A new manager, but same old Arsenal

Caretaker manager Freddie Ljungberg could not end Arsenal’s long wait for a win as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s double only salvaged a 2-2 draw at Norwich on Sunday.

The Canaries twice led through Teemu Pukki and Todd Cantwell only for Aubameyang to level, first from the penalty spot and then with a clinical finish after the break. But Arsenal also had goalkeeper Bernd Leno to thank for coming away with a point as the German saved brilliantly from Kenny McLean, Pukki and Emiliano Buendia.

Unai Emery was sacked as Arsenal manager after seven games without a win in all competitions that had seen the Gunners fall well off the pace in the race for a top-four finish.

Ljungberg remains a fans’ favourite from his days as an Arsenal player, but he suffered the same problems as his predecessor as the visitors’ firepower up front was needed to cover up their defensive problems.

Pukki’s deflected shot crept past Leno in the 21st minute but Norwich’s lead did not last long as Aubameyang scored with a twice-taken penalty after his initial effort was saved by Tim Krul. The kick was ordered to be retaken after VAR ruled Norwich’s players had encroached into the area.

Cantwell’s slide-rule effort restored Norwich’s lead in firsthