Arsene Wenger and Robin van Persie
Arsene Wenger and Robin van Persie have led Arsenal into the Champions League once more. Reuters

Arsenal survived a massive scare Sunday before clinching third-place in the Premier League and Champions League qualification for next season after a 3-2 win at West Brom.

An early goal from Yossi Bennayoun was cancelled out by a strike frim Shane Long, before Graham Dorrans put the home side in front. But goals from Andre Santos and Laurent Koscielny saw Arsenal get a dramatic win.

Things looked to be heading Arsenal's way when they took the lead just four minutes in. A through ball from Robin van Persie should have been intercepted comfortably, but reserve goalkeeper Marton Fulop made a hash of it, allowing Yossi Benayoun to sneak in and finish into an empty net.

But the advantage did not last long as West Brom got back on level terms just six minutes later. There was a heavy suspicion of offside as James Morrison played Shane Long through to expose a huge gap in the visitors' defense. But with no flag raised Long struck a first-time side-footed effort low past Wojciech Szczesny from the edge of the area.

But Arsenal could have no complaints about West Brom's second goal. After a simple chipped ball forward, Graham Dorrans was allowed time to head the ball with no great control and still get to it first before unleashing a low bouncing shot past Szczesny.

But refusing to lie down in the battle for Champions League qualification, Arsenal got back into it on the half-hour mark. Andre Santos made a typical burst forward from left-back and hit a rasping drive that beat Fulop at his near post when the keeper really should have done better.

And that was the end of the scoring as Arsenal, despite a terrible start to the season and poor results in the last few weeks, claimed their place in the Champions League for the 15th consecutive season.

W.B.A VS Arsenal 2-3 Highlights.

by WinningFT