Mistakes show Ljungberg has his work cut out

NORWICH CITY 2 ARSENAL 2

THERE is only so much that Freddie Ljungberg can do in two days and it came as little surprise to learn that Arsenal’s defensive problems are not so easily solved.

The problems run deep in his players and Arsenal’s interim head coach will have his work cut out in the coming weeks if he is to find a way of eradicating the persistent sense of chaos that stalks his defenders.

There were signs of progress in Ljungberg’s first match since replacing the sacked Unai Emery, particularly in possession. But two training sessions are plainly not enough for an inexperienced coach to fix the vulnerability at the back, where a sprightly Norwich City caused all sorts of problems across 90 minutes of terrific entertainment at Carrow Road.

Ljungberg’s face at the end was a picture of frustration, those famous cheekbones only enhancing his grimace.

Yet there would also have been some relief, as Ljungberg will know he was indebted to an exceptional goalkeeping performance from Bernd Leno in the second half, when Arsenal wilted and Norwich crashed into the visiting defence likes waves on the sand.

It is now eight games without a win in all competitions for Arsenal, and six in the league. If you take goal difference into account, this is officially their worst ever start to a Premier League season.

It says plenty about the current state of the competition that, despite their struggles, they are only seven points away from the top four. A sizeable gap, yes, but not an insurmountable one.

“It is a bit of a crazy league,” Ljungberg said. “Of course I hope and think that Arsenal can get back into the top four.”

Venom

Norwich are not a side to hold back against a team with so many obvious areas of defensive weaknesses. Daniel Farke’s side countered with pace and venom, twice taking the lead in the first half and then creating the best opportunities of the second.

A player of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s predatory instincts will always cause problems, though, no matter which team he is playing for or which manager he is working under.

Aubameyang scored twice, once from a VAR-assisted retaken penalty, and once from close range as Arsenal swung some punches of their own.

Ljungberg viewed the spirit of his team, their willingness to twice fight back, as one of the positives.

“I am extremely proud of the players that they came back twice, especially when they go 2-1 down just before half-time,” Ljungberg said.

“Normally morale goes down but we came out fighting and got it done.”

All in, it was Norwich who were the more likely winners. Farke’s side had enough chances in the second half to win this by some margin.

Teemu Pukki, the scorer of their first, and the excellent Todd Cantwell, who struck their second, both went close. As did Kenny McLean, who was denied by Leno after surging through midfield. (© Daily Telegraph, London)