Arsenal see off Norwich with brilliant attacking display

Arsenal put in a breath taking attacking display as they beat Norwich 4-1 in their first match after the international break. Wilshere and Ramsey scored once more whilst Mesut Ozil netted twice to seal a comfortable victory at the Emirates. The win sent the Gunners 2 points clear at the top of the Premier League. The performance displayed real intent and perhaps showed that Arsenal should be up there come the end of the season. In terms of the line-up there were 2 changes from the side that beat West Brom before the break. Sagna replaced Jenkinson and there was a welcome return for Santi Cazorla as he came in for the rested Ramsey who was on the bench.

Ozil and Ramsey ran the show as Arsenal beat Norwich

Arsenal's first goal came from Jack Wilshere and what a goal it was. The Englishman has taken some stick this season for his performance as mentioned in my last match report but he has now scored 2 goals in successive games for the first time in his career. The goal though really had to be seen to be believed. Jack Wilshere gathered the ball just outside his own box and then picked out Gibbs. He then played it to Cazorla down the line. He played a one-two with Wilshere before playing another one with Giroud which combined 3 lovely flicks before the midfielder casually slotted past Ruddy.

Arsenal were to dominate most of the possession in the first half but when Flamini had to go off with concussion the Gunners lost their fluidity a bit, despite the in form Aaron Ramsey coming on. Ramsey was to put in a fantastic display and it was probably just as well he did actually come on. Everything happens for a reason right? The Welshman was presented with the ball just inside the area, he was to then dance past 2 players, leaving 3 Norwich players on the floor before poking the ball under Ruddy for his ninth goal of the campaign! Ramsey was to go close on two more occasions but Ruddy was equal to them.

The other two goals were scored by marquee signing Mesut Ozil as he grabbed his first 2 league goals. They were also both well worked goals. The German's first was a header, the first of his career. Ozil was brought to provide Giroud with crosses but it was role reversal as the Frenchman played in a lovely ball for Arsenal's number 11 to glance home. His second was well worked play once more. Rosicky crossed for Ramsey at the back post and then he cut it back for Ozil who couldn't miss. It was a near perfect afternoon for a man that has looked right at home since his move from Real Madrid. I've said this before, but how they could let a player of his quality leave is beyond me. Arsenal's talisman now has 3 goals and 4 assist in his seven games in the red and white. 

Wenger's subs all had an impact and a lot of credit for the performance has to be given to him. Ramsey did brilliantly when he came on, albeit he was a forced sub, but Rosicky did well, crossing for Ozil's second as mentioned whilst Nicklas Bendtner even turned in a cameo performance. He sprung the finger tips of Ruddy on one occasion and then played a part in the fourth goal.

In terms of the goal we conceded it was a little sloppy but nothing to get too worried about. A routine cross was sliced horribly by Per Mertesacker, a rare error from him and then Howson seized on the chance as he fired past Szczesny from 18 yards out. All in all there is a lot to be positive about. The recent AGM showed that Arsenal are a club with ambition and are looking to spend and win trophies. Shouldn't that be the case every season though? Despite wanting that it's something that we haven't really competed with throughout the last 8 years.

Dortmund is our next game in midweek and they should provide us with our sternest test yet as we look to extend our lead at the top of the supposed 'Group of Death' in this seasons Champions League.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Flamini(38), Ozil, Wilshere, Cazorla(59), Giroud(78). 
Subs: Fabianski, Monreal, Jenkinson, Ramsey(38), Rosicky(59), Bendtner(78). 

Norwich: Ruddy, Martin, Turner, Bassong, Olsson, Tettey(78), Snodgrass, Howson, Fer, Pilkington(71), Hooper.
Subs: Bunn, Whittaker, Bennett,  Johnson, Hoolahan(78), Redmond(71), Becchio.

My man of the match: Mesut Ozil

Referee: Lee Probert
Attendance: 60,009