Arsenal end league season with win over Norwich

Fourth place and 79 points. That's what we've achieved in the League this season. It's certainly a Premier League season that could've been. Manchester City were victorious but led the pack for the least amount of days out of this season's top four. Arsenal on the other hand, spent the most time at the top. We still have the FA Cup final to come next weekend which will hopefully bring success. The Norwich game was a great way to end the league this campaign. Aaron Ramsey ended it the same way he started it whilst Carl Jenkinson also grabbed a goal. It was a convincing performance and we played really well against an all but relegated Norwich side at the time. The team line-up brought about many changes as Cazorla and Mertesacker weren't in the squad and were rested. Fabianski started for the first time in the league in 2013/14 whilst Sagna started at centre back.

Ramsey and Jenkinson were on the score-sheet as Arsenal beat Norwich

It was a game of little significance for Arsenal as we had already secured fourth place. Previous final days have seen us needing a win in order to get Champions League football. There was no drama on Sunday though as we ran out comfortable victors against a Norwich side with little fight left in them. The first half was a slow affair but end to end. Giroud and Podolski both could have put us a goal ahead but Ruddy was having an outstanding game. Aaron Ramsey's goal was one Ruddy couldn't keep out though. Giroud dinked the ball towards the back post in which the Welshman unleashed a sumptuous volley right into the top corner. It was Ramsey's tenth league goal of a breakthrough campaign.

Carl Jenkinson notched Arsenal's second goal and it was the young full-backs first goal for the club. I'm sure everyone involved with the club was delighted for him. He celebrated like it was a last minute strike of great importance but can you blame him really? If it was an audition for the likely departure of Bacary Sagna it was a very good one. He looked fairly solid down the right hand side and got up and down the pitch well.

Bacary Sagna, who does indeed look set to leave in the summer will be a huge loss. Despite two leg breaks in recent years he's been one of our most consistent players. It'll be incredibly difficult to find a right back as committed as Sagna, who in 2013/14 has proved himself to be very versatile at times. He's played at left back and in this game had a brilliant game at centre back which I thought merited him the man of the match award.

Jack Wilshere made his return after a couple of months out whilst Abou Diaby also made his return to first team action for the first time in 13 months. Both of them coming on in the second half was extremely encouraging and both looked comfortable on the ball. They've been two of the most injury prone players and it'll be key that they remain fit next season.

It was interesting to see that Wenger went with Fabianski instead of Szczesny for the final league game. That could've been his final game for the club as who starts in the final next week remains to be seen. I won't complain either way because both have been outstanding this season. Fabianski deserves it because of his role in the Cup this season but Szczesny is our number one.

Anyway, lets hope that 2014/15 brings us better fortunes in the league and we can mount a title challenge until the very end. First, the FA Cup final awaits!

The teams line-ups:

Norwich: Ruddy, Martin, Turner, Bennett, Olsson, Redmond(75), Tettey(58), Johnson, Snodgrass, Howson, Elmander(58).
Subs: Bunn, Whittaker, Bennett(75), Fer, Murphy, Loza(58), Hooper(58). 

Arsenal: Fabianski, Jenkinson, Sagna, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Ramsey(63), Rosicky(74), Ozil, Podolski, Giroud(74).
Subs: Szczesny, Monreal, Flamini, Kallstrom, Wilshere(63), Diaby(74), Sanogo(74). 

My man of the match: Bacary Sagna. 

Referee: Lee Mason
Attendance: 26,848.    

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

Arsenal come from behind to regain top four spot

Arsenal put in a spirited comeback on Saturday night as they came from behind to beat Norwich 3-1 at the Emirates. The match had all the signs to suggest that it wasn't going to be the Gunners day but that certainly wasn't the case as the Gunners scored 3 goals in the last 5 minutes thanks to a dubious Arteta penalty, a Giroud tap in and a fine strike from sub Lukas Podolski. The win ensured Arsenal kept up their unbeaten run in the league. Meanwhile due to Chelsea and Spurs not playing it moved them all the way up into third place, having played the same amount of games as North London rivals Spurs and one more than Chelsea. There were 3 changes to the side that had beaten West Brom as Vermaelen replaced the suspended Mertesacker, Gibbs came in for Monreal and Wilshere returned from injury to replace the injured Rosicky. Another returning player was Theo Walcott as he was named amongst the substitutes.

