The return of the Gunners winger could be key to breaking down a Baggies side likely to set up a defensive bunker, explains Alex Keble... In games against the bigger clubs, West Brom are arguably the most predictable team tactically. Tony Pulis will instruct his players to sit in congested, narrow rows to form a deep-lying defensive shield in front of the penalty area. This structure is used frequently by the Baggies, but against a team like Arsenal – who look to recycle possession and dominate territorially – they will be camped within their own half for long stretches of the match. Against Manchester United, 28% of their passes were classed as long as they held 37% possession and...
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