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Nigerian forward Osaze Odemwingie was in inspirational form for West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, leading the Baggies
to a remarkable 3-2 victory over Arsenal and he believes the win will
spark a new-found belief within the squad.

The former
Lokomotiv Moscow player, who took his tally to four goals in five games
with the opener in the first Baggies league win on Gunners soil since
December 1983, insists Albion’s Carling Cup exploits spurred on Roberto
Di Matteo’s starting eleven in their famous win at the Emirates Stadium.

“I think taking
three points at the Emirates will make us believe more that in every
away game – even against the big teams – it is possible to come away
with three points,” Odemwingie told the official website of the Albions.

Odemwingie had won
a penalty, which was missed by Chris Brunt, before going on to open the
scoring for the Baggies five minutes into the second half. He later set
up Gonzalo Jara to score a totally unexpected second two minutes after
the restart.

Jerome Thomas made it three with 17 minutes to go before the home side grabbed two late goals through Samir Nasri.

Two over the big guns

It was the second
big win for the side managed by former Italian international Roberto Di
Matteo in a week and Odemwingie admitted the players who made the
starting line-up against the Gunners knew they had to perform, with the
members of the cup team that beat Manchester City 2-1 last Wednesday
staking strong claims to step into their boots.

“There is a lot of competition for places, which is why every player played with a lot of desire,” he said.

“On Wednesday we won at home against Manchester City in the cup with those players who haven’t had much game time.

“That played a big
role for today (Saturday) because we all gave our best,” added
Odemwingie, who committed the highest number of fouls – four – in
Saturday’s game.

Four on the trot

Four is also the
number of games West Brom have now gone unbeaten since their lone goal
defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. Since that August 29 loss to the Reds,
the Baggies have drawn 1-1 with Tottenham, and won three straight
games; against Birmingham (3-1), Manchester City (2-1) and Arsenal
(3-2).

Little wonder the Nigerian international insists confidence is on the rise within the Baggies’ dressing room.

“Our confidence is growing because we have played four good games in a row, which is keeping us high so far,” Odemwingie said.

“I think we chose
the right tactics today (Saturday) to press Arsenal high up the pitch
and not let Arsenal build up from the back. “In the first half we had
the better chances and we missed a penalty.

“Scoring three goals makes it a deserved win,” concluded Odemwingie.