Wenger exclusive

Arsenal V
W.B.A.
5TH NOV 2011

Saturday 19th November
Kick off: 12:45
Carrow Road

Norwich
1 – 2
Arsenal

Arsenal V
Borussia Dortmund
23RD NOV 2011

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Live Text isn't live anymore, this is a record of the match events.

90

FULL TIME: NORWICH 1-2 ARSENAL. A deserved win for the Gunners, thanks to a brace from captain Robin van Persie. A fifth straight Premier League victory for Arsene Wenger's side in the process - a job well done.
Top Comments:
- Adrian Clarke on Twitter says:
  
  Arsenal were worthy winners. Norwich had that Pilkington chance in the second half but Arsene Wenger's side could have scored many more goals
- Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
  
  I thought Santos handled Bennett really well, he did a good defensive job
- Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
  
  Arsenal are in the winning habit now. This wasn't a fluent victory but they are not dropping points. They didn't take their foot off the gas in the second half and they are closing games out really well
90

SZCZESNY IN COMMAND: Johnson opts to play the ball into the box, but Szczesny rises highest to claim superbly. He hasn't had too much to do this afternoon.
90

Substitution DJOUROU COMES ON: Theo Walcott comes off to a standing ovation from the Arsenal fans.
90

NORWICH FREE-KICK: It's around 30 yards from goal, and Bradley Johnson stands over it.
90

THREE MINUTES ADDED ON: Johan Djourou is on the sidelines waiting to come on.
90

JACKSON HAS A GO: It's powerful from the striker, who fizzes a long-range shot just over the bar.
89

CAN THEY HOLD ON? The clock is ticking and the three points are in sight. Can Wenger's stand firm on and avoid a late equaliser?
Top Comments:
- Abebii Bee on Twitter says:
  
  This is a game we should have made up for our poor GD #arsenal #ArsenalLive #afc anyway let's secure the 3pnts pls
88

VICIOUS EFFORT FROM WALCOTT: The winger unleashes an effort on goal from an angle, firing narrowly over the bar.
Top Comments:
- Hafiz_efizi on Twitter says:
  
  Theo Walcott Man of the match! #ArsenalLive
86

Yellow Card HOLT GOES IN THE BOOK: The substitute goes down wanting a penalty - but it's offside. Presumably he talked his way into that one.
85

ARSENAL ENJOYING POSSESSION: They say the greatest form of defence is attack, and Arsenal seem content to enforce that mentality. They're keeping the ball well in these late stages.
83

JACKSON A THREAT: The Canadian international's goals helped Norwich reach this level in the first place. Can he do it again?
82

Substitution JACKSON COMES ON: It's the lively Pilkington who makes way, as Norwich introduce another striker.
81

Yellow Card TIERNEY GOES INTO THE BOOK: The left-back trips up Walcott and gets a yellow for his troubles.
80

PAT RICE BARKING INSTRUCTIONS: The assistant manager is doing his duties on the sidelines to make sure Arsenal get these three points today.
79

TEN MINUTES LEFT: Plus a bit more. Arsenal are looking good value for their lead but they still have plenty of work to do in order to ensure it stays that way.
Top Comments:
- SM_Andrews on Twitter says:
  
  Need that third goal to be on the safe side! #COYG #ArsenalLive
- PloyPnr on Twitter says:
  
  My man of the match is @T_Vermaelen05 ,,,he dedicates for the team today. What a player. #ArsenalLive
77

Substitution YOSSI COMES ON: Gervinho has not had the best of afternoons, but encouragingly he is always in the thick of the action. Everybody is entitled to an off day now and again.
Top Comments:
- abearsenal4 on Twitter says:
  
  Benayoun on for Gervinho. Good sub ;) #ArsenalLive
77

ARTETA STRIKES ON: Walcott involved again to tee up the Spaniard, who lashes an effort straight into the hands of Ruddy.
76

NORWICH STILL THREATENING: They have not given up by any stretch. Vermaelen is called into action this time and Arsenal get it clear.
74

BENAYOUN CALLED TO THE BENCH: The Israeli midfielder has just been called BY Pat Rice. Looks like he'll be on soon.
73

FINE DEFENDING FROM BARNETT: RvP slips the ball through to an onrushing Ramsey, who is eventually harried off the ball by the centre-back.
71

EXCELLENT BALL FROM PILKINGTON: It's a lovely ball into the box from a free-kick. And Arsenal head gets in the way - quite possibly that of Thomas Vermaelen - and danger is averted.
70

