maitland-Niles
11
Kolasinac hobbled off injured in the first half and was replaced by Ainsley Maitland-NilesCredit: PA:Press Association
Full New Year's Day Premier League preview including Everton vs Manchester United

But as the game was drifting towards a draw, Sanchez won a free-kick, struck the shot and McClean turned his back – with the ball deflecting into the net past a stranded Foster.

With a couple of minutes to go, Gibbs clipped the ball into Chambers' arm and West Brom got a penalty.

INTERACTIVE STATS – CLICK on the categories to find out how the teams fared

INTERACTIVE STATS – CLICK on a player’s number below to see their stats

Goals of the Weekend: Watch the finest strikes from Saturday and Sunday's Premier League games
Topics