[Player Ratings] Norwich 1-0 Arsenal: Awful Gunners Deserved What They Got

Arsenal slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Norwich after Vito Mannone showed why he’s our third choice goalkeeper with a 20th minute gaff that put it on a plate for Grant Holt to net a close range winner.

The Italian could only parry a long-range effort back into the danger zone and Holt was on hand to tap home. If you haven’t seen the goal you can watch highlights here.

We were extremely poor throughout and could hardly muster a chance at goal. Unfortunately it was a million miles away from the performance against West Ham last time out and really we didn’t deserve anything from the game. Norwich worked harder than us and were worthy of the three points. Here are my player ratings for Arsene Wenger’s men.

Arsenal Player Ratings

Mannone – 5 – Should have done much better with the goal. It was a powerful shot but the Italian should have pushed it away from danger instead of palming it straight to the feet of Holt. Also went wandering in the second half that nearly cost us a asecond.

Santos – 6 – Solid enough at the back but offered little going forward. We missed the pace of Gibbs down the left.

Jenkinson – 6 – Got forward more than Santos but his crossing was a little below par. Although he didn’t have much in the box to aim at!

Mertesacker – 6 – Could maybe have reacted quicker to Mannone’s error and a second half slip could have proved costly.

Vermaelen – 6 – Like his partner, got away with a slip near the halfway line in the second half. Steady enough apart from that.

Arteta – 7 – Kept things ticking over and enjoyed plenty of possession but didn’t dominate and dictate play as he usually does.

Cazorla – 7 – Not at his best but still showed his class on occasion.

Ramsey – 6 – Quiet game from the Welshman. Did little to show Arsene Wenger he deserves to start ahead of the fit again Jack Wilshere.

Gervinho – 5 – Fluffed a late chance when he delayed too long when in space and didn’t even manage to get a shot off. Final ball poor all evening.

Podolski – 5 – Anonymous. Hardly offered anything positive other than a few simple passes.

Giroud – 5 – Also Anonymous. Worked fairly hard up top but just couldn’t get in the game.

Subs

Chamberlain – n/a – forced off after just minutes.

Arshavin – 6 – Showed some decent touches and nice footwork but couldn’t find an end product.

Gnarby – 6 – Fair play to the young lad. He came on to make his senior debut and showed no fear. Looks like he could be one for the future.

So Schalke up next and we’ll have to put in a much-improved performance if we’re to stop Huntelaar, Afellay and co.

What were your player ratings? Get involved in the comments section.

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