Kevin Whitcher
In spite of being only two points off the lead, the wheels look to be coming off Arsenal’s Premier League campaign after a fairly disastrous November which saw two draws and a defeat. It was not so much the two dropped points that will cost the Gunners dear, but the likely effect of losing Alexis Sanchez.
The only change from what had been an excellent display against Zagreb in midweek saw Aaron Ramsey start instead of Joel Campbell. Arsenal looked in control of the game as Norwich sat off, condensing the play into a 30 yard area in the home side’s half for much of the time. It was really a case of waiting for the first goal to open the game up.
However, before that, Laurent Koscielny was injured and replaced by Gabriel. No great disaster as the Brazilian has generally shown himself to be a committed and competent defender. Up front, Sanchez and Ozil were combining nicely, and in the end, the pair created the opening goal, a sublime through ball from the Chilean setting up Ozil for a chip over the onrushing Ruddy. That is the quality that you can get when you spend money, I reflected. Both players were shoved into cameramen by the Norwich players within a few minutes, and it was a wonder that neither was injured when that happened. I seem to recall Mathieu Debuchy missing an extended period through being shoved off the pitch, from memory against Stoke. Refs often seem very lenient in such situations.
Norwich predictably became more adventurous and equalized shortly before half time. Aaron Ramsey and Gabriel were both culpable, although Thierry Henry also blamed the decision of the backline not to push up once the Welshman was beaten. The timing of the goal was awful. It could have been worse though, the Canaries missing a gilt-edged chance before the half time whistle.
The second half saw Norwich inviting Arsenal on, hoping for a breakaway goal. Sanchez pulled up with a hamstring injury and was removed from the fray. No-one knows how long he will be out. The player has played a lot of matches this season, without having a proper summer break due to the Copa America. Something like this could have been foreseen, but would resting him for a game here or there have made any difference? Arsenal’s problem is that their existing injury list means that the alternatives to playing him have been on the treatment table much of the time. Still, the number of pulls and strains, over a few seasons, is no co-incidence. The club claim to be at the cutting edge of modern injury treatment and avoidance but there seems little proof to back this up.
One fears that should the Chilean miss more than a month, the Gunners will find it very difficult to challenge for the title come May. There is a huge danger that too much ground might be lost. Seven points out of the last nine have been dropped with Alexis in the team. It doesn’t augur well.
The second half was wet and windy and all a bit random. The service to Giroud was questionable. Arsenal finished the game registering a total of three shots on target. Against a relegation threatened team, that simply isn’t title-winning form. Norwich have lost at home to Crystal Palace, Leicester and West Brom in the league this season.
The November blues continue, but at least the month is done for another season. Sunderland at home next weekend should be three points. Arsenal are still in contention, but have they got enough players to remain so?
I am now on Twitter@KevinWhitcher01.
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