Arteta got Arsenal back into the game with a penalty

The first real chance of the game came 20 minutes in as a nice exchange of passes led to Wilshere attempting to play in Ramsey. However Bunn came out and stopped the Welshman from getting on the end of the pass.

The Gunners were then to hit the wood work as Sagna's cross found Giroud whose glancing header hit the bar.

Arsenal were dominating the play and then Gervinho was presented with a fantastic opportunity to grab his third goal in 4 games. Cazorla played a through ball into the Ivorian who rounded the keeper but then sent the ball across the face of goal from a tight angle.

Bunn who had seen a lot of action so far then had a more straight forward save to make as Cazorla drove a shot from range but it was straight at the keeper.

The score at half time was 0-0.

10 minutes after the restart and Norwich somehow found themselves ahead. Snodgrass' free-kick found an unmarked Turner who steered a header past Fabianski to make it 1-0.

Soon after, the Gunners had a strong claim for a penalty turned down as Walcott raced past Whittaker and was then brought down.

Norwich then broke away on the counter attack as the ball was played outwide to Martin but his shot was straight at Fabianski.

With just under 15 minutes left Arsenal came as close as they had all afternoon. The ball was played into Giroud who then layed the ball down to Podolski whose shot crashed against the cross bar. 

Arsenal then finally got their reward as the referee gave a penalty after Kamara brought down Giroud. Arteta stepped up to take the penalty and side footed the ball beyond Bunn for the equaliser.

Minutes later Arsenal were ahead. Oxlade-Chamberlain played a brilliant one-two with Podolski before getting to the byline and crossing for Giroud to tap home from a yard out.

Norwich were now looking desperately for the equaliser and they almost got it through Howson but Fabianski made a good save to deny the visitors.

Into injury time and the Gunners scored their third goal to seal all three points. Fabianski's long kick found Walcott who then layed Podolski off on the edge of the area to slam the ball home.

The final score finished Arsenal 3-1 Norwich.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna(80), Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Arteta, Wilshere(60), Ramsey, Cazorla, Gervinho(60), Giroud.
Subs: Mannone, Monreal, Jenkinson, Coquelin, Oxlade-Chamberlain(80), Walcott(60), Podolski(60). 
  
Norwich: Bunn, Martin, Bassong, Turner, Whittaker, Howson, Johnson(62), Tettey(90), Snodgrass, Kamara, Holt.
Subs: Camp, Garrido, Bennett, Fox(62), Bennett, Jackson(90), Becchio.

My man of the match: Aaron Ramsey

Referee: Mike Jones
Attendance: 60,095

Arsenal fall to disappointing defeat at Norwich

Arsenal missed the chance to overtake rivals Tottenham on Saturday evening, as the Gunners suffered a very disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of winless Norwich. It was a game in which Arsenal were expected to coast to victory but that wasn't to be as Grant Holt's first half goal proved crucial. The Gunners didn't really look like scoring at any point in the game. Podolski only had one real sight of goal and Giroud didn't show any signs of troubling the hosts. Meanwhile the midfield was once again Arsenal's best aspect as Arteta and Cazorla had good games but Gervinho was once again quiet out wide. Arsenal made one change to the starting lineup that faced West Ham as Santos came in for the injured Kieran Gibbs. Meanwhile 17 year old Serge Gnabry was included on the bench for the first time in a Premier League game. The match also signalled Jack Wilshere's return after 14 months out injured, as he also made the bench.

Arsenal were left frustrated as they failed to open up Norwich on Saturday

The first chance of the match fell to Norwich as Pilkington cut inside from the left before firing a shot wide.

Lukas Podolski then almost had a brilliant chance to give the Gunners the lead but Martin slid in to deny the German.

Podolski then had another chance as he hit a speculative effort from just inside the box but the ball flashed passed Ruddy and out for a goalkick.

However on 18 minutes it was Norwich who took a surprise lead. Tettey was allowed to find space and fire in a shot from distance which was palmed away by Mannone but straight into the path of Holt who slid the ball home.

Just after the half hour mark Norwich had a great opportunity to double their lead as Pilkington picked out the unmarked Turner from a corner but he headed wide.

The score at half time was 1-0 to Norwich.

