MX23RW : Wednesday, November 6 01:42:49| >> :120:10728:10728:
[monks data]
West Brom logo
Premier League
Oct 15, 2005 at 3pm UK
 
Arsenal logo

2-1

Kanu (38'), Carter (76')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Senderos (17')

On this day: Former Gunner Nwankwo Kanu helps to sink Arsenal

Nine years ago today, a goal from Nigerian striker Kanu helped West Bromwich Albion to beat his former club Arsenal.

Throughout his five years with Arsenal, Nwankwo Kanu made himself something of a favourite among the club's supporters.

While he was often used as a substitute by Arsene Wenger, the Nigerian striker still weighed in with some important goals, as well as playing his part in two Premier League title successes and a further two FA Cup triumphs.

Yet, the development of Thierry Henry as one of the world's most clinical frontmen started to limit Kanu's appearances even further, which ultimately resulted in his move to newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion in the summer of 2004. Although he had a role in keeping the Baggies in the top flight, his miss from only a couple of yards against Middlesbrough was the most memorable moment of his first campaign at The Hawthorns.

However, during a second season which ended in relegation for West Brom, Kanu still weighed in with some important goals, including one when his former employers arrived in the Black Country nine years ago today.

Arsenal were without an away victory when they arrived at West Brom, but they broke the deadlock in the 16th minute. Jose Antonio Reyes's corner found centre-back Philippe Senderos, who volleyed past Chris Kirkland.

The visitors continued to pepper the West Brom goal with shots, but Kirkland and his defence stood firm and that stubbornness was rewarded seven minutes before the break when Kanu pounced. Senderos failed to clear Martin Albrechtsen's cross and when the ball broke for Kanu, he fired his shot beyond the reach of Jens Lehmann.

It was the first goal that the North Londoners had conceded in 338 minutes of Premier League football and although they continued to create opportunities after the restart, it did seem to sap their confidence somewhat.

The hosts would take advantage of that 14 minutes from time when substitute Darren Carter struck the winning goal. A loose ball fell kindly for the midfielder 25 yards from goal and having controlled it on his chest, he then lashed a rising effort into the top corner.

Speaking after the final whistle, match winner Carter told BBC Sport: "I just caught it as sweet as I could and it's managed to go in. It's one of those moments that I'll look back on with a lot of pride. I haven't scored a better goal than that to be honest, not even in training. It's a great moment."

Meanwhile, West Brom manager Bryan Robson added: "The lads showed great spirit to come back from the position we've been in. People have always been saying we must be down and it's never been like that."

As for defeated boss Wenger, he offered: "It was a strange game. We had plenty of chances and the goals we gave away were without any real danger. We played with a good spirit and showed great potential, but we lacked maturity and with a bit more experience we would have won this game easy."

WEST BROM: Kirkland; Albrechtsen, Davies, Clement, Robinson; Watson, Wallwork (Carter), Greening, Kamara; Horsfield (Ellington), Kanu (Moore)

ARSENAL: Lehmann; Lauren, Toure, Senderos, Clichy; Ljungberg (Eboue), Fabregas, Flamini (Owusu-Abeyie), Pires; Reyes, Bergkamp

ID:182647: cacheID:182647:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5413:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Arsenal's Dutch Striker Robin Van Persie celebrates scoring his first goal with teammate Brazilian Midfielder Denilson during their Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, London, on November 30, 2008
Read Next:
OTD: Van Persie bags Arsenal brace
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!