Albion’s PL2 side cemented their place at the top of Group A with a third consecutive Premier League Cup triumph over Arsenal on Thursday night.
Some lethal finishing saw the Baggies storm into a 4-0 lead courtesy of strikes from Tom Fellows, Reyes Cleary, Rayhaan Tulloch and Kevin Joshua. But not even a late consolation from Gunners attacker Khayhon Edwards could take the shine off an impressive display from Richard Beale’s side.
There was an open feel to the game with Arsenal looking to pass their way out from the back and Albion showing their usual high-tempo style to proceedings. But it was clear to see which approach benefitted most after less than five minutes when a neat one-two saw Cleary put the ball on a plate for Fellows to open the scoring for the visitors.
Cleary was rewarded for his creativity just minutes later, this time lashing in a lay-off from Tulloch before the latter also got in on the act to make it 3-0 as the Baggies took a commanding lead in at half-time.
The second 45 brought more fight out of the hosts, but Albion capitalised on their physicality when towering defender Joshua nodded in a fourth following a set-piece to take the game out of sight.
And although Arsenal striker Edwards squeezed in a late goal to deny Joshua and his team-mates a clean sheet, they couldn’t prevent Beale’s men taking maximum points from their opening three PL Cup group-stage games.
Speaking post-match, goalscorer Tom Fellows said:
"The early goal gave us momentum which helped set the tone for the game.
"You're battling for three points in these games and with the style we play, I think we can go far and we want to go on and test ourselves against the best teams in this competition.
"I played 45 minutes in the last game and 75 minutes this evening, so I'm just looking to keep building on that in the next matches. It's been great training with the first team and taking first-hand information onboard from the gaffer.
"Playing with them has helped me take important lessons into matches with the 23s and I'm confident that once my fitness gets there, my performances will keep getting better too."
Albion: Palmer; Ingram, Joshua, Ashworth; Fellows (Hall 75), Teixeira, Andrews, Shaw; Cleary, Soule (Heard 69), Tulloch (Windsor 46).
Substitutes: Chisholm, M. Richards.
