Olivier Giroud's 16th Premier League of the season handed Arsenal a 1-0 victory from their home clash with West Bromwich Albion this afternoon.

The French international struck during the first half at the Emirates Stadium, which means that the visiting Baggies will have to wait a little longer to secure their status in the top flight.

Here, Sports Mole has looked back over the contest to determine if the result was a fair one.

Match statistics

Arsenal
Shots: 15
On target: 4
Possession: 60%
Corners: 9
Fouls: 9

West Brom
Shots: 11
On target: 1
Possession: 40%
Corners: 10
Fouls: 6

Was the result fair?

A 1-0 scoreline always gives the impression that it was a close encounter, but in truth, West Brom never really threatened to take a share of the spoils. While Arsenal were not brilliant, there was a feeling that if they had needed to go up a gear or two, they would have done so. West Brom by no means embarrassed themselves, but they didn't deserve anything from this contest.

Arsenal's performance

Although there are places in the FA Cup final starting lineup at stake, in terms of the Premier League, with fourth place guaranteed, there was little for Arsenal to play for. As a result, that is the type of performance that they put in. Having said that, they were always in control and will feel that they should have perhaps scored another goal or two. Also pleasing for Arsene Wenger will be with the final against Hull City on the horizon, his side didn't pick up any injuries.

West Brom's performance

The best word to describe West Brom's display was honest. They worked hard, were well organised and on occasions did break forward with pace. Pepe Mel is bound to be disappointed with the poor defending that saw Giroud score the game's only goal, but when he looks back over the entire match, he will not have too many complaints. A game away at Arsenal was always going to be a free swing for his team - it's how they do against Sunderland and Stoke City over the coming days that will determine their fate.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Olivier Giroud: He may not have scored enough goals in the really important matches this season, but Giroud can look back on his overall contribution with satisfaction. Not only did he secure all three points for Arsenal by scoring the winner, he showed great workrate by never allowing the West Brom defenders a moment to rest in possession.

Biggest gaffe

West Brom's Craig Dawson and Youssouf Mulumbu can share this award for the part that they played in Giroud's goal. Centre-back Dawson allowed the Frenchman a free run to meet the ball from a corner, while Mulumbu, who was meant to be manning the post, stood for a long while outside of the upright, which allowed Giroud enough room to squeeze his header in.

Referee performance

Neither side are known for having an overly physical style, so this was never going to be an encounter that would cause many problems for Mike Jones. That was proven to be the case, with Jones keeping control on proceedings throughout.

What next?

Arsenal: The Gunners will conclude their Premier League campaign away at struggling Norwich City next Sunday afternoon.

West Brom: As for West Brom, they have a game in hand on many of the sides around them, which will be played at Sunderland on Wednesday night.