- 88'
Walcott hits the post!
- 88'
Arsenal again probing and spreading the ball.
- 87'
Ramsey with some lovely one-touch football.
- 87'
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Holt booked for the foul.
- 86'
Holt, troubling Mertesacker, commmits a foul when Norwich really could have threatened. A warning to Arsenal.
- 85'
Arsenal playing the ball around nicely, particularly with Ramsey, Benayoun and Van Persie...even Szczesny had a trick.
- 85'
Arsenal still probing for a third goal and what would be the winner. No signs of just keeping possession.
- 84'
Walcott pass to Benayoun is wasted on the edge of the Norwich box.
- 83'
Foul by Bennett, who's already on a yellow card, on Koscielny. Free-kick to Arsenal.
- 83'
Mertesacker, with an ugly hoof, gives the ball away.
- 82'
Last throw of the dice from Lambert - three strikers now on.
- 81'
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Pilkington off, Jackson on.
- 81'
Koscielny tries to send the free-kick over the top of the defence and in towards Van Persie but it's sent clear.
- 80'
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Tierney booked for a foul on Walcott. It's been a tough test for the defender with the winger impressing.
- 80'
Final ten minutes, then. Will tell much about the character of both sides, as this game is still very, very open.
- 80'
Norwich goal-kick.
- 80'
Koscielny showing his ball-playing abilities from right-back, even if not natural at overlapping.
- 79'
Six years since these two team met. Arsenal won 4-1 at Highbury, with a hat-trick from Thierry Henry.
- 79'
Norwich throw-in.
- 79'
Song, who's look very good and composed today, spreading the ball in midfield.
- 77'
Gervinho involved a lot today. Decent performance but needed to be more clinical, which Benayoun may just do.
- 76'
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Gervinho off, Benayoun on.
- 76'
Stat: Arsenal with 17 attempts on goal, 10 on target. Norwich with 8, 2 on target.
- 76'
Arteta shot blocked, dangerous effort. Norwich still not cleared.
- 76'
Johnson cross threatens but iut comes clear. Arsenal now attacking.
- 75'
Foul by Song. Norwich free-kick.
- 75'
Arsenal now regaining composure in possession.
- 74'
Midfield suddenly seems very crowded with Norwich enjoying a spell of winning every second ball. 50/50 challenge given to Arsenal though, and free-kick is taken.
- 73'
Stoke-esque, almost.
- 73'
Norwich cross headed clear. The intention is obvious: crosses into the box for Morison and Holt to attack.
- 72'
Barnett with some excellent defending with Ramsey getting into a goalscoring position after good work from Van Persie. Could have been game over.
- 72'
Foul by Ramsey on Crofts. Free-kick to Norwich from deep inside their own half.
- 72'
Gervinho fails to control Ramsey pass and ball out for a throw-in. Looks like Norwich are building some momentum, and there are positive vibes from the home crowd.
- 71'
Norwich free-kick from wide. Set for a cross
- 70'
Morison shot blocked by Mertesacker with appeals for handball. Appeals waved off, but Holt and Morison will be a handful for the remainder of the game. Exactly the type of players Arsenal have struggled with in the past (Kevin Davies, anyone?)
- 69'
Wasted with an unthreatening shot from Arteta, goal-kick to Norwich.
- 69'
Free-kick to Arsenal. Vermaelen and Arteta lining up.
- 69'
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Hoolahan off, Grant Holt on (Good luck, Per Mertesacker).
- 68'
Crofts fouls Van Persie. Free-kick.
- 67'
Good effort from Arsenal. Vermaelen plays Gervinho in, who passes to Walcott whose shot is saved. Not a great effort, but good play.
- 66'
Vermaelen, who's impressed so far, looking to start an Arsenal attack and exchanging possession with Ramsey.
- 66'
Foul by Bennett. <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Free-kick to Arsenal.
- 66'
Arsenal now breaking with Gervinho.
- 65'
Cross from Bennett towards Pilkington but only slight contact is made and it trickles wide. Good play.
- 65'
Norwich go close!
- 64'
Lovely control from Walcott after a long ball from Vermaelen. Arsenal look to spread play until Arteta gives the ball away with a sluggish pass.
- 64'
Walcott offside with an ambitious ball over the top.
- 63'
Norwich find space to cross from the right, but it's high and unthreatening and Szczesny effortlessly collects.
- 62'
Arsenal throw-in.
- 61'
Robin Van Persie is the fifth player in Premier League history to score 30+ goals in a calendar year. Shearer has done so twice, while Henry, Ferdinand and Van Nistelrooy are the others.
- 61'
Arsenal looking to build from Song again.
