Barclays Premier League

FULL TIME SUMMARY

Arsenal wrapped up a third place Premier League finish and guaranteed Champions League football for next season with a 3-2 win over West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns. The Gunners got off to a dream start, taking the lead within four minutes as Yossi Benayoun capitalised on a Marton Fulop error. However, within ten minutes the Gunners found themselves trailing as Shane Long equalised – from what appeared to be an offside position – in the 11th minute before Graham Dorrans lashed home on the quarter hour mark. The visitors regrouped, however, and levelled matters in the 30th minute as Andre Dos Santos smashed the ball into the net via the palms of the hapless Fulop. Arsenal retook the lead after the interval, as Laurent Koscielny took advantage of another error from the Albion goalkeeper to poke home from a Van Persie corner. West Brom rallied late on, determined to avoid defeat in Roy Hodgson's final game in charge, but Kieran Gibbs made a crucial injury time challenge to deny Billy Jones and secure a vital three points. Final Score: West Bromwich Albion 2, Arsenal 3.

INTO EUROPE

Arsenal hang on to win the match and wrap up third place in the Premier League and a spot in the Champions League group stages. West Brom more than played their part in a hugely entertaining encounter, and will consider themselves unfortunate not to take a point from the match.

FULL TIME

West Bromwich Albion 2, Arsenal 3.

VITAL CHALLENGE

Kieran Gibbs makes a vital last-ditch challenge to deny Billy Jones. These are nervy moments for Arsenal.

OVER THE TOP

Robin Van Persie, of all people, fluffs the chance to seal it for the Gunners, latching on to Alex Song's through ball before clipping his shot over the crossbar.

INTO ADDED TIME

There are groans from the away end as the fourth official raises his board; there will be five minutes of added time at the end of the match.

OLSSON EFFORT

The Baggies go close from a free kick, as Olsson meets Odemwingie's delivery with a firm header. Fortunately for the Gunners, the defender's effort is straight at Wojciech Szczesny.

TOO MUCH ON IT

Odemwingie and Fortune link up nicely, before the Albion centre-forward miscontrols and hooks an attempted cross clear of his teammates.

BUNDLED AWAY

Peter Odemwingie's introduction appears to have given the hosts new impetus as they search for an equaliser. The forward bursts into the penalty area before chipping a ball towards the far-post, where the Arsenal defence hack clear.

CORNER - ARSENAL

Marton Fulop makes a good take from a dangerous-looking Walcott corner.

ELSEWHERE...

It's now 3-1 at Goodison Park, Johnny Heitinga restoring Everton's two goal advantage after the Magpies had pulled one back through a Tony Hibbert own goal.

SUBSTITUTION

The fizz has really gone out of this game in the last ten minutes or so, as the Gunners look to sit on their lead and substitutions and stoppages interrupt the play. Aaron Ramsey replaces Andre Santos for the visitors.

SUBSTITUTION

Paul Scharner comes on to make his final Albion appearance, replacing Graham Dorrans. The departing midfielder receives a big ovation from the home supporters.

CORNER - WEST BROM

Graham Dorrans's corner drops to Jonas Olsson, but the centre-back's effort is cleared by Carl Jenkinson.

SUBSTITUTION

Peter Odemwingie is on for West Brom, replacing Simon Cox. Marc-Antoine Fortune moves out wide, as Roy Hodgson attempts to capitalise on his striker's size advantage against Kieran Gibbs.

CORNER - ARSENAL

Liam Ridgewell clears from Van Persie's flag kick.

DEFLECTED WIDE

Alex Song's effort spins wide of the Albion net, deflecting behind off Jonas Olsson. The Gunners have a corner...

ANDREWS EFFORT

Keith Andrews turns neatly before shooting from around 25 yards. Wojciech Szczesny gets behind it to punch the ball clear.

SUBSTITUTION

Another Arsenal switch, as Kieran Gibbs replaces Gervinho.

ELSEWHERE...

Spurs have doubled their lead against Fulham, Jermain Defoe scoring at White Hart Lane. Newcastle still trail Everton 2-0 so, as things stand, Arsenal will finish third ahead of their North London rivals.

CORNER - WEST BROM

Three more corners in quick succession for the Baggies, all delivered by Dorrans. The first is cleared behind by Benayoun, the second is bundled away by Koscielny. The Scotsman plays the third short, before the Gunners finally clear their lines.

