In my last article, I said that Spurs would beat us in the Carling Cup and suggested that the F A Cup would then represent our best chance of silverware. I suggested that the first ten games, rather than league games, would signal the likelihood of success this season The tenth game is now approaching: Chelsea away.

All football fans are entitled to criticise their team. The Arsenal fans were cheated on Saturday, in a game that was every bit as symptomatic of the Wenger regime at its worst as the fiasco at Wigan last season.

Tuesday’s 4 – 1 win at White Hart Lane was everything that this game was not. Arsenal showed dominance, class, but above all else sheer effort and will to win, ensuring the required result. Compare and contrast that with the attitude on Saturday. Arrogance, coupled with a total lack of effort garnered what it deserved - arguably, two goals more than it deserved. There could have been no complaint had Albion taken at least a 4 – 0 lead, approaching the final 20 minutes of the game.

Almunia saved the penalty, having conceded it in the first place. He was lucky to stay on the pitch. There was a sense, after Almunia’s redeeming save, that it would all be alright and that we would simply take our “right” to the points on offer. That illusion was cruelly shattered.

Bacary Sagna allowed Jerome Thomas to walk past him and create West Brom's first goal. Inexcusable. Almunia then proceeded to giftwrap the second. Beaten at his near post, negligence and incompetence personified. Gooners may recall Almunia’s cringeworthy first minute winner at Old Trafford, on his debut – this was every bit as bad. When Thomas scored the third, it seemed certain that the Baggies would score again.

I felt that the introduction of Vela for Koscielny would scupper any chances of a comeback. It is not the first time that Arsene Wenger has attempted to throw everything at a team which his players have underestimated; in chasing a game that was expected to be a formality. This time, it made Albion’s task even easier – having caught Arsenal on the break twice, the eventual winner came in similar fashion. In previous years, we have had players who were intelligent enough to improvise. I have not forgotten the magic between 1998 and 2005. Equally, I am living in 2010.

On 25 September 2010, West Brom continued to pick us off; demonstrating greater ability, heart and nous. The third goal killed the game. Nasri's two goals serving only to flatter us and momentarily, there seemed a chance of a travesty greater than the wages which Fabianski draws.

In his after match comments, Arsene Wenger had no option but to admit that we were collectively awful. Quite why he was mystified by this, I have no idea. Having failed to act on the obvious during the summer, he must now accept liability when his “goalkeepers” chuck one in. On Tuesday night, it didn’t matter. Such is the lot of the goalkeeper that there was no such reprieve today. When asked about Almunia, he refused to single him out for criticism.

I heard a rumour that Fabianski wouldn't warm up, when it was suggested that his supposed superior was injured. If true, that is amazing. It also means that he might play in Belgrade. Players are clearly permitted to have tantrums on matchday, yet Wenger keeps them well away from the fans who pay big money to support the team.

Clearly, Arsenal Football Club do not have a “right” to win games but this team played as if they did, all of them, apart from sub Jack Wilshere. I can think of no other top 20 Champions League club throughout Europe who would dare to turn out such a non–performance, home or away. Ask yourself: when did you last see Barcelona, Madrid, Manchester United, or Chelsea play in such a complacent manner?

Fans, who know that losing is part of football, expect a level of honest effort and professionalism. That was missing on Saturday and I blame the manager for that. On this occasion, rather than being upset in defeat, I am contemptuous. That is not to detract from Albion's win - they were far superior on the day and undoubtedly deserved their victory.

I may have been wrong in saying that the F A Cup was our most attainable pot this term. The Carling Cup is Arsenal's only chance of silverware now. A win at Newcastle is essential. If Wenger chucks that game, he will regret it.