RECORD ATTENDANCE AT CARROW ROAD: It's a new high for an all-seater stadium here at Norwich. "You've only come to see the Arsenal," comes the cry from the away horde.
69

Substitution HOLT COMES ON: The big man is on the pitch for Norwich, replacing captain Hoolahan.
Top Comments:
- Chetan_C07 on Twitter says:
  
  Oh no... Not Holt #ArsenalLive
68

WALCOTT HITS A TAME ONE: He's looked excellent today and a goal would cap his afternoon. It's not to be this time though, and he strikes a weak effort into the hands of Ruddy.
66

Yellow Card CYNICAL CHALLENGE: Bennett brings down Gervinho from behind and it's a certain yellow card.
65

AND PILKINGTON GOES SO CLOSE! Bennett whips in a delightful ball across the face of goal - but Pilkington can't quite get on the end of it. A certain goal with some contact there.
Top Comments:
- Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
  
  That was a really good chance, he got away from Koscielny. Hope for Norwich perhaps?
65

CAN THEY FIND DAYLIGHT? A one-goal lead is never safe, as we all well know.
64

FIFTH BRACE OF THE SEASON FOR ROBIN: Another goal, another milestone. Come on Robin, you're just boring now.
Top Comments:
- AlfianZapata on Twitter says:
  
  31 goals in 29 appearances ROBIN van persie....who needs batman?? #ArsenalLive
- JohnnyCables on Twitter says:
  
  Robin Van Persie is so good he is trending in the United States. Maybe I'm not the only Gunners fan here! #ArsenalLive
62

ARSENAL FANS ARE ECSTATIC: They've waited for this goal all afternoon, but Arsenal are finally back in the lead.
61

IT'S BEEN COMING: Its barely even worth bringing up his goal record again, is it? The man is on fire. When he went through on goal it was simply inevitable.
60

HE JUST DOESN'T MISS FROM THERE: And what did you expect? Alex Song weights a lovely ball through for the Dutchman, who strides forward and chips Ruddy with a fine finish.
Top Comments:
- LevReynolds on Twitter says:
  
  YES! Song was smart there if he gave it to Gervinho he might have missed so he gave it to Van Persie who'd definitely bury it #ArsenalLive
- ddebaydgunners on Twitter says:
  
  13 goals in 12 EPL games...and RVP is missing in UEFA's shortlist for Ballon d'or??? That's a joke #Arsenal #ArsenalLive
59

GOAL! - Robin van Persie 1 : 2 ARSENAL HAVE THEIR GOAL! GUESS WHO?
58

THEO COULD HOLD THE KEY: The England man has looked a threat going forward almost every time this afternoon. He may well be the answer for Arsenal here.
57

SUBS WARMING UP: Andrey Arshavin, Marouane Chamakh and Yossi Benayoun are just below us on the sidelines. All three could have some kind of impact on this game.
56

HOW MANY CHANCES CAN THEY RUE? It's not as if this game could not have been settled by now. Arsenal have carved out plenty of opportunities for themselves - but finishing has been left wanting.
Top Comments:
- boyeAFC on Twitter says:
  
  I wish Gervinho was a better finisher. #ArsenalLive
- lieenvo on Twitter says:
  
  That's the second time today Gervinho!!!! Come on now!! That was a sitter :( #ArsenalLive
55

GERVINHO SHOULD SCORE! The Ivorian is played through on goal by Van Persie. He opts to take it around Ruddy, does, but the keeper saves brilliantly at the second attempt.
54

RAMSEY FIRES JUST WIDE: It's Walcott with the delivery once more, whipping in a venemous cross at the near post which the Welshman can only divert narrowly past the post.
53

GERVINHO VERY INVOLVED: He's been frustrating so far, in truth. First Naughton tackles him well, before the right-back loses out. Instead of shooting on goal, however, the winger plays a stray pass which is cleared to safety.
52

PILKINGTON STRIKES IT: The summer signing from Huddersfield strikes on target, but Sczesny is on hand to pluck the ball from danger.
51

DANGEROUS NORWICH FREE-KICK: Vermaelen brings down Wes Hoolahan around 20 yards from goal. A very good position for the hosts.
50

GERVONHO HEADS GOALWARDS: It's Thomas Vermaelen who gallops forward and clips in a cross from the left. Gervinho's head meets it, but the ball sails true into the arms of Ruddy.
49

GERVINHO TRIES TO PLAY IN RvP: The Ivorian is involved twice to try and get the ball into the danger zone, but twice he is denied.
Top Comments:
- SimonReidArt on Twitter says:
  
  Norwich being absolutely spanked and its 1-1. Only us! #comeonarsenal #arsenallive
- Vanstrider17 on Twitter says:
  
