Norwich City take on Arsenal in a 5.30pm kick-off this Saturday evening knowing that it’s all about points, rather than performances, from now until the end of the season.
Having lost to Sunderland two weeks ago, Norwich missed a golden opportunity to all but guarantee survival and have now slipped into the bottom three on goal difference after the Black Cats draw with Arsenal last weekend.
With Newcastle right on the Canaries tail, just one point behind having played a game more, it is very much a three-horse race for the one remaining survival place. If Norwich are to survive, they must spring a few surprises with a very testing fixture list to come with the likes of Manchester United, Watford and Everton following this weekend’s match.
Norwich must head to the Emirates with no fear, similar to the attitude showed in what feels like a lifetime ago against Manchester United at Old Trafford in a game where they defied the odds and won 2-1.
Here’s five things that you should look out for.
The Arsenal fans to be restless
Arsenal fans are arguably the unhappiest people in the league at the moment (okay, maybe second behind Aston Villa!) But having blown their title bid in March, and having drawn three of their last four games, many Gunners fans feel it’s time for a change. If the match is in the balance, expect boos to ring Arsene Wenger’s way.
Goals!
There hasn’t been a goalless draw between the two sides for the last 10 games, with the last one coming in 1994. Notable games in that time include a dominant Arsenal side winning 4-1 in 2013 in a game best remembered for an amazing team goal that was finished by Jack Wilshere. Also a thrilling 3-3 draw was played out between the two sides in 2012, Robin Van Persie had scored two goals and had put Arsenal 3-2 up with ten minutes to go but a late Steve Morison goal rescued a point for the Canaries.
Norwich have only won once since that game, with a 1-0 win in October 2012 after Grant Holt slotted home past Vito Mannone that day.
There will be goals in this game, but hopefully, it won’t all go Arsenal’s way!
Norwich to have chances to score
Norwich will get chances, it’s clear that there are mistakes that are waiting to be made in the Gunners back line. But the big question remains, do Norwich have what it takes to put the ball in the back of the net when it matters? On this season’s form, it’s a no. This must change on Saturday.
Ozil to be the difference
The world-class German playmaker was the best player on the pitch when the two sides met earlier on in the season and added to his performance with a fine goal past John Ruddy. He will be key to Arsenal’s attacking threat this time around and Norwich’s defence (minus Timm Klose) must be at their best to stop him. But that’s not to say we can ignore Alexis Sanchez too!
Norwich to give their all... but will it be enough?
The Canaries know that they must not bottle it, there just isn’t enough games left! Norwich must show the fight that was lacking severely against Crystal Palace and even more so against Sunderland, otherwise the fans may as well start making their arrangements for Portman Road next season.
But I believe Norwich will turn up and if they can keep it tight until half time, they will have a realistic chance of going back to Norfolk with a point, or if the opportunity arises to catch Arsenal on the break… then dare I say it all three!