OFF THE LINE

The Baggies almost equalise from Graham Dorrans's corner, as Olsson's header is nodded off the line by Robin Van Persie. Looks like we could be in for a thriller of a finish at the Hawthorns.

COX CROSS

West Brom aren't out of this one, make nop mistake. Simon Cox whips a ball into the Arsenal box, forcing Laurent Koscielny to head behind.

HAVING A 'MARE

You have to feel for Marton Fulop, who has had an absolute nightmare between the sticks for the Albion. You could argue that Jonas Olsson was partially at fault for the Arsenal third, getting in the way of his goalkeeper, but the former Spurs stopper really should have made a better contact with Van Persie's corner.

GOAL - KOSCIELNY

Another Fulop error hands Arsenal the lead! The hapless Albion 'keeper makes a right mess of dealing with Van Persie's corner, only succeeding in palming the ball to LAURENT KOSCIELNY, who prods into the gaping net. West Bromwich Albion 2, Arsenal 3.

ACROSS THE FACE!

Albion almost take advantage of another dodgy looking offside call, as Simon Cox tears after the ball before hooking a cross through the six yard box. Marc-Antoine Fortune hurls himself goalwards, but is unable to make the vital touch.

FORTUNE ATTEMPT

A Marc-Antoine Fortune shot is well saved by Wojciech Szczesny. This game really could go either way.

SUBSTITUTION

Keith Andrews jogs on to replace the departed Morrison.

DOS SANTOS EFFORT

Andre Dos Santos cuts in from the left before smashing an effort wide of Marton Fulop's net. The Arsenal left-back is certainly not afraid to pull the trigger when he has the opportunity.

INJURY WORRY

James Morrison limps off after what appeared to be a fairly innocuous looking challenge from Jenkinson. That's a blow for the Baggies, as the midfielder's range of passing caused Arsenal no end of problems during the first half.

CORNER - ARSENAL

The visitors win the first corner of the second half, which is delivered by Robin Van Persie. The ball flashes across the face of the Albion goal, before the Gunners chip it back into the danger area. A foul by Carl Jenkinson finally alleviates the pressure on the West Brom defence.

KICK OFF - SECOND HALF

We're back playing at the Hawthorns. Arsenal have made a half time switch, with Theo Walcott coming on for Tomas Rosicky.

ELSEWHERE...

Tottenham have a 1-0 lead over Fulham at White Hart Lane at half time, whilst Newcastle are two down against Everton. As things stand, Spurs would take third spot and the final automatic qualification spot for the Champions League, whilst the Gunners would be left sweating on Bayern Munich beating Chelsea in this season's European Cup Final.

HALF TIME SUMMARY

Honours are even at the interval at the Hawthorns, after a barnstormer of a first half between West Brom and Arsenal. Yossi Benayoun gave the Gunners an early lead, capitalising on a fumble from Albion 'keeper Marton Fulop, before Shane Long equalised in the 11th minute as the linesman failed to flag the Ireland international offside. The Gunners looked to be in trouble when Graham Dorrans lashed a shot past Wojciech Szczesny on the quarter hour mark, but Andre Dos Santos levelled matters in the 30th minute with a firm strike from 25 yards. You sense there are plenty more twists and turns left in this one - stay right here for full second half coverage.

HALF TIME

West Bromwich Albion 2, Arsenal 2.

GERVINHO EFFORT

Arsenal almost take the lead in the second minute of first half stoppage time, as Gervinho drives a shot into the sidenetting.

CORNER - WEST BROM

A pair of Albion corners are swung in by Graham Dorrans; the first is cleared by Laurent Koscielny, the second is gathered by Wojciech Szczesny.

ARSENAL PRESSURE

The Gunners continue to knock the ball around in the Albion half, but the Baggies defence are looking relatively secure. Will there be another twist before half time?

HOLLYWOOD BALL

James Morrison, who has been fantastic during this opening period, splits the Arsenal defence with yet another glorious raking pass. Marc Fortune picks up the ball, but is eventually muscled out of possession by Andre Dos Santos.

BOOKING

The Albion faithful are on their feet, incensed, as Van Persie catches Gareth McAuley with an ugly-looking challenge. The home crowd are baying for a red card, but referee Mike Jones decides that a caution will suffice for the Arsenal captain.

