Spurs drawing against Everton means that for the first time in the run-in, it is in Arsenal’s hands where they finish. Currently 2 points behind them, with a game in hand, means that we have the potential to go one point ahead of them and stay in fourth for more than 24 hours. Their hilarious loss in the Europa league means that they will no longer have more matches to tire them out. Arsenal need to not screw this up.
Previous meetings
This game has been frustrating in the past, to say the least. The reverse fixture this season came at a time where Arsenal were seriously struggling, resulting in a match that saw Arsenal undone by a Grant Holt tap in from a shot parried by Vito Mannone in the 19th minute.
Grant Holt’s goal was one that helped secure Arsenal’s worst start in at least a gazillion years (well 18, but might as well have been a gazillion). Considering the start to the last campaign, even the worst start in 12 months was something impressively embarrassing.
The home game last season caused Arsenal frustration again, this time with a 3-3 draw at the worst possible time of the season. Just as we were set to finish the season on a high, keeping up the (relatively) good form, we decided to squander a two separate leads against the Canaries, to give Spurs a fighting chance. Thankfully we (assisted by Fullop) did all that was needed in the end of the season.
The away game last season saw us come out victorious after a Van Persie brace. Less said about him the better.
Form going into the game
The spurs game aside, Arsenal could not be in better form going into this game. A slightly shaky, but still valid, 3 points against West Brom meant that Arsenal have won 6 of their last 7 games and taken 18 of the 21 available points.
Norwich meanwhile have 7 points from their last 7 games, including draws against Fulham, Swansea, Sunderland and Southampton, while beating Everton and being trounced by United. They have won only 1 of their last 15 matches.
Home/ Away results
Norwich have won only one game away from home this season (Swansea in December), out of 16 attempts, notching up 7 draws and 8 losses. This gives an average of 0.625 points per away game. They also have the worst goal difference away from home in the league this season, at -20. They have conceded four or more goals 5 times this season.
Arsenal have won 9 of their 15 home games this season, drawing 3 and losing the other three, with an average points of 2 points per game, and a goal difference at home of +19. Arsenal have scored four or more goals six times in the league this season.
No Norwich player has scored more than 5 goals in the league this season, Arsenal have four players with 5+ goals.
Arsenal should be looking to notch up a few goals against this relegation battling side. 3 points is, however, far from just being a formality.
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