Arsenal picked up a much-needed win on Sunday – and one former Gunner was left bitterly disappointed.
Mikel Arteta needed a victory after crashing out of the Europa League in the semi-finals on Thursday night, and he grabbed a 3-1 win over West Bromwich Albion.
Emile Smith Rowe, Nicolas Pepe and Willian were on the scoresheet for the Gunners, with Matheus Pereira’s superb solo goal little more than consolation in the end.
The defeat seals West Brom’s fate as they once again head back to the Championship, even though Kyle Bartley thought Arsenal might crumble.
The Daily Star report that, with West Brom 2-0 down, Bartley shouted ‘Come on, one goal and they’ll s*** themselves!”.
Pereira did grab a goal, which may have given Bartley hope of coming back to beat Arsenal, who could have been pretty fragile after their Europa League exit.
Instead, Arsenal stood firm and sealed the win with Willian’s free kick, meaning Bartley’s prediction didn’t come true and West Brom ended the night relegated.
Bartley, now 29, joined Arsenal from Bolton Wanderers in 2007, spending five years with the Gunners before leaving for Swansea City.
The defender only ever made one appearance for Arsenal, and clearly showed that his loyalties don’t lie with the Gunners in any way with last night’s shouts.
Arsenal at least didn’t crumble and didn’t allow Bartley to be proven right, and can move on with three points in the bag.
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