Arsenal 1 - 0 Norwich City: Danny Welbeck boosts Arsene Wenger on a mixed day at the Emirates for Arsenal

Posted Sunday, May 01, 2016 by PA

Arsenal celebrated in unison as Danny Welbeck's strike earned a 1-0 win which leaves Norwich's Premier League position ever more precarious.

The well-publicised protests in the 12th and 78th minute - to signal 12 years since Arsenal's last Premier League title - were a bit like the Gunners' season. Lots of expectation, poor execution.

And Welbeck gave Arsene Wenger reason for cheer and optimism of an 18th successive season in the Champions League with the decisive goal.

The Gunners' clash at Manchester City on May 8 will be crucial in determining their finishing position, while Norwich play at home to Manchester United the previous day desperate for points in their bid to avoid the drop.

A small minority took part in the protests and were shouted down by pro-Wenger chants. Arguments even broke out between rival factions.

There may have been greater agreement had the "Time for change" posters been directed at Giroud, Arsenal's number 12, so abject was his performance.

And the decision to send on Welbeck for Alex Iwobi, instead of the Frenchman, was jeered.

It was soon justified. Giroud met Hector Bellerin's cross with a cushioned header which Welbeck drilled into the corner, three minutes after his introduction.

Norwich are still without a win at Arsenal since the opening day of the inaugural Premier League season in August 1992. They have won two of their last 15 league games, with 11 defeats.

Alex Neil's side dropped beneath Newcastle and Sunderland prior to kick-off, when a side showing five changes aimed to respond to the 3-0 loss to the Black Cats.

Norwich started well. Nathan Redmond forced Petr Cech to save after five minutes, after a Martin Olsson cross evaded everyone.

Cameron Jerome blasted over before arguments broke out between Arsenal supporters disputing the future of their club.

"There's only one Arsene Wenger" rang around the Emirates Stadium as the 12th-minute protest took place.

There was indecision off the field and on it, as Arsenal dithered around the Norwich penalty area, failing to fashion any real chances.

A deflected Mohamed Elneny effort resulted in a corner and Laurent Koscielny headed over.

Gary O'Neil had an opportunity on the break, exchanged passes with Redmond, but miscued his shot spectacularly over.

Redmond, Norwich's most lively player, made space for a shot which skipped wide.

Then came Welbeck's introduction, immediately injecting energy, and Arsenal's goal.

Redmond tried to create an equaliser, crossing for substitute Dieumerci Mbokani, but Gabriel - on for the injured Per Mertesacker - timed his intervention brilliantly.

Alexis Sanchez shot straight at John Ruddy from a Mesut Ozil pass on the counter attack.

The Germany playmaker then volleyed over before Elneny brought the ball down on his chest and fired with the outside of his boot. Ruddy saved.

The goalkeeper ventured forward in stoppage time, but Norwich's free-kick barely reached him as they suffered another damaging defeat.

TWEET OF THE MATCH

"Well done to all you Arsenal fans who never held them silly embarrassing protest boards up. The minority ones who did.. Have a word!! #AFC" - Former Arsenal striker John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) had some strong words on fans protesting before the game.

PLAYER RATINGS

Arsenal

Petr Cech: 6 (out of 10)

Hector Bellerin: 7

Per Mertesacker: 5

Laurent Koscielny: 6

Nacho Monreal: 5

Mohamed Elneny: 6

Aaron Ramsey: 7

Mesut Ozil: 7

Alex Iwobi: 6

Alexis Sanchez: 6

Olivier Giroud: 5

Substitutes

Gabriel (for Mertesacker, 51): 6

Danny Welbeck (for Iwobi, 56): 7

Francis Coquelin (for Sanchez, 84): 5

Norwich

John Ruddy: 7

Ivo Pinto: 5

Russell Martin: 5

Sebastien Bassong: 5

Martin Olsson: 5

Jonny Howson: 6

Gary O'Neil: 6

Nathan Redmond: 7

Cameron Jerome: 5

Wes Hoolahan: 5

Robbie Brady: 5

Substitutes

Dieumerci Mbokani (for Hoolahan, 68): 5

Steven Naismith (for Brady, 77): 5

Matt Jarvis (for Bassong, 89): 5

STAR PLAYER

Welbeck. Changed the game, scoring three minutes after his introduction off the bench.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

The 12th-minute protest prompted arguments among pro- and anti-change factions. The debate continues.

VIEW FROM THE BENCH

Many thought Giroud should have been taken off for Welbeck, but Wenger's decision to replace Iwobi instead was justified when the Frenchman laid on the goal. Arsenal had been unchanged for the third straight game, while Neil made five changes following the loss to Sunderland, with Pinto, Martin, Hoolahan, Jerome and Redmond drafted in. The changes failed to inspire the Canaries, who still seemed short of ideas.

MOAN OF THE MATCH

The 12th minute "Time for change" posters could have been aimed at Arsenal's number 12, Giroud, who was poor, apart from the assist for Welbeck's goal.

WHO'S UP NEXT

Manchester City v Arsenal (Barclays Premier League, Sunday, May 8)

Norwich v Manchester United (Barclays Premier League, Saturday, May 7)

Sanchez was subbed late on and walked straight through the tunnel during the win but Wenger said he expects that attitude from the Chile international.

"I know Alexis very well, for a long time now," the Frenchman told Sky Sports 1.

"He wants to play every minute but what is important is that the team wins."

The win puts the Gunners eight points clear of West Ham and Manchester United in the race for a Champions League spot and Wenger believes those teams still have a chance to reach the top four.

"It will be very open until the end because both teams play against each other in a game in hand so somebody will drop points but it will be difficult until the end."

In response to the minority of fans showing their frustration at the club's failures this season, Wenger said: "We respect the opinion of everybody. We gave absolutely the best.

"I have shown my commitment to this club and the fans. I'm really sorry I cannot make them all happy but we will continue to work hard to achieve it."

Norwich boss Neil said: "I think we performed really well. We looked the more likely to score and I think our game plan worked really well. I thought our game plan limited a very good side to very little.

"We just allowed the game to get a little bit ragged for a five minute stretch. It's always been a massive fight but I think if we perform the way that we did today then three performances like that and I'd be pretty confident that we'll pack up points."