No repeat, please
The winning run ended at two. And an Albion anniversary failed to be a good omen. The home game against Arsenal fell exactly eight years after their first Prem win over one of the big guns, when Lewis Dunk and Glenn Murray scored at home to the same club. Back then the result more or less secured safety and was followed by just one more win (and six points in total) from the remaining ten games. Fabian Hurzeler’s side will obviously aim for better this time.
Statement made
Arsenal’s own social media team called for a statement performance from their side at the Amex as the line-up was announced. Arguably they got it, though not necessarily in the way they meant. But that is also how titles are won.
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
🛡️ Mosquera in from the start
✊ Rice and Zubimendi setting the tone
©️ Landmark appearance for skipper Saka
Let’s make a statement, Gunners 💪
🤝 Presented by @deel
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 4, 2026
Just play football
Many in the packed press box were keeping as close an eye on the technical areas as on the game. You certainly could not miss one moment when Fabian Hurzeler played ball boy for Piero Hincapie so the full-back could take a throw-in. TV cameras later showed Hincapie shooshing the Albion boss so what could have been said to spark such a reaction? It later turned out Hurzeler had had the temerity to ask Hincapie to play football – with an expletive for added emphasis.
The Arsenal game attracted a big media turnout (Image: Liz Finlayson)
Sound effects
The BBC 5 Live commentary team were located right at the back of the West Stand rather then the usual position of the main press box, near the players tunnel. The noise of the Albion supporters, and one man in particular, came through loud and clear as home fans provided a good atmosphere.
Former Albion player Leandro Trossard warms up (Image: Liz Finlayson)
Welcome back
The manner of Leandro Trossard’s departure from Albion still grates with many fans, despite his feats for the club which included scoring the first five goals of Roberto De Zerbi’s tenure. There were cheers when he miscued a second-half shot – and more when the ball eventually rolled out for a throw-in. But he did some valuable defensive work.