Fletcher adamant Albion will respond

Many players would be deflated by a late defeat at Arsenal, but West Brom’s Darren Fletcher insists West Brom are extra motivated to put things right quickly.

Olivier Giroud’s 86th-minute header broke the Baggies’ resistance after they kept the Gunners at bay on Boxing Day and had looked set to claim a point.

Albion have lost three of their last four and face Southampton on New Year’s Eve, as boss Tony Pulis looks to cement his team’s place in the top half of the table.

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Although Fletcher conceded the team were frustrated by the defeat, he admitted they had enjoyed a good start to the season.

“Our season is not going to be defined by games against the likes of Arsenal,” he said. “They are bonus points if you can pick them up.

“There was devastation in the dressing room after that late goal but I’m sure we will pick (ourselves) up quickly. We are tight group.

“We’ve had a good season so far, we’re in a good position to kick on after one more game when we will have played everyone.”