FREE KICK

Another free kick for Arsenal and Van Persie, who this time elects to chip an inviting ball into the Albion penalty area. None of the Dutchman's teammates get near the cross, however, and the Baggies survive unscathed.

SONG EFFORT

Another chance for the Gunners, as Alex Song breaks into the penalty area before firing off a weak shot which is gobbled up by Fulop. Perhaps that will settle the nerves of the Baggies 'keeper, who was at fault for Benayoun's opener and perhaps could have done better with Dos Santos's equaliser.

WHAT A START

With four goals in less than 30 minutes, this has been cracking entertainment for the neutral. Arsene Wenger is unlikely to have enjoyed the opening half an hour in quite the same way, although the Frenchman will no doubt be pleased to see how his side have responded to that quickfire West Brom double.

GOAL - DOS SANTOS

Arsenal are back on terms, as ANDRE DOS SANTOS smashes the ball past a nervy-looking Fulop. Alex Song picked up possesion in the Albion half before feeding the full-back, who strode towards the Albion box and lashed his effort into the net, via the palm of the goalkeeper and the inside of the post. West Bromwich Albion 2, Arsenal 2.

FREE KICK

Arsenal win a free kick right on the edge of the area, as RVP is upended by McCauley. Van Persie and Thomas Vermaelen both stand over the ball, before the Dutchman blasts a shot into the Albion defensive wall.

BLOCKED!

Another great block from McCauley, denying Benayoun inside the West Brom penalty area.

CHARGED DOWN

Another glimpse of goal for the Gunners, as Robin Van Persie's shot is blocked by the body of Gareth McAuley. The visitors are seeing more of the ball, but West Brom look lethal on the break; the Arsenal defence are really struggling to deal with James Morrison's long passes into the channels.

ELSEWHERE...

Some better news for the Gunners; Everton have taken the lead against Newcastle. As things stand, Arsenal would finish fourth in the Premier League table.

OVER THE TOP

Arsene Wenger is back in his technical area, desperately gesticulating at his players. Yossi Benayoun tries his luck for the Gunners, but the Israeli's volley flies clear of Marton Fulop's crossbar.

RAISING THE ROOF

The Baggies fans are really enjoying this, as a deafening chorus of "One Roy Hodgson" rings around the Hawthorns. The high spirits aren't reflected in the away end, unsurprisingly.

GOAL - DORRANS

Well, we've certainly got a game on our hands now! West Brom take the lead, taking advantage of more sloppy defending from the visitors, as a fine ball from Morrison breaks to GRAHAM DORRANS, who lashes a super half volley into the Arsenal net. West Bromwich Albion 2, Arsenal 1.

NOT HAPPY

Arsene Wenger is irate on the touchline, remonstrating with the fourth official. While that did look to be shocker from the officials, it shouldn't completely disguise the fact that the Gunners' defence were caught napping by Morrison's pass.

GOAL - LONG

Controversy at the Hawthorns, as the hosts level matters. James Morrison threads a ball into the path of SHANE LONG, who looks a good yard offside. The linesman's flag stays down, however, allowing the former Reading striker to roll the ball past a helpless Wojciech Szczesny. West Bromwich Albion 1, Arsenal 1.

CORNER - WEST BROM

A nervy moment for the Gunners, as Gareth McAuley is denied by Thomas Vermaelen from another Dorrans corner. The hosts have reacted well to that early Benayoun goal.

CORNER - ARSENAL

Arsenal win their first corner of the afternoon, Robin Van Persie swinging the ball into the Albion penalty area. Jonas Olsson clears for the home side.

ELSEWHERE...

Spurs have taken the lead at White Hart Lane, Emmanuel Adebayor opening the scoring against Fulham.

FORTUNE EFFORT

The Baggies attempt to reply immediately, Marc-Antoine Fortune forcing Wojciech Szczesny into a smart save at the near-post. The Gunners survive unscathed from the subsequent corner kick, delivered by Graham Dorrans.

