4 Things We Learned From Arsenal’s 3-1 Victory Over Norwich

An in-form Arsenal team came from behind to beat Norwich City 3-1 at the Emirates and strengthen their Champions League aspirations. The Gunners are now in third after moving above Spurs and Chelsea, with a relatively ‘easy’ run of fixtures ahead.

The opening goal was scored by the visitors when Michael Turner powered home a free header from Robert Snodgrass’ free kick . It took time for Arsenal to get into the game but when a controversial penalty was awarded to the home team in the 83rd minute, Spaniard Arteta made no mistake from the spot.

From then on Wenger’s side looked more and more comfortable, and they took advantage of this after Oxlade-Chamberlain’s pull-back was put through his own net by Norwich defender Bassong. A third was added in injury time from a Lukas Podolski shot on the edge of the area.

After Arsenal’s fourth consecutive Premier League win, I will highlight what went well and what needs improving in the team. Here are four things learned from Arsenal’s win.

1. Work needs to be done on defending set pieces

We may have won but if it wasn’t for the great attacking play we showed at the end of the game, the result would have been very different. The back four looked very complacent at defending the free kick that lead to Norwich’s opener and it’s not the first time this has happened. If we are serious about playing in the Champion’s League next season and competing for trophies again, we MUST learn to defend set pieces properly.

2. Quality and link-up play in attack

Today was a fine example of how intelligent, quick and agile our front men can be. With just ten minutes remaining, Oxlade Chamberlain showed incredible skill to burst through the Canaries’ defence and set-up our second. Giroud’s hold-up play is inconsistent but when it clicks he can link up well with his team mates. We have a diverse range of options in attack and are now the second highest goal-scorers in the league.

3. Finding form at the right time once again

After this result we are now in 3rd and on course for a top-four finish. We have won our last five games in all competitions and have the easier of the run-ins compared to our Europe-seeking rivals Tottenham and Chelsea. This appears to be a feat which we are continuing to achieve every season.

4. Home form is crucial

We’ve won 10 of our 16 league games at home this season and the more difficult games in our remaining 6 games are also at the Emirates. These include Everton, Man United and Wigan- who are still fighting for their lives in a classic end of season relegation scrap. Winning these three games will go a long way to securing a top-four place this season.

So how will we do in the remainder of the season? Can we grab fourth spot or will our London Rivals beat us to it? Have your say in the comments section below.