Arsenal vs West Brom - Statistical Preview

Arsenal fans will feel that next season’s Champions League football is within their grasp after thumping Newcastle 3-0 at the Emirates.  The Gunners are currently four points ahead of Everton with two games remaining.  With the return of Ramsey and Özil to the Arsenal side, the Gunners are beginning to look like the side that topped the table earlier in the season.

 Arsenal fans may well be wondering what position they would be in had Aaron Ramsey remained injury free.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the Welshman has scored nine times in 22 appearances for the Gunners this season and has looked impressive since returning from injury. 

 With seven attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, crosses and dribbles), Mesut Özil was the most threatening player in attack for Arsenal.  The German, who arrived from Real Madrid, demonstrated his creative class which some feel has been lacking at times this season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index however shows that the record signing has had a 77% shot accuracy rating this season and leads the way in assists with ten to his name.  Özil will be vital to Arsenal’s hopes of securing Champions League football next season.

 Laurent Koscielny has proved to be a bedrock in defence for Arsenal this season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has made 381 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, interceptions and blocks) this season with an impressive 83% tackle success rate; both of which are the highest at the club.

 West Brom will be buoyed by last weeks’ victory over West Ham.  The Baggies are currently one point behind the Hammers and five points clear of the bottom three.  Pepe Mel has predicted that the Baggies need to win just one more game to be safe.  Fans will be hoping the Baggies can create an upset this weekend and finish the season in style.

 Saido Berahino looked dangerous in attack last week against West Ham.  Berahino scored his 5^th of the season providing the games only goal which helped West Brom move to within just one point of  West Ham.  The Englishman had two shots on target against the Hammers and will be the Baggies’ best hope if they are to create an upset this weekend.  

 Morgan Amalfitano has constantly demonstrated his creative abilities in attack this season.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has made 89 attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, crosses and dribbles) including five assists in 26 Premier League appearances.

 Arsenal’s convincing performance against Newcastle will have given Pepe Mel plenty to think about ahead of this weekend.  West Brom fans however will not be intimidated by the Londoner’s apparent return to form with Youssuf Mulumbu in midfield.  Mulumbu has won an impressive 85 tackles out of a possible 118 but the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has also committed the most fouls at the club with 54 to his name so far this season.