A very tense game at the Emirates where a late flurry of goals and a helping hand from a linesman sees Arsenal rise to third in the table in the race for Champions League qualification.
Arsene Wenger deserves credit for his substitutions today as they came on to make the difference. The score line may be flattering but the three points is all that matters at this stage of the season.
Lukasz Fabianski – 7 – Another solid performance in goal with an excellent save just after Arsenal’s second goal to keep the score at 2-1. Could do nothing for the Norwich goal.
Bacary Sagna – 7 – Unlucky to be substituted. Was Arsenal’s best attacking threat in the first half often combining with Gervinho on the right hand side. Set up Giroud’s chance that hit the crossbar after 22 minutes. Kept Norwich’s best attacking threat Snodgrass quiet.
Thomas Vermaelen – 6 – Little to do on return to the starting eleven. He seemed to want to get back to the basics of defending offering little in the way of forward running.
Laurent Koscielny – 6 – Had very little to do in this game. Lost Turner for the goal with some poor marking. He looks more comfortable playing alongside Per Mertesacker this season.
Kieran Gibbs – 6 – Struggled at times to deal with Kamara in the air winning just 22% of his aerial duels on the day. Did manage to get behind the Norwich defence one in the first half and created a good chance again on the 54th minute for Giroud. Gave away the foul for the goal.
Aaron Ramsey – 7 – The busiest of Arsenal’s midfield players making the most tackles in the match, 6. Starting to build a solid partnership with Arteta as a midfield pairing.
Mikel Arteta – 7 – Gave a composed display as the most defensive midfield player without having a major impact on the game. Was yet again Arsenal’s most accurate passer at 95% and had the most touches of any player on the pitch, 117. Took his penalty well to cap off another solid performance.
Jack Wilshere – 5 – Looked rusty playing in an advanced attacking role on his return to the team from injury and was subbed after 60 minutes.
Santi Cazorla – 6 – Didn’t look too comfortable operating on the left hand side. Drifted in and out of the game but showed signs of class with some nice touches and a shot from range in the first half.
Gervinho – 6 – A typical Gervinho performance. He seems to become baffled when given more than one option in dangerous areas. Looked lively in the first half combining with Sagna and had Arsenal’s best chance on 29 minutes when sent through on goal but a heavy touch round Bunn left the angle too tight to finish. His recent good form was not continued today and was subbed after the hour mark after a frustrating day.
Olivier Giroud – 7 – Won the penalty for the equaliser and scored Arsenal’s second. Hit the crossbar in the first half from Sagna’s cross. He was a threat in the air winning 4 aerial duels but a lot of his touches and hold up play wasn’t coming off. However, but the Frenchman never hides away and was rewarded for his persistence having the most shots in the Arsenal team, 5, with his goal.
Substitutes
Theo Walcott - 6 – Gave the crowd a much needed lift injecting pace into the game. Had a penalty appeal turned down shortly after coming on. His introduction opened the game out for Arsenal and allowed players such as Cazorla more space and time in the midfield areas.
Lukasz Podolski – 7 – Played a part in Arsenal’s last two goals combining with Oxlade-Chamberlain in a fantastic one-two and taking the third with an excellent finish on a day where Arsenal needed a clinical player.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7 – Provided the excellent assist for Giroud’s goal combing brilliantly with Podolski. Showed great power and pace and finishing it off with the key pass for the goal.
It seemed as though Arsenal would yet again be punished for failing to capitalise on early pressure and then going one nil down at home. However, the crowd stuck with them today and Wenger’s substitutes really made the difference when it mattered to pick up the three points.
That is now four straight Premier League victories and Arsenal will be going into the next home game against Everton with key players back from injury, great momentum and confidence.
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