Arsenal v Norwich preview

Teemu Pukki

Arsenal v Norwich City Premier League preview

By Oli Dickson Jefford

After a terrible start to the season, Arsenal have the perfect opportunity to kickstart their league campaign when they host Norwich this weekend.

Defeats to Chelsea and Manchester City were hardly unexpected, but the manner of those defeats and the opening day loss to Brentford ensured the worst league start since 1954.

Pressure has ramped up on Mikel Arteta and a sharp turnaround in form is needed, though the Gunners have an ideal chance to do that against an already-struggling Norwich.

Norwich likely to be vulnerable


Having been relegated at the end of the 2019/20 season, the Canaries dominated the Championship to seal automatic promotion though are once again struggling in the top flight.

They have admittedly had a tricky start, but the manner in which they fell 3-0 to Liverpool and 5-0 to Man City will not be encouraging.

There were some signs of hope for them in their final match before the international break, but Teemu 
Pukki’s penalty was ultimately not enough as they fell 2-1 to Leicester.

Pukki is their main danger man, though the Finn’s form has been patchy when he’s played in the Premier League and just how much of a threat he will pose remains to be seen.

There is undoubted quality in Norwich’s first XI, with the likes of Todd Cantwell and Max Aarons bright sparks who could one day feature for a top six side.

However after losing the likes of Emi Buendia to Aston Villa and loanee Oliver Skipp back to his parent club of Tottenham, a significant part of their Championship-winning squad has been depleted.

Not only do they have a weaker squad than Arsenal, their style of play also leaves them at risk.

Manager Daniel Farke employs an attacking style of football which means they can create a lot of chances, but this leaves them open at the back and vulnerable against teams of a higher quality.

This means that there should be plenty of openings for Arsenal’s attack, though whether they take advantage remains to be seen. 

Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mikel Arteta

What do Arsenal need to do?


Against a side that will provide numerous opportunities to attack, both on the counter and when building up possession, someone needs to get their scoring boots on.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will most likely start up front and such a match provides the perfect opportunity to get back in the goal scoring mood and regain some confidence.

Though not at their best, Emile Smith-Rowe and Bukayo Saka have been two of Arsenal’s best performers this season and this match gives them and Martin Odegaard a chance to work their way into form.

Saka in particular will be buoyed after another strong performance in an England shirt against Andorra on Sunday, and will be hoping to add to his goal in that match.

Defensively, this could provide the perfect opportunity to help the likes of Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu settle into the club with a match unlikely to pose a strong defensive challenge as others. 

Tomiyasu is yet to make his debut after joining on deadline day, whilst White missed the Chelsea and Man City matches after testing positive for Covid.

Though there is some level of intrigue as to how Arteta may line up defensively for the next few games, it is likely that at least one of them will feature here.

And with Gabriel back, Arteta may look to bring more consistency back to his defence with a new regular line-up and formation.

Nothing should be taken for granted- especially after a poor start.

However, against a team likely to struggle, this weekend provides a perfect opportunity for Arsenal to get a much-needed three points. 


Image Credit: Getty Images

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