Mesut Ozil extended his Premier League record for assists in successive games but Arsenal threw away the lead to go into the break 2-1 down to West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.
The German playmaker provided a goal for the seventh top-flight match in a row by lifting a narrow free-kick into the box for Olivier Giroud to head the Gunners into a 28th-minute advantage.
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Giroud will be relieved to have found the net after a couple of shocking misses, also from Ozil crosses, in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur prior to the international break.
But the Frenchman’s goal counts for little as it stands after Arsene Wenger’s side self-destructed before half time as a James Morrison strike and a Mikel Arteta own goal put the Baggies in front.
Victory in the Midlands would take Arsenal to the top of the table prior to Manchester City’s visit of Liverpool this evening. They may need more Ozil assists in the second half to make that a reality.
Half-time: West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Arsenal
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