- 60'
Ramsey wins the ball, Song collects runs with the ball, plays Van Persie in who delightfully delivers a deft chip over Ruddy. In unstoppable form is Van Persie, a splendid goal.
- 59'
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> 2-1 to Arsenal!
- 59'
His introduction an obvious attempt to get at Santos.
- 58'
Bennett loses the ball out wide. Arsenal throw.
- 58'
Mertesacked wins the header. Norwich habe the ball with Martin.
- 57'
Can't help but feel Fox's removal, while it's encouraging that Norwich intend on attacking, has weakened them and left them more vulnerable.
- 57'
Norwich recover the ball. Working very hard indeed. Ruddy clears.
- 56'
Tierney building with Norwich but the cross is headed out by Mertesacker.
- 55'
Should have been a goal, no two ways about it! Good goalkeeping from Ruddy, but a waste. Van Persie with a masterful through ball giving Gervinho time and space. He takes a touch to take it past Ruddy before a lethargic finish wastes the chance and sees Norwich clear the ball. Very wasteful.
- 55'
Gervinho wastes another good chance!
- 54'
Grreat delivery from Walcott from wide on the right. Ramsey meets it and connects but the angle's too tight to get it on target.
- 53'
Stat attack: Arsenal have not won five games in a row in the Premier League since March 2010.
- 53'
For all of the Gervinho's talent, he needs far more urgency when in possession. Playing, at times, as though he's on the training ground.
- 53'
Song plays a nice ball out wide to Gervinho who;s tackled by Naughton.
- 52'
Arsenal throw-in. Walcott takes.
- 51'
Good effort from Pilkington, but Szczesny saves! Curling effort over the top of the wall.
- 50'
Vermaelen fouls. Norwich free-kick. Good, shooting range.
- 50'
Gervinho header saved by Ruddy. Arsenal finding much more space.
- 49'
Perhaps worryingly for Norwich, the space came in the middle where Fox once was.
- 49'
Walcott plays in Van Persie but the Dutchman is offside. Clearly off.
- 49'
Ruddy with another poor clearance. Arsenal back in possession.
- 49'
Gervinho (look at that head!!) wastes the ball.
- 48'
Santos collects a Norwich clearance. Arsenal building...
- 47'
Fox's departure could be crucial. Norwich had good cover for their central defence with their midfield in the first-half. Arsenal may get more openings - or at least a greater variety of them - now.
- 46'
Barnett intercepts Ramsey through ball with the midfielder looking to send Van Persie clear.
- 46'
Ball sent straight out for an Arsenal goal-kick.
- 46'
Second-half underway, Arsenal kick-off.
Temas have re-emerged for the second half. Arsenal unchanged, Norwich have replaced David Fox with Elliott Bennett in a positive move. Clear intent from Lambert.
In other news of shocking Arsenal defending, Sam Allardyce has apparently confirmed that he asked about signing Sebastien Squillaci on loan from in January, but Wenger is insistent upon making a permanent sale.
Walcott unlucky not to have scored given Martin's clearance. More of the same from Arsenal - Mertesacker's defending aside - should see Arsenal go back in front.
Replays of Morison goal are incriminating for Mertesacker. Terrible defending - so indecisive. There was little threat, no-one in the Arsenal defence was out of position, even with Morison lurking and applying pressure. Completely bereft of authority in that instance, as it should have been easily dealt with.
For Norwich, it's important to limit any mistakes, hold their shape and to continue going forward wherever possible. One chance arose out of nothing so it's far from unthinkable that the same will happen again in the second half if legs and minds begin to tire.
Lots of talent on display for Arsenal, although it would do no harm if Wenger stressed the need for Walcott and Gervinho to play with more intelligence, in the way that Arteta, Van Persie and Ramsey have so far.
A bright opening half. Both sides obviously looking to win and relying upon their ability to score. Arsenal creating by far the more convincing chances and will fill they should have the lead but there's little reason why they shouldn't have more success in the second-half if they can maintain their creativity.
- 45'
<b>Half-time: Norwich City 1-1 Arsenal</b>
- 45'
Morison again isolated and consequently struggles to threaten, with Szczesny collecting.
- 45'
...which fizzles out as Ramsey's pass is intercepted.
- 45'
Norwich probing for an opening for another chance, but Walcott wins the bal and looks to build an attack for Arsenal...
- 45'
1 minute stoppage time to be played...unsurprisingly...
- 45'
Norwich's midfield three holding their shape well, forcing both Arteta and Ramsey to look to send the ball wide.
- 44'
Arsenal comfortbale in possession at the back, happy to exchange the ball and be patient.
- 43'
Koscielny gives the ball away with a stray pass.
- 43'
Walcott - this time on the left - wastes a chance to release Van Persie.
