Arsenal

Arsenal vs Norwich: Statistical Preview, Form Guide, Injury News & Head-To-Head

Arsenal head into the weekend top of the league as they welcome Norwich to the Emirates Stadium. Here’s a statistical preview including team news for the game.

by
Barrie's View
October 18, 2013

Held at West Brom before last weekend’s international break, Arsenal head into the weekend top of the league but could be in second place when they kickoff should Liverpool get as much as a point at Newcastle in Saturday’s lunch time kickoff.

Norwich City have lost three of their last four in the league which has seen Chris Hughton’s side drop into the relegation zone. This is the start of a tough away run for the Canaries who have trips to Manchester United and Manchester City to follow, with only a home game versus Cardiff City in between.

Interestingly, having picked up 16 points to start the season, Arsenal actually won all 7 of their corresponding fixtures last season so are in fact 5 points down on what they achieved during the last campaign. Arsenal won this fixture 3-1 in April last season.

Form

Arsenal DWWWW

Arsenal’s five-game winning streak in the Premier League came to an end before the international break when they were held to a 1-1 draw at West Brom. Jack Wilshere’s first Premier League goal in nearly 3 years rescued a point for the visitors in the game they did not play too well.

Olivier Giroud is three Premier League games without a goal since starting the season four in four. The French striker remains the club’s joint top scorer with Aaron Ramsey who has four from midfield and scored for Wales on Tuesday to continue his remarkable start to the season in all competitions.

Mesut Özil picked up a knock in Germany’s 5-3 win against Sweden on Tuesday and is doubtful for this game. Santi Cazorla could return, whilst Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski all remain absent.

Norwich City LWLLW

Two goals in the final 6 minutes led Chelsea to a 3-1 victory at Norwich two weeks ago to hand Chris Hughton’s side a third defeat in four games. Previously they had lost at home to Aston Villa and at Tottenham. Their sole victory during this spell came against a poor Stoke City side.

Norwich City have had some fortune with a couple of their few goals this season and have otherwise been very poor in front of goal. Whether it’s goalkeepers failing to deal with long range shots or miss-hit crosses leading to goals, the Arsenal defence certainly has it in them to commit a howler in defence to aid Norwich, much like they did at Carrow Road last season.

Anthony Pilkington is a slight doubt for Norwich but otherwise they have remained injury-free heading into this match. They are missing Grant Holt this season though – Ricky van Wolfswinkel has been poor in front of goal to start his career in England.