  Ok people the reason Arsenal aren't like 4-0 up cause for some reason Norwich are playing with 2 goalkeepers!! #arsenallive
47

BENNETT CLIPS ONE IN: The winger's impact is immediate as he gets to the byline and looks for a Norwich head inside the box. He doesn't find one, however.
47

SCRAPPY START: Neither side have managed to keep possession early on just yet.
46

WE'RE OFF AGAIN: Norwich get us back into the action, as Arsenal look for a second goal in this game.
Top Comments:
- Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
  
  I want to see Arsenal's midfield get more control - playing little triangles and keeping the ball
46

Substitution NORWICH SUB: It's a half-time change for Norwich, with Elliott Bennett replacing David Fox in midfield.
45

THEY'RE BACK OUT: The Gunners have re-emerged and we'll be underway once more shortly.
Half Time HALF TIME: NORWICH 1-1 ARSENAL. The Gunners have dominated the majority of the game, but ultimately haven't been able to convert the chances they've made.
Top Comments:
- Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
  
  On reflection Arsenal should be two or three goals to the good. The finishing hasn't been good enough although Martin has rescued Norwich a few times.
45

ONE MINUTE ADDED ON: The fourth official raises his board and we'll have 60 seconds of extra action here at Carrow Road.
45

HALF IS PETERING OUT: A goal looks unlikely in these late stages, with both teams happy enough to see this one through.
Top Comments:
- Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
  
  It's all got a bit scrappy in my opinion.
42

HALF TIME APPROACHING: We're getting closer to the break here and it looks as though Arsenal will have to settle with going in level. Very much in the balance, this.
Top Comments:
- MitaisMe on Twitter says:
  
  I find Phil Dowd to be more of an obstacle to our win than the Norwich defence. #COYG #ArsenalLive
41

CORNER COMES TO NOTHING: It's shame, and Norwich manage to deal with it comfortably.
40

ROBIN WINS THE CORNER: It's Naughton with the simple challenge, and Arsenal have a chance to get ahead. Mertesacker and Vermaelen are forward.
38

MORISON DROPS A CROSS OVER: Norwich head down the other end looking for another sucker punch, but Morison's attempted cross is poor.
Top Comments:
- Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
  
  Morison's movement has been excellent and he's given Vermaelen and Mertesacker a few problems.
37

BARNETT BLOCKS WELL: Gervinho beats Naughton with ease, but his eventual effort is blocked really well by Barnett for a corner. Ruddy gathers the resulting set-piece.
36

ARSENAL DEFEND AS A PACK: Norwich win possession in midfield and drive forward, but Bradley Johnson is robbed by a combination of Vermaelen, Santos and Ramsey.
34

HANDBALL APPEALS WAVED AWAY: The ball is swung in from the left and drops in the box. Norwich fans want a penalty - but the referee says no.
33

BUT THEY HAVE A CORNER: Danger for Arsenal.
33

CAN THEY GET ANOTHER BEFORE THE BREAK? It wouldn't be undeserved by any stretch. Norwich are still well in this game and attacking when they can, but Szczesny has been left a bystander for the majority of this.
Top Comments:
- bruce_tk on Twitter says:
  
  This game needs a bit of order.. A bit too scrappy at the moment.. Stand up Ramsy and control it...#arsenallive
- DevonLair on Twitter says:
  
  Come on Gunners! Waiting for more goals from you lot! #ArsenalLive
31

SHAKE OF THE HEAD FROM WENGER: Walcott runs the ball out for a goal-kick after Arsenal perhaps should have been given a free-kick rather than allow the advantage.
29

WHO CAN STOP HIM? That's 30 Premier League goals in just 29 appearances this calendar year. Sensational.
Top Comments:
- JAYVADERA on Twitter says:
  
  The unstoppable force that @Persie_Official does it again! Van the man should be trending again! #arsenallive c'mon @Arsenal
28

THE MAN WITH THE MIDAS TOUCH: Like his West Brom goal, there was nothing special about that. Right place, right time and a goal. Completely deserved.
27

THAT WAS ALL ABOUT THEO: The England winger makes a mockery of Tierney, before pulling the ball back across goal for a simple Van Persie tap-in.
27

GOAL! - Robin van Persie 1 : 1 IT'S THERE! ROBIN VAN PERSIE HAS SCORED AGAIN!
Top Comments:
- fabianwriteonly on Twitter says:
  
  Van Persie you are pure gold. And your gold celebration was pure golf. #ArsenalLive #COYG
25

