The England forward slammed home a second-half volley to give Arsene Wenger comfort on a testing afternoon
Danny Welbeck came off the bench to calm fan anger and mark Arsene Wenger's 750th Premier League match with a win.
There was a bizarre atmosphere inside the Emirates after a half-hearted 12th minute protest – to mark 12 years since the last Premier League title – by a minority of home fans. More sung in support of Wenger.
And while distracted Arsenal did not manage a shot on target during the first half, Nathan Redmond brought Petr Cech into action twice while he also sent a shot narrowly wide.
Welbeck's 56th minute introduction for Alex Iwobi was met with widespread boos. But within three minutes he had opened the scoring when Olivier Giroud nodded down Hector Bellerin's cross and the England striker scored his fifth goal of the campaign.
Norwich, who slip two points from safety, were well organised and competed well but were unable to find the opening goal which would have ramped up the pressure on the home team.
By the end Gunners fans were happy to sing “1-0 to the Arsenal” as tkey kept alive hopes of catching Tottenham in second place.
But the season of Gunners skipper Per Mertesacker looks to be over after he limped off with a hamstring injury after 51 minutes.
Here are five things we learned:
1. Arsenal's 19th consecutive Champions League campaign is close
Wenger's side eight-match unbeaten run means they are now eight points clear of fifth-placed West Ham and Manchester United, though the Old Trafford side have a game in hand. Victory for Leicester against Louis Van Gaal's side tomorrow will leave Arsenal needing only one point to seal a top four finish. Then get knocked out in the last 16 again next season.
2. Norwich's fate is still not in their hands
Before this 5.30pm kickoff, Sunderland's draw meant wining their last four games would have guaranteed keeping the Canaries in the top flight. Now two points behind the Black Cats, even wins at home to Man Utd and Watford and away to Everton might not be enough.
3. Not all Arsenal fans are revolting
After 12 minutes – to mark the 12 years since the last Premier League title – a minority of fans held up banners saying “Time For Change.” The reverse side of one read: "Wenger = 12 years excuses, Ranieri = 9 months champions". This definitely affected the atmosphere and the game. Wenger blamed Gunners fans before the match for causing his side to drop points. But they are protesting because Arsenal don't win enough matches.
In pictures: Fans protest before and during the game
4. Norwich take more capital punishment
The Canaries have now failed to win in their last 12 Premier League games against London teams (D4, L8) since beating Tottenham at Carrow Road in February 2014. They have not won a Premier League in the capital since victory at White Hart Lane in April 2012.
5. Mesut Ozil is saving himself for the Euros
The German has now gone nine Premier League games without assisting a goal after another anonymous display. The only mark he left on this game was on Gary O'Neil's head when he was booked for foot-up.
Player ratings
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Cech 7; Bellerin 6, Mertesacker 6 (Gabriel, 51,5), Koscielny 6, Monreal 6; Elneny 7, Ramsey 6; Sanchez 7, Iwobi 6 (Welbeck, 56,7), Ozil 5; Giroud 5
Norwich (4-4-2): Ruddy 7; Martin 7, Pinto 6, Bassong 6, Olsson 6; Redmond 7, O'Neil 6, Howson 7, Brady 6 (Naismith, 78,5); Hoolahan 6 (Mbokani, 68,5) , Jerome 6
Norwich (4-4-2): Ruddy 7; Martin 7, Pinto 6, Bassong 6, Olsson 6; Redmond 7, O'Neil 6, Howson 7, Brady 6 (Naismith, 78,5); Hoolahan 6 (Mbokani, 68,5) , Jerome 6
ARSENAL 1-0 NORWICH – PLAYER RATINGS
Arsenal took on Norwich City at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon with an unchanged lineup from the side that drew 0-0 against Sunderland last weekend.
It was a tense affair which saw the visitors with the better chances in the first half, with Nathan Redmond having a few opportunities to put Norwich ahead if not for Petr Cech’s brilliance in goal.
Protests from supporters ensued from the 12th minute, although the division of #WengerIn to #WengerOut was obvious and fewer than 100 people appeared to be involved, while the remainder sang in favour of the Frenchman.
Little was created by Arsenal in the first period and the sides went into the break drawing 0-0.
Into the second half and a surprise substitution saw Alex Iwobi withdrawn for Danny Welbeck, with the England international’s impact felt within minutes.
He combined well with Olivier Giroud – who fans wanted to see withdrawn, to score a volley that put the home side a goal to the good just before the hour mark.
The score ended 1-0, thanks to the substitutes effort.
Not a convincing performance but all three points were awarded nonetheless.
How did the players rate?
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