English FA Premiership/ West Brom 2 Arsenal 1: The blatherings of Sepp Blatter could not have met with a more eloquent response. Fifa's president had claimed that a West Brom official told him his club fielded weakened sides against leading Premiership clubs because they knew they were going to lose.

Having taken just one point from a possible 18 as they nose-dived into the familiar terrain of the relegation zone West Brom already had a strong argument against this allegation: they have been playing weak sides against everyone.

What happened on Saturday, though, was an even more convincing rebuttal as West Brom beat Arsenal here for the first time since February, 1973. Afterwards the Albion manager Bryan Robson, with a surge of anger deepening his already ruddy cheeks, said that Blatter did not know what was going on at his club.

Arsenal were technically the better side. But the sheer gusto of West Brom's football ultimately overwhelmed their depleted resources, even though their outstanding player was the goalkeeper Chris Kirkland. West Brom had conceded 14 goals in their previous six matches. And over the season they had let in more than any other side in the Premiership.

For most of the second half a draw, that ill wind that would have blown nobody any good, looked the most likely result. But then, with 15 minutes remaining, the substitute Darren Carter produced a wonderful left-footed strike into the top left corner.

Arsenal had taken the lead through Philippe Senderos, his first goal for the club, in the 17th minute. That had been neutralised 20 minutes later by the former Gunner Nwankwo Kanu. Thierry Henry might have scored a hat-trick here, for slick moves came from midfield. But the pace of Dennis Bergkamp - making his 400th appearance for the club - is in his mind, not his legs.

With Bergkamp and Jose Reyes both playing deep on occasions their attack had no leader. And their midfield, for all its cleverness, suffered from the same malaise. Like the slow melting of the polar ice cap the disintegration of Arsenal may not be realised until it is too late.

This is a club with a wonderful manager and a terrific recent record but Patrick Vieira has not been replaced and Henry's refusal to discuss a new contract until next year has cast a depression that cannot be dispelled even by the inventive football from their gifted youngsters.

Realistically, their Premiership challenge is over.

* Guardian Service