- 43'
Van Persie's ball too long for Walcott. Lovely technique, but it's a Norwich goal-kick.
- 42'
Difficult start to the game for Norwich's fullbacks, with Ramsey and/or Van Persie looking to assist Gervinho and Walcott on the wings.
For our UK based readers, the Van Persie and Morison goals are already <a href="/news/story/_/id/941526/enhanced-espn-premier-league-goals-app---now-free" target="_blank">available to view for FREE on our ESPN goals app.</a>
- 40'
Corner again headed clear but Arsenal collect the ball. Szczesny sends clear.
- 40'
But Arsenal win it back and begin a move that ensures Van Persie wins a corner after pressure from Naughton.
- 40'
Koscielny through-ball fails. Norwich back in possession.
- 39'
Confident displays from both sides on the whole, so far. Neither seem disheartened at conceding a goal (which is probably best as, judging by their defences, they'll concede many more before the season's end)
- 38'
Ruddy catches the resultant corner. Morison released and is isolated so tries to chip Szczesny but it's too high. Nice idea, nice effort.
- 37'
Ruddy sends the ball long again. Arsenal regain possession in midfield with Gervinho running at Naughton and shooting before the ball is deflected wide.
- 36'
Johnson in possession in midfield - involved in much of Norwich's play, so far.
- 35'
Norwich pressure pays off as Ramsey's dispossessed and Norwich begin another attack.
- 35'
Norwich tend to play good football going forward. It seems Paul Lambert has identified an aerial weakness in Arsenal's defence and has looked to expose it, which has already been done once.
- 34'
Norwich appeal for handball but referee ignores it. Defender then caught offside after a long ball from Norwich defence.
- 34'
Norwich on the attack again, however, and the home side win a corner.
- 33'
Good challenge from Mertesacker to win the ball back for Arsenal.
- 32'
Ruddy kicks clear.
- 32'
Arsenal goal-kick.
- 31'
Walcott wastes a good chance to create an opener for Arsenal. Takes too much time on the ball instead of crossing and runs it out for a goal-kick. Relief for Norwich, although Walcott's very threatening, so far.
- 30'
Ruddy has to rush out to clear a loose ball after a poor pass by Norwich threatened to release Van Persie
- 29'
Stat: Paul Lambert has already overseen 100 league games at Norwich.
- 28'
What a waste Morison! Gifted surprising space with a long ball sent towards him but poor control sees the ball out for a goal-kick.
- 28'
Arsenal again on the attack through Gervinho...
- 27'
Walcott's low cross is easily converted by Van Persie after Gervinho - again casually - misses the ball. Some superb build-up play, there, and a deserved equaliser.
- 26'
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> 1-1! Arsenal equalise!
- 26'
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> 1-1! Arsenal equalise!
- 26'
Santos in possession at the back for Arsenal. Finds Gervinho who instantly moves forward...
- 25'
Norwich now breaking after another Arsenal attack results in nothing.
- 24'
Arsenal will be very disappointed not to score before half-time. That's when the pressure will begin to build, of course.
- 24'
Perhaps emblematic of Gervinho's play so far for Arsenal - too casual, despite obvious talent.
- 23'
Far too much time on his hands, far too casual and lots of space. Poor effort which is saved and then cleared - should have scored.
- 23'
Gervinho wastes a brilliant chance!
- 22'
Norwich spreading the ball nicely with Arsenal briefly happy to remain deep. Clearly a good side going forward.
- 22'
Arsenal throw-in deep into Norwich's half.
- 22'
Barnett with a good challenge on Arteta.
- 22'
Norwich building patiently.
- 21'
Santos effort saved. Plenty of promise in offensive areas, it's at the back where the obvious concerns are for him.
- 21'
Wonder how much Mertesacker is looking forward to Grant Holt coming off of the bench.
- 21'
Arsenal in possession back in defence.
- 20'
Arteta turn is fruitless, Norwich collect.
- 19'
Arsenal, despite the goal, in control. The error-prone Mertesacker comes forward for the corner but it's headed clear for another.
- 18'
Ramsey releases Walcott and the cross is nearly deflected in. Over for an Arsenal corner.
- 17'
Van Persie fires wide! Arsenal instantly go for the equaliser but a good opportunity is wasted!
- 16'
Norwich's tactic of aiming long balls towards Morison paid off. A seemingly unthreatening long ball provided a scoring opportunity for the striker. Wenger, unsurprisingly, is incensed.
- 16'
Defensive error from Mertesacker provides the lively Morison with a shooting opportunity which he finishes nicely.
- 16'
1-0 to Norwich!<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b>
- 15'
Arteta free-kick headed clear and the resultant through-ball rolls out for a Norwich goal-kick.