MORE DEFENDING FROM NORWICH: It's Van Persie to Arteta down the left, but with a host of bodies in the box the Spaniard's cross is swept away. Arsenal pushing all the time.
25

CROFTS SHOOTS WIDE: It's not close to troubling Szczesny, however.
24

RUDDY SAVES! Gervinho lets rip through the middle. Aaron Ramsey is screaming for the ball alongside him but the Ivorian opts to go alone and Ruddy saves. Martin, of course, is there to clear away off the line. Had he passed we may be discussing a goal.
23

MARTIN HEADS AWAY ONCE MORE: It's off the line in a way, but not quite the heroic save of before. Van Persie loops a header over Ruddy, but the defender is there to clear.
22

CAN ARSENAL RESPOND? Every sign suggests yes right now. It was a goal from nothing and the Gunners will no doubt continue to create opportunities for themselves.
Top Comments:
- fabianwriteonly on Twitter says:
  
  We've got to start putting the ball in the back of the net. Our forwards are terrorising the opposition but no final product! #ArsenalLive #COYG
21

SANTOS LETS FLY: It's a long-range effort from the Brazilian, who tests Ruddy with a powerful effort from range.
20

CORNER(S) CLEARED: Arsenal win another immediately after, but it comes to nothing and Norwich get the ball away.
19

ARSENAL HAVE A CORNER: Walcott's cross was blocked and it's chance for an equaliser.
18

VAN PERSIE PUTS IT WIDE! Oh dear, that sums up the last two minutes for Arsenal. The ball falls to the Dutchman, who inadvertently scuffs his shot wide.
18

A BOLT FROM THE BLUE: Arsenal certainly don't deserve that after the start they've had. An individual error has cost them.
16

GOAL! - Steve Morison 1 : 0 PER, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! It's a horror show at the back. Tierney cracks a hopeful long ball over the top for Morison to run onto. The striker bustles past the German far too easily, and sweeps past Szczesny.
Top Comments:
- azmhlyna on Twitter says:
  
  What was Mertesacker doing?! Horrible error. But good goal, Morison. But still, I'm sure Arsenal's gonna win tonight. #ArsenalLive #AFC
- ArmouryGooner on Twitter says:
  
  Mertsacker was weak there but how was that not a foul? #ArsenalLive
- Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
  
  I've seen fouls given for that. Morison had his hands on Mertesacker but I don't think he applied much pressure. Mertesacker let the ball bounce and failed to clear his lines.
15

ARTETA GOES DOWN: The Spaniard wins a free-kick following an aerial battle. A sore head maybe, but he's fine.
14

RAMSEY LOOKS FOR GERVINHO: The Welshman controls a long ball from RvP and backheels towards the Ivorian - but the pass is poor and Ruddy gathers.
13

THIS WON'T STAY GOALLESS: It's no bold claim, but if there's no goals in this I'll eat my hat. If I had a hat, that is. Arsenal are looking strong going forward and Szczesny is yet to be tested.
11

WHAT A BLOCK! Russell Martin has just saved a certain goal with an incredible block on the line. Walcott cuts inside and curls one heading for the bottom corner - but Martin diverts. Brilliant defending.
Top Comments:
- Dan_Martin82 on Twitter says:
  
  How did Norwich defender stop that!! #ArsenalLive
- Ianmal1 on Twitter says:
  
  So unlucky Walcott. Keep it up remember the game lasts 90mins #ArsenalLive
- ddebaydgunners on Twitter says:
  
  Walcott is surely on fire...he is just amazing #ArsenalLive
- __JamesHarris on Twitter says:
  
  norwich can't deal with walcott he's lightning! #ArsenalLive
9

SILLY FROM BARNETT: With the ball hoofed clear by Arteta and going nowhere, the defender pulls back Gervinho and Arsenal have a free-kick on the halfway line.
8

SZCZESNY GATHERS COMFORTABLY: Left-back Marc Tierney attempts a cross into the box, but it's a drifter and merely finds the hands of the Pole.
6

VAN PERSIE GOES CLOSE: That was a whisker way from finding the bottom corner. The ball sits up in the box for the striker, who lashes a powerful effort just wide of the mark.
Top Comments:
- __JamesHarris on Twitter says:
  
  First 5 mins and we're on fire! #ArsenalLive
- WeHateTottenham on Twitter says:
  
  Could easily be 3-0! #ArsenalLive
4

KOSCIELNY STEPS IN: Steve Morison bursts forward with the home crowd willing him all the way - but the Frenchman cooly wins the ball back for Arsenal.
3

