Ian Kington/AFP/Getty ImagesHeated protests by West Brom players after Steven Reid was ruled to have fouled Arsenal's Santi Cazorla went unheeded

West Brom were defeated 2-0 by Arsenal Saturday at the Emirates thanks to two decidedly debatable penalty decisions. Despite those, it was the third below-par performance in a row from an Albion side who had previously been so impressive.

Let's start with the two key decisions - the first penalty was won by Santi Cazorla with one of the worst dives you're likely to see in the Premier League this season. Of course, West Brom were awarded a penalty at Sunderland where some claimed Liam Ridgewell dived, but this one was a lot worse. Steven Reid swung his leg at the ball, Cazorla cut inside him but there was a good yard between them as Cazorla collapsed to the ground in a heap.

-Penalties the difference for Arsenal

The second penalty was legitimate but it should not have got to that stage in the first place, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain clearly shoved Goran Popov down, which referee Mike Jones missed. Those decisions clearly had a big impact as both goals came from the penalty spot, but it was the third poor display in a row from West Brom.

Claudio Yacob's absence was noticeable more so than in the other games he has missed this season. Yacob's calmness on the ball is something that helps The Baggies retain possession, something they struggled with hugely against Arsenal, something you cannot do as they will continue to come at you if the ball is constantly given away. In addition, Albion did not break up the play nearly as well as when Yacob is in the team.

This is one area where I think West Brom have struggled in the past three defeats - there has been a lack of continuity in team selection for a variety of reasons and that seems to have unsettled the ebb and flow of the team. Ridgewell came back into the side but had to limp off after only five minutes, replaced by Goran Popov, which isn't a problem in itself. It's that the back four has been changed around the past few games which seem to disrupt things.

Yacob's absence could not be helped so Steve Clarke had his hands tied in that regard, playing James Morrison deeper alongside Youssuf Mulumbu has worked so far this season and there are very few other options in that position. What will be a bigger worry for Clarke is the form of captain Chris Brunt, who has really failed to produce all season.

Everyone knows the qualities of Brunt - he has a great set-piece delivery and is probably the best passer in the squad. Was that evident Saturday? Not really. Some of Brunt's free kicks were poor while he constantly gave the ball away - as mentioned, that is criminal against a side like Arsenal. While Zoltan Gera and Peter Odemwingie have both produced great performances or goals in the season, Brunt has not.

But at the moment there is no need to panic. West Brom still sit fifth in the Premier League and remain clear of the danger zone by a very comfortable margin. However, Clarke will be looking to end this losing run as soon as possible.

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