Arsenal’s worst ever start to a league season made their match against Norwich a ‘bottom-of-the-table-derby’. Emirates Stadium witnessed another disappointing performance by the home team but it was the first three points for Arsenal in the ongoing season – final score 1-0 as the Gunners score their first goal and collect their first points.Arsenal spent more than any other Premier League club this summer and although all six players they signed are under 24, they need some immediate returns on those investments. Four new signings were on the pitch from the start (Odegaard, Tomiyasu, White, Lokonga) and the situation within Mikel Arteta’s squad looked as if the Gunners are still trying to find the chemistry among themselves.First opportunity of the match was for the Canaries – in the 17th minute, Kenny McLean tried with a header that went just wide of the left post from close range after a searching cross. Four minutes later Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had a crack at goal from inside the box, but one of the Norwich defenders somehow made the block to deny him.5 – Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored five goals in his three Premier League games against Norwich, also netting a brace in both meetings with the Canaries in 2019-20. Breakthrough. pic.twitter.com/inA3PT2AGv— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 11, 2021 Arsenal had the ball more, they were facing the opponents goal more in the first half but it was all in vain. Futile build-ups took too long and Norwich players had enough time to organize their defence.Second half showed more intensity as Arsenal presented a bit of their strength and talent in the 66th minute. Ivorian Nicolas Pepe picked up the ball inside the box and produced a snap shot which smashed against the right post.Hosts lacked fortune in the 66th minute, but Lady Luck helped them three minutes later. The lead came out of nowhere – Aubameyang tapped home from close range after the rebound fell kindly into his path.Norwich failed to record any sort of serious opportunity and Arsenal took advantage. As the final whistle was approaching, north Londoners created a few more chances – biggest one being when Emile Smith-Rowe tried in the 89th minute but the ball went just wide of Tim Krul’s right post.To close the match off, Norwich City created their biggest chance of the game – Finnish striker Teemu Pukki found some space inside the box and sent a shot, but it was brilliantly blocked by one of the defending players sliding in.A lot of work ahead for Arteta, that is for sure. Surely, Arsenal boardroom and fans want to see much more from the team. A one-nil win against Norwich – not too assuring but it is a win. Arteta hopes for more of the same to relieve some of the mounting pressure on him.PREMIER LEAGUE – ROUND 4SaturdayCrystal Palace – Tottenham 3-0 (0-0)/Zaha 75 pen, Edouard 84, 90+3/Leicester – Man City 0-1 (0-0)/Silva 62’/Southampton – West Ham 0-0Man Utd – Newcastle 4-1 (1-0)/Ronaldo 45+2′, 62′, Fernandes 80′, Lingard 90+2′ – Manquillo 56’/Watford – Wolverhampton 0-2 (0-0)/Sierralta 74′ og, Hee Chan 83’/Arsenal – Norwich 1-0 (0-0)/Aubameyang 69’/Brentford – Brighton 0-1 (0-0)/Trossard 90’/19.30: (1.35) Chelsea (4.90) Aston Villa (9.50)Sunday18.30: (4.70) Leeds (3.70) Liverpool (1.75)Monday22.00: (1.80) Everton (3.50) Burnley (4.70)***odds are subject to change
