Jump directly to the content

HECTOR BELLERIN roared "together" to the crowd as Arsenal made a point of celebrating their opener against West Brom.

The Gunners thought they had snatched victory when Sanchez's free-kick was deflected past Ben Foster by James McClean.

 Arsenal presented a far more united front after going ahead against West Brom
6
Arsenal presented a far more united front after going ahead against West BromCredit: Reuters
 Alexis Sanchez's deflected free-kick gave Arsenal the lead
6
Alexis Sanchez's deflected free-kick gave Arsenal the leadCredit: PA:Empics Sport

And after half the outfield players snubbed wantaway Sanchez when he scored in the win over Crystal Palace, they presented a united front this time.

With Theirry Henry's claims of a dressing room rift still ringing in his ears, Bellerin was quick to point out the display of affection to the cameras.

After the game, the Arsenal legend said: Henry  said: “There is a division in the team.

"He (Sanchez) is asking them to come and celebrate. ‘Why are they not coming? Don’t you want to celebrate?’

West Brom 1-1 Arsenal: Kieran Gibbs back to haunt former club as Alexis Sanchez silences critics before being mobbed by team-mates
 Alexis Sanchez had plenty of pals to celebrate with him this time
6
Alexis Sanchez had plenty of pals to celebrate with him this timeCredit: AFP or licensors
 Jay Rodriguez converts a controversial penalty for West Brom
6
Jay Rodriguez converts a controversial penalty for West BromCredit: AFP or licensors

“I don’t know what the situation is there but usually when your team scores you don’t look at who scores.

“If you start to think, ‘Shall I go, shall I not go’ there’s something we don’t know exactly what’s happening."

Jay Rodriguez scored a late Baggies leveller from the spot after a controversial handball decision from ref Mike Dean.

Alexis Sanchez scores second goal for Arsenal but his teammates don't celebrate with him...
 Alexis Sanchez celebrates after scoring against Palace
6
Alexis Sanchez celebrates after scoring against PalaceCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Arsenal split into two groups after the goal
6
Arsenal split into two groups after the goal

And the point could prove costly for Arsenal after Sead Kolasinac and Laurent Koscielny limped off injured.

Arsene Wenger's side host Chelsea on January 3 and if both defenders are out will need a miracle to contain the Blues after they smashed five past Stoke.


HANDS OF TIME West Brom 1 Arsenal 1: Kieran Gibbs back to haunt former club as Alexis Sanchez silences critics before being mobbed by team-mates


Wenger fumed at the penalty decision which cost his side a final win of 2017.

The Gunners chief said: “What can you do – talk and talk and talk but it doesn’t change anything.

"The Premier League does face a problem with the scheduling and referees.

"I tried hard with referees to help them become professional. The level of the referees unfortunately doesn’t go up.

"It’s not the first time it happened but it’s best we don’t talk about it.

"I believe West Brom had five days to prepare and we had three. The Premier League has to look at when the schedule is fair and unfair, on our side it’s unfair.

"Since the start of the season you have to look at it."

Topics