Arsenal celebrate Champions League status with win over West Brom

Olivier Giroud scored in the first half to give Arsenal a 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on Sunday, with the Emirates crowd celebrating yet again another season in the Champions League.

Giroud headed home at the near post in the 14th minute, getting in front of Craig Dawson and shrugging off the defender’s attempts to hold him back as Santi Cazorla delivered a corner. Arsenal controlled the half from there, getting into a quick passing rhythm and dominating possession.

West Brom resorted to long-range efforts, with midfielder James Morrison launching a shot after spotting Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny off his line in the first half, but the ball went well wide. Graham Dorrans’ shot came closer, forcing a reaction save from Szczesny in the 32nd minute.

West Brom still faced uncertainty over their Premier League status but would be out of danger if Norwich lost to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the late game on Sunday. Cardiff and Fulham have already been condemned to play in the Championship next season.

It was Arsenal’s final home game of the season, but the team still has one more match to play in north London – the FA Cup final against Hull at Wembley Stadium on May 17. A win for Arsenal would mean a first trophy in nine years after failing to win silverware since lifting the 2005 FA Cup.