Dawson double darkens wenger’s Arsenal gloom

Dawson double darkens wenger’s Arsenal gloom – Arsenal fans again rounded on under-fire manager Arsene Wenger as defender Craig Dawson scored twice in a comprehensive 3-1 victory for West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

Dawson headed home from corners either side of half-time to book-end the goalscoring action in West Brom’s eighth win in their last 10 Premier League home games.

In between Dawson’s goals, Alexis Sanchez equalised for Arsenal before substitute Hal Robson-Kanu restored the home side’s lead.

But it was the renewed criticism of Wenger that grabbed the attention as fans displayed “Wenger Out” banners after two aeroplanes had towed banners above The Hawthorns with rival views on the Frenchman.

One banner read “NO CONTRACT #WENGER OUT”, while another proclaimed “IN ARSENE WE TRUST #RESPECTAW”.

Wenger’s decision to replace Sanchez late on prompted more abuse from travelling fans, who had earlier engaged in a muted chorus of “We want Wenger out!” as their side slid to a fourth defeat in five league games.

The result prevented Arsenal from whittling down the five-point gap separating them from the top five, further compromising their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

Compounding Arsenal’s disappointment, the visitors also lost goalkeeper Petr Cech to an apparent muscular injury during the first half, with David Ospina taking his place.

West Brom began purposefully, with James McClean heading Nacer Chadli’s cross tamely at Cech before bursting forwards and stinging the Arsenal goalkeeper’s hands.

It was little surprise when West Brom went ahead from the corner that followed.

Chadli delivered it from the left and Dawson rose above Laurent Koscielny to head home as Cech flapped.

The visitors were level within four minutes as Granit Xhaka floated a pass to Sanchez, who coolly finished off the underside of the crossbar with his right foot.

West Brom responded well to the equaliser, though, and threatened the visitors on the break when Chadli raced down the right flank and threaded a pass to the feet of Salomon Rondon.