Norwich 1-2 Arsenal

Two goals from Robin van Persie secured another vital three points for Arsenal at Norwich City.

Yet another couple of goals from the Dutchman was the only straight-forward factor about a roller-coaster affair in which the Gunners made hard work of what could have been a dominant win.

In fact, it was Norwich who went ahead first thanks to a blunder from Mertesacker as Norwich’s lurking striker stole possesion to strike past Szczesney.

Wenger’s men made sure they went into half-time level at least as fine service from the right by Theo Walcott set up a tap-in for Van Persie to equalize not too long after going behind.

The visitors went on to carve out decent goal-scorong chances with Gervinho responsible for a number of misses and at the other end Norwich threatened to sucker-punch Arsenal with occassional counter-attacks.

But almost mid-way through the second-half, Van Persie calmed down any scares over Wenger’s men dropping any points as he beautifully controlled and chipped home a goal to put his side ahead.

Arsenal could have gone on to net more goals and indeed a few more lapses in defence nearly gifted Norwich a painful equalizer, but another commanding defensive performance by the returning Thomas Vermaelen and solid shows by full-backs Andre Santos and Koscielny ensured the three points were safe.