4 Talking Points From Arsenal’s 2-0 Win Over Norwich City

Arsenal ended the season with a 2-0 win over Norwich City at Carrow Road on Sunday afternoon. Here, Gunner333 gives us 4 talking points from the game.

As a rather turbulent season steamrolled to its end, Arsenal travelled to Carrow Road on the final day of the Premier League on Sunday. In their wake stood a Norwich side which would pretty much face the drop come the evening, barring a miraculous thumping of the Gunners, coupled with a rollicking also of West Brom.

It seemed a shame to see such a spectacle of a season fizzle out in such redundant manor, but none-the-less, both sides were keen to put in solid showings for their fans on the final day.

After the first real promising opening arose off the back of an offside call, it was Norwich who nearly drew first blood. Fabianski, potentially heralding his last performance, had his palms stung by Redmond’s drilled effort towards the near post.

Arsenal then enjoyed a long spell of possession and Podolski found space to unleash a great close-range effort at Ruddy only for the Englishman to competently parrying it aside.

Ruddy was called into action just moments later, Giroud being dealt the ball by Podolski, the Frenchman’s marvellous, spiralling effort denied by a stunning stop by the 27-year-old shot-stopper. Half time and it was 0-0.

The second period resumed with Arsenal taking less than ten minutes to find an opening. Giroud’s lofted pass across goal allowed Aaron Ramsey to rifle a wondrous volley into the top corner. Ruddy no chance with this one and the odd applause from Norwich fans enhanced the goal’s quality as well as highlighting their acceptance toward their team’s fate.

It did not take long for the Gunners to dissect the Canaries’ back-line once more. Podolski scuffed a pull-back from Gibbs, which was eventually dispatched comfortably by right-back Carl Jenkinson. It was the former-Charlton man’s first for the club he had supported all his life.

Snodgrass almost converted Norwich’s final Premier League goal for a short time but was denied again by one if two inspiring keeping performances, before Sanogo looked as about useful as normal when his menial attempt was diverted by the leg of Turner.

The whistle was blown for full time with the scoreline ending at 2-0. Commiserations to Norwich, as they are now relegated to the SkyBet Championship, whilst the Gunners had accumulated their highest points tally in the last five years to confirm fourth spot once again.

Here I will now analyse four talking points from the game:

1) High Line

Although we portrayed a very organised defensive display, our attitude from the off was to attack the game. This was clearly evident from our high line being implemented frequently, with the full-backs joining the attack more often than not. It gave us far more options up-top and gave the opportunity to release pressure on the ball by dealing it to the flank.

Obviously it was a little easier for us to play a higher line in this game as Per Mertesacker wasn’t playing, so we didn’t have to worry as much about his lack of pace being caught out by a ball over the top. Both full-backs were adventurous and this paid off when Jenks got his goal, with Gibbs playing a part in assisting.

2) Rosicky At The Hub

The Czech international will fortunately remain with us for yet another season. I say fortunately as he has been a perfect pacifier to our game with difficult situations being calmed when he is dealt the ball. It is rare to see this kind of quality in such an attacking-minded player, but Tomas’ raw consistency and determination make him a fine choice for first-team action once again next year.

3) Rambo In Action Again

Since returning from a prolonged injury, Ramsey has hit his old form pretty quickly. His goal highlighted his great spontaneity as well as the top quality technical ability he possesses.

Few of our midfielders can play wide, holding and attacking positions but Aaron is clearly an exception. His flexibility means he can play nearly every game in a range of positions and all areas of his game are constantly developing. Let’s hope he continues his fine form at Wembley.

4) Final Frontier

The Premier League season may have reached the end of its tether, but the FA Cup final is just around the corner so all out focus must turn to this huge clash against Hull City. Wenger’s team selection is sure to raise a few eyebrows but as long as he gets the midfield balance right and refrains from dropping Olivier Giroud, we should be in good shape to gain that vital silverware.

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