STRONG START FOR ARSENAL: That's two early attacks already. A confidence boost, no doubt.
2

WALCOTT SHOT IS BLOCKED: Gervinho robs Naughton and pulls the ball back for the winger, who sees his shot blocked for a corner. Set-piece comes to nothing.
1

VAN PERSIE SCUFFS WIDE: First chance of the game falls to the Dutchman. Theo Walcott is provider once more, but the striker can't quite divert his effort goal-bound.
1

BEAUTIFUL AFTERNOON IN NORFOLK: The sun is shining, the Arsenal fans are singing - now to complete it with a win...
1

AND WE'RE OFF: Arsenal get us going at Carrow Road.
COME ON ARSENAL: That all-important fourth spot could be reached today with a big scoreline. But regardless, three points is what today is all about for Arsene Wenger's men.
CARROW ROAD PACKED OUT: 'On the Ball City' rings out around from the home faithful. It's believed to be the oldest football chant in existence. Apparently.
ARSENAL FANS IN GOOD SPIRITS: The pocket of Gunners in the corner will no doubt be their usual vocal selves here at Carrow Road this afternoon. Good from them.
AND HERE THEY COME: Robin van Persie leads the Gunners out once more, closely followed by the maverick that is Wojciech Szczesny.
Top Comments:
- SUPERflousMAN on Twitter says:
  
  U know u support the greatest club on earth when u get up at 3.30 on a Sat 2 watch them play the beautiful game,proud #Gooners #ArsenalLive
- JU5TI5 on Twitter says:
  
  C'mon gunners! Let's make it 5 consecutive PL wins #ArsenalLive
- El_Kamino_Real on Twitter says:
  
  Nothing like waking up early on a Saturday morning to watch your club play. So glad EPL is back! #ArsenalLive
PLAYERS ARE IN THE TUNNEL: Just over five minutes until kick-off here in Norfolk and the players are ready to arrive on pitch.
INTERESTING BATTLE ON THE LEFT: Well, our left. Andre Santos is a man well know for his attacking instincts. For Norwich, the young Kyle Naughton also has plenty in his locker going forward. The on-loan Spurs man proved a revelation on loan at Leicester last season, and is doing well once more at Carrow Road.
E-MAIL THE TEAM: Dan Roebuck and Arsenal.com editor Richard Clarke are the men in the commentary box this afternoon. Get in touch with them via e-mail at studio@arsenal.co.uk
GET INVOLVED: As ever you can join all the discussion with us on Twitter with the #ArsenalLive hashtag. Send us your thoughts!
CAN ROBIN GO ON? It's eight goals in his last four Premier League matches for the Dutchman. Everything he touches seems to be going in at the moment - and you wouldn't bet against him continuing that this afternoon.
COMPLACENCY NOT ON THE CARDS: But, make no mistake, the Canaries are a side sitting ninth in the Premier League table. They've made an enjoyable start to life back in the top tier. Indeed, Wenger has hailed their 'dynamic football' this week.
NORWICH LOOKING LEAKY: The home side are yet to keep a clean sheet this season since their promotion from the Championship. Plus, they've shipped six goals in their last two matches.
BOSS WANTS FOCUS: Arsene Wenger has called for a winning return at Carrow Road this afternoon. His side were enjoying their football before the break - and long may that continue.
CAN ARSENAL MARCH ON? It's four straight Premier League victories for the Gunners up to this point - but what effect will the international break have had?
SUBSTITUTES: Rudd, Drury, Holt, Jackson, Surman, Bennett, Wilbraham.
NORWICH: Ruddy, Martin, Johnson, Morison, Crofts, Pilkington, Hoolahan, Fox, Barnett, Tierney, Naughton.
SUBSTITUTES: Fabianski, Djourou, Rosicky, Coquelin, Benayoun, Arshavin, Chamakh.
ARSENAL: Szczesny, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Andre Santos, Song, Ramsey, Arteta, Walcott, Gervinho, Van Persie.
Top Comments:
- ctopher82 on Twitter says:
  
  Not über confident about beating Norwich today. Break might have killed our momentum. Injuries aside the line up is decent tho. #ArsenalLive
TEAM NEWS: Per Mertesacker replaces the injured Carl Jenkinson, with Laurent Koscielny likely to feature at right-back.
Top Comments:
- Kaluz2011AFC on Twitter says:
  
  I am bit suprised that Park in not in the bench ...guess AW is thinking about the CL match with Dortmund!! #ArsenalLive
GOOD AFTERNOON: Welcome to a sun soaked Carrow Road, the setting for Arsenal's latest Premier League encounter.