GOAL - BENAYOUN

A dream start for the Gunners, as the visitors capitalise on an error from Marton Fulop. YOSSI BENAYOUN's persistence is rewarded, the Israeli international chasing down a loose ball and pouncing as the West Brom 'keeper makes a terrible misjudgement on the edge of his area. The on-loan midfielder strokes the ball into an unguarded net, and Arsenal have one foot in the Champions League group stages. West Bromwich Albion 0, Arsenal 1.

KICK OFF

We're underway at the Hawthorns.

SAYING GOODBYE

It's not just Roy Hodgson who will be bidding farewell to his club this afternoon. Baggies midfielder Paul Scharner, who starts on the bench, will also be leaving the Hawthorns after being informed in the week that his contract will not be renewed. Arsenal fans, meanwhile, will have a chance to say goodbye to assistant manager Pat Rice, who is retiring after 16 years in the Gunners dugout.

TEAM NEWS

Roy Hodgson's final Albion starting XI shows three changes to the side that began the 2-2 draw at Bolton. Marton Fulop starts in goal in place of Ben Foster, who picked up an injury in training, whilst Simon Cox and James Morrison are picked in midfield with Keith Andrews on the bench and Chris Brunt absent. Peter Odemwingie is named amongst the Baggies substitutes. Arsene Wenger also makes three changes from the draw with Norwich, with Francis Coquelin, Andre Santos and Carl Jenkinson coming in for Bacary Sagna, Kieran Gibbs and Aaron Ramsey.

FULL LINE-UP - ARSENAL

Szczesny, Jenkinson, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Andre Santos, Rosicky, Song, Coquelin, Benayoun, Gervinho, Van Persie. Subs: Fabianski, Djourou, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Gibbs, Chamakh.

FULL LINE-UP - WEST BROMWICH ALBION

Fulop, Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell; Cox, Morrison, Mulumbu, Dorrans; Long, Fortune. Subs: Daniels, Hurst, Scharner, Odemwingie, Shorey, Dawson, Andrews.

REF WATCH

Mike Jones, from Cheshire, will oversee events at the Hawthorns this afternoon. The 44-year old referee, who was the fourth official at the FA Cup Final last weekend, has shown six Premier League red cards during the 2011-12 season.

SQUAD NEWS

West Brom will be without club captain Chris Brunt, who is unavailable after having his tonsils removed. Jerome Thomas is suffering from a virus and is unlikely to feature for the home side, although Peter Odemwingie may play some part after recovering from a hamstring problem to train on Friday. Theo Walcott faces a late fitness test after making a faster than expected recovery from his hamstring injury, whilst Wojciech Szczesny should overcome a back problem to start in goal for the Gunners.

RECORD BREAKER?

Robin Van Persie, who netted his 29th and 30th league goals of the season against Norwich last weekend, has the chance to put his name into the record books this afternoon. The prolific Dutchman has now equalled Thierry Henry's club record for a Premier League season, set in 2003-04, and is now just one goal short of equalling the all-time Premier League benchmark for a 38 game season, currently jointly held by Alan Shearer (for Blackburn, in 1995-96) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United, 2007-08).

THE REVERSE FIXTURE

Arsenal eased to a 3-0 win when these sides last met at the Emirates back in November. As has been the case so often this season, Robin Van Persie was the key man for the Gunners, opening the scoring for the home side in the 22nd minute and setting up a second for Thomas Vermaelen just before the break. Mikel Arteta sealed the victory in the second half, curling an effort beyond Ben Foster quarter of an hour from time.

PREVIEW

Prepare for final day drama at the Hawthorns this afternoon, as Champions League chasing Arsenal take on West Bromwich Albion in Roy Hodgson's final game in charge of the Baggies. The equation is clear for the Gunners; a win and three points will wrap up third spot in the Premier League and secure automatic qualification for next season's European Cup. However, a draw would hand Spurs an opportunity to snatch third place, meaning that Arsene Wenger's men would be left to rely on their goal difference and Bayern Munich to salvage a spot in the Champions League qualifiers. Defeat could spell disaster (and Europa League football), with Newcastle lurking just two points back in fifth place. The stakes are not quite so high for the Baggies, who look set to end up 10th in the Premier League, their best finish since 1981. However, the Albion players will no doubt relish the chance to cause an upset and give their manager a fitting send-off as he says goodbye to the Hawthorns and turns his attentions to England's Euro 2012 campaign. The game kicks off at 1500BST; join us for all the team news and build-up from 1415BST.