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Arsenal logo
Premier League
Apr 13, 2013 at 3pm UK
 
Norwich logo

3-1

Arteta (85' pen.), Giroud (88'), Podolski (90')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Turner (56')

Match Analysis: Arsenal 3-1 Norwich

Match Analysis: Arsenal 3-1 Norwich
© Anthony Devlin / PA Photos
Sports Mole takes a closer look at Arsenal's 3-1 home win against Norwich City in the Premier League.

Arsenal hosted Norwich City in the Premier League on Saturday knowing that a fourth consecutive win would lift them back into the Champions League places above Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

The visitors had obviously failed to read the script when Michael Turner headed them into a 56th-minute lead before Mikel Arteta converted a controversial penalty to get the Gunners level in the 84th minute.

Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski then scored in the final stages to cap a dramatic turnaround for Arsene Wenger's side.

Sports Mole takes a closer look at how the two teams fared at the Emirates Stadium.

Match statistics:

Arsenal:
Shots 10
On target 7
Possession 49%
Corners 9
Fouls 8

Norwich:
Shots 5
On target 5
Possession 51%
Corners 3
Fouls 10

Was the result fair?

Just about. It could be argued that Norwich deserved a point, but Arsenal's determination to win saw them over the line - regardless of their controversial equaliser.

Arsenal's performance

It was a contrasting display from the Gunners as a lack of invention in attack all changed with the introductions of Theo Walcott, Lukas Podolski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The trio were electric when they came on during the second half and propelled their side to victory.

Norwich's performance

The Canaries looked to frustrate their opponents and did so with a mixture of stoic defending and crisp passing. The way they were pegged back with the penalty was harsh, but they afforded Arsenal too much time on the ball during the final 20 minutes and paid the price.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Theo Walcott:

He was only on the pitch for the final 30 minutes, but Walcott changed the face of the game along with fellow substitutes Lukas Podolski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The England international was a dynamic presence down the right side as his pace caused Norwich a number of problems. It is contributions like these that make the bumper contract extension seem so worthwhile.

Biggest gaffe

Gervinho could have helped his side break the deadlock in the first half, but he hit the ball out for a throw after rounding the goalkeeper and trying to shoot from an incredibly tight angle. Olivier Giroud was making a run into the middle and a calmer head from the Ivorian may well have allowed him to square for his teammate.

Referee performance

Norwich manager Chris Hughton is sure to have a lot to say to Mike Jones after the penalty decision that saw Arsenal draw level. The referee was in a great position to award the spot kick when Kei Kamara tussled with Laurent Koscielny, but allowed play to continue. However, after consulting his linesman, the foul was given. That incident capped a questionable day for Jones, who gave plenty of petty free kicks to both sides.

What next?

Arsenal: The Gunners can boost their Champions League charge even further on Tuesday when they host Everton.

Norwich: The Canaries welcome fellow strugglers Reading to Carrow Road next Saturday in what is a must-win game for both sides.

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Written by
Jack Prescott
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