- 14'
Ramsey seems to be the more roaming midfielder, with Arteta steadily building the play.
- 14'
The Welshman playing a very advanced position, thus far.
- 14'
Ramsey tries a nice looking back-heel into the box but it comes to nothing.
- 14'
Ball again been passed around the back.
- 14'
Arsenal throw-in
- 14'
Szczesny collects loose ball.
- 13'
Van Persie ruled offside, perhaps unluckily, when dangerously placed.
- 12'
Martin's intervention absolutely crucial - would have been a certain goal without it.
- 12'
Resultant corner provides little threat.
- 12'
Good effort from Walcott and great build-up by Gervinho. Biggest criticism is that Walcott took too long to shoot.
- 11'
Walcott shot blocked off the line by Martin!
- 11'
So close!!!
- 10'
Lots of flexibility and position swapping between Ramsey, Arteta, Gervinho, Van Persie and Walcott, so far. A joy to watch.
- 10'
Ramsey ball deep into the box finds Van Persie before he fails to control it.
- 10'
Arsenal again building from the back and exchanging possession comfortably.
- 9'
Foul on Gervinho in Arsenal's half. Free-kick to the Gunners.
- 8'
Van Persie aims for Ramsey with a through ball but the Wales captain can't quite reach it.
- 8'
Tierney cross collected by Sczesny.
- 8'
Koscielny again heads out with Norwich looking for Morison. Safety first.
- 6'
Vermaelen spreading the play from the back and looking very comfortable in possession. Morison, however, ensures Szcesny has no time on the ball when it arrives.
- 6'
Santos with the throw-in.
- 6'
Promising from Arsenal. Plenty of urgency and belief - for now, anyway.
- 6'
Santos through ball finds Van Persie who connects much better this time, but fires just wide.
- 6'
Arsenal now building patiently..
- 5'
It appears Norwich's front-three will be flexible enough to change position.
- 5'
Koscielny rises at right-back to head the ball out with Ruddy looking for Morison.
- 4'
Ruddy again gives the ball away. Norwich recover, but perhaps early signs of nerves from the young goalkeeper. Will need to improve that kicking.
- 4'
Norwich break with Morison but he can't put a cross in. Naughton now building fro the back,
- 3'
Aimless long ball by Norwich. Sczesny in possession.
- 3'
Koscielny was targeted but the ball bounces off him and out for a goal-kick.
- 2'
Gervinho then sets up Walcott for a shot that's deflected wide. Little threat in the shot, but a corner awaits.
- 1'
Van Persie shoots weakly wide. Gervinho broke down the right and played the striker in but he failed to connect properly. Early promise.
- 1'
Santos with an early chip looking for Van Persie gives the ball away.
- 1'
We're underway, Arsenal kick-off.
Kick-off imminent...
Marouane Chamakh - with momentum building regarding speculation of a potential return to France, possibly with Bordeaux - is on the bench for Arsenal.
Arsenal are also enjoying some uncharacteristic consistency in team selection. If Vermaelen and Van Persie can stay fit, and Wilshere nurtured back to full fitness, they've plenty of reason to be optimistic of finishing in the top four.
Norwich have a front three with Pilkington and Hoolahan supporting the central Morison.
As for the teams...
Teams are in the tunnel and preparing to walk out on to the pitch... Minutes from kick-off.
Norwich, to their credit, haven't yet been intimidate this season and will be full of confidence, with Anthony Pilkington in particularly good form. How Andre Santos deals with him in any potential one-on-one situations could be decisive.
Most interestingly, reports exist today of Wenger allegedly telling L'Equipe that he'll consider his future at the end of the season.
Arsene Wenger expects "a dynamic game, as Norwich are strong on the counter attack".
Admittedly he's far from a top-level finisher, but he makes the right runs, gets into the right positions and can be energetic. Him vs Mertesacker could be crucial.
Key battles for the afternoon could be how Arsenal's defence cope with the threat of Wales international striker Steve Morison.
Otherwise, both sides are largely predictable as both hope to resume in good form following the international break, with Arsenal in particular having built some momentum recently.
The biggest surprise in team selection seems to be Koscielny lining up at right-back for Arsenal.
Afternoon all. The team news is in...
Paul Lambert's Norwich have surprised a few people so far this season, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/984451/paul-lambert-has-canaries-flying-high?cc=5739" target="_blank">though Norman Hubbard reckons a few improvements could still be made.</a>
<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/1116/arsenalnorwich2004_275x155.jpg"><br>Arsenal's last trip to Carrow Road saw them slay Norwich 4-1 in 2004.
Join us from 12.30 as Declan Warrington brings you build up to and live commentary of Norwich v Arsenal.
Man CityManchester City