Arsenal had the first chance of the second half as Jenkinson whipped in a ball from the right hand side which Ruddy came out to and punched the ball into Cazorla, however the ball then fell to Giroud but he scuffed the shot wide.

Giroud then turned provider as he knocked the ball down and it fell to Gervinho but Ruddy easily kept the Ivorian's header out.

Grant Holt had Norwich's first chance in a while as he ran through the midfield and took a shot from outside the box which bounced wide.

Holt was then the man who had another chance as he stole possession off of Vermaelen and went clean through on goal. However he tried to cheekily dink the ball over Mannone but it didn't work and it fell greatfully into the hands of the Italian goalkeeper.

Five minutes from the end of the game Mikel Arteta hit a left footed strike from outside the area but Ruddy was equal to it.

Gervinho then had Arsenal's best chance of the game as Gnabry slipped the ball through to him but he didn't shoot straight away which allowed Bassong to slide in and make the challenge.

Arsenal's final chance came in injury time as Santos pumped the ball forward towards Giroud who knocked it back to Gnabry but he sliced the ball wide.

The final score finished Norwich 1-0 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Norwich: Ruddy, Martin, Bassong, Turner, Garrido, Johnson, Hoolahan(90), Bennett(79), Tettey, Holt(90), Pilkington.
Subs: Rudd, Bennett(90), Howson, Snodgrass(79), Surman, Jackson, Morison(90).

Arsenal: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Santos, Arteta, Ramsey(83), Cazorla, Gervinho, Giroud, Podolski(65). 
Subs: Martinez, Djourou, Coquelin, Wilshere, Arshavin(74), Oxlade-Chamberlain(65)(74), Gnabry(83).

My man of the match: Mikel Arteta

Referee: Lee Probert
Attendance: 26,825

Arsenal comeback cancelled out by late Morison equaliser

Arsenal had to settle for another draw as they drew with Norwich at the Emirates on Saturday. Despite going 2-1 down, the Gunners came back to lead 3-2. However Steve Morison equalised late on to again halter Arsenal's chances of sealing third place in the race for Champions League football next season. Yossi Benayoun scored a brilliant opener as Van Persie grabbed a brace to see him reach 30 goals in the League this season. The Arsenal team was unchanged from the side that drew with Stoke the week before. The only changes were on the bench as Park Chu Young and Djourou were named amongst the subsitutes in place of Squillaci and Abou Diaby. 

Van Persie scored his 30th league goal of the season to ensure a point for Arsenal

Just a minute into the game, Arsenal were ahead through Yossi Benayoun. Rosicky played the ball into him and then he cut inside, faked a pass to Gibbs, before curling the ball into the corner of the net.

However, 10 minutes later, Norwich equalised. Naughton got down the right hand side before cutting the ball back into Hoolahan whose tame shot on goal was spilt into the net by Szczesny.

The game was then turned on its head as Norwich went 2-1 ahead. Hoolahan slipped the ball into the path of Grant Holt who took a shot from just inside the area which came off Gibbs and looped over Szczesny.

Arsenal then had a decent chance to equalise. Gervinho did well to beat Naughton before playing the ball back into the path of Gibbs who put his shot wide of the far post.

The score at half time was 2-1 to Norwich.

Nothing was really created at the start of the second half. Arsenal brought on Chamberlain for Ramsey and Chamakh on for Benayoun to try and change the game around.

The substitute almost worked as Van Persie found Chamakh 12 yards out but his shot was blocked by a Norwich defender.

In the same phase of play as the Chamakh chance, Arsenal took the lead. The ball came out to Song from Chamakh's blocked effort. He then played a looping ball over the defence and into Van Persie to volley home for 2-2.

The game was then turned around for the second time in the match, this time by Arsenal as they took the lead. The ball came out to Rosicky who tried to find Chamberlain but the ball took a deflection off a Norwich player and fell into the path of Van Persie to fire home for his 30th Premier League goal of the season.

5 minutes from the end of the game, Norwich equalised. Howson played the ball over the top into Morison who fired the ball beyond Szczesny and into the far corner of the net.

Robin Van Persie then had a great chance to rescue his team again but Ruddy came out to save the Dutchman's effort from close range. The rebound was then headed wide by Chamakh.

The Gunners were then denied a clear penalty. Chamberlain's ball in was about to be tapped home by Van Persie but Naughton pushed him, and despite it looking like a clear penalty, the referee waved away the protests.

Ruddy was having to be at his best to first keep out Chamakh and then keep out Gibbs brilliantly from Koscielny's cross late on.

The final score finished Arsenal 3-3 Norwich.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna(33), Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Song, Ramsey(63), Rosicky, Benayoun(69), Gervinho, Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Djourou, Santos, Coquelin(33), Oxlade-Chamberlain(63), Park, Chamakh(69).

Norwich: Ruddy, Naughton, Lappin, R.Bennett, Martin, Howson, Johnson, Hoolahan(75), E.Bennett, Jackson(69), Holt(81).
Subs: Steer, Fox, Ward, Pilkington(75), Wilbraham(81), Surman, Morison(69).

My man of the match: Robin Van Persie

Referee: Anthony Taylor
Attendance: 60,092

Arsenal come from behind as Van Persie grabs a brace

Arsenal had to come from behind against a brave Norwich side to win 2-1 on Saturday at Carrow Road, thanks to goals from Van Persie as he continued his fine run of form. Van Persie's two goals meant he has scored 31 goals this calendar year. The international break clearly hadn't upset the Gunners rhythm as Arsenal picked up their fifth successive win in the league, and Arsene Wenger's 200th away win in charge of his side. Arsenal made two changes from the side that played West Brom two weeks ago as Mertesacker came in at centre back and Koscielny played at right back due to the injuries of Sagna and Jenkinson. Marouane Chamakh and Coquelin were both on the bench.

Van Persie continued his terrific form to seal the points for Arsenal

The first chance of the match came early on and it fell to Arsenal. Walcott was set free down the right hand side before playing the ball into Van Persie who with his weaker foot slid his shot wide.

Arsenal's next chance came down the left hand side as Santos got forward from defence and played in Van Persie who fired his shot just wide of the goal.

Walcott then must have thought he had scored as he cut inside onto his left foot before hitting a shot which was somehow cleared off the line by Martin.

Norwich with their first chance of the match took the lead. A long ball was lofted over the defence which looked to be an easy ball for Mertesacker to deal with, however he failed to clear his lines and Morison outmuscled him and put the ball past Szczesny for 1-0.

Gervinho then had a great chance to score as Van Persie played him clean through on goal but the Ivorian saw his shot saved by the goalkeeper and then cleared off the line once more by Martin.

Arsenal then managed to equalise. Walcott beat his man with pace before firing in a low cross which found Van Persie who tapped the ball into the goal from close range to level the game up.

The score at half time was 1-1.

The first chance of the second half came to Arsenal. Vermaelen surged forward from centre back to pick out Gervinho inside the area but he could only manage to direct his header straight into the hands of Ruddy in the Norwich goal.

The Gunners' next chance was created by Walcott. A long ball was put over the top and into the path of the England winger who put in a cross to the near post where Ramsey was. However he could only glide his shot wide and into the side netting.

Gervinho then again had a great chance to give Arsenal the lead and should have scored but like in the first half saw his shot saved. Van Persie slipped the ball into Gervinho who rounded the goalkeeper but Ruddy managed to get back and block the effort on goal.

An hour into the game Arsenal finally managed to take the lead. Song won the ball back in midfield before playing the ball to Van Persie who got into the penalty box and chipped the ball over Ruddy for his second of the game.

Norwich hadn't created many chances but had still managed to keep the Gunners at bay and finally managed to create a chance. Bennett crossed the ball in towards Pilkington who got ahead of his marker but stabbed his effort wide.

Walcott then had a decent chance late on to seal the game for Arsenal as he drove a shot from a tight angle which struck the post and went out for a goal kick.

The final score finished Norwich 1-2 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Norwich: Ruddy, Martin, Barnett, Tierney, Naughton, Crofts, Johnson, Hoolahan(69), Fox(46), Pilkington(82), Morison.
Subs: Rudd, Drury, Surman, Bennett(46), Holt(69), Jackson(82), Wilbraham.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Santos, Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Walcott(90), Gervinho(77), Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Djourou(90), Coquelin, Benayoun(77), Rosicky, Arshavin, Chamakh.

My man of the match: Theo Walcott

Referee: Phil Dowd
Attendance: 26,801