Albion were outraged by a penalty decision, repelled when they looked to threaten – and then comfortably seen off by the leaders.

This first home defeat since August was as much about the quality and organisation of the Gunners as about home failings.

That said, standards have been raised over the last couple of years and there were players who, while not playing poorly, might have been expected to offer more.

Bart Verbruggen 8/10

One of the successes of that tough three-match week. He made a couple of excellent saves and has a presence about him in goal. Might be disappointed that he was outwitted on the third goal but it was a clever finish.

Tariq Lamptey 6/10

Got a touch on the ball on that penalty incident but it looked a rash challenge. He tried to inject some life into attack, including in the best move of the match, and the best news was that he carried on playing after twice going down.

Jan Paul van Hecke 7/10

Some good defending and his passing is improving all the time but Arsenal still had plenty of chances to score.

Lewis Dunk 7/10

As with van Hecke, he had to do some good defending and he played one of the passes of the day to release Adingra quite early on but was part of a defence which conceded several chances.

Pervis Estupinan 6/10

A sight of the old Estupinan in the first half when he went charging forward on an excising break which would have exposed less diligent teams than the Gunners. Had initially made a good challenge ahead of the second goal but was out of position when Albion then lost the ball.

Pascal Gross 5.5/10

One of the four outfield pillars of this Albion team and he was not the factor they needed him to be, either in open play or delivering set-pieces. Tried to put himself about and upset Arsenal on the ball but looked mentally tired more than physically.

Carlos Baleba 6/10

A work in progress which means we will see good and bad. Benefits of evenings like this will be reaped next season – that is the hope and plan.

Simon Adingra 6/10

Flashed a shot past the far post after some nice control and footwork but was generally snuffed out by the defence, notably White when he switched to the left wing.

Jakub Moder 6/10

Not necessarily a bad performance but he did not get into the areas which might have hurt the leaders. Dragged a shot wide in the first half.

Julio Enciso 6/10

Shades of last season with that stunning curler which really deserved the goal which Raya’s save denied him. He began the second half purposefully, running at defenders, but then lost the ball for the goal which ended hope.

Danny Welbeck 5.5/10

Well marshalled by the Arsenal defence and was unable to sniff out a chance or bring others into play in the way he can do so effectively, although one tidy lay-off set up Moder to let fly.

SUBS – Joao Pedro 6/10

Was waiting to go on when Arsenal scored their second, which rather killed the moment. Looked like he wanted to be involved in everything and saw a late shot blocked after good footwork.

Facundo Buonanotte 6/10

Went on with Joao Pedro and tried hard to make a difference to no avail.

Ansu Fati N/A

Not chance to make a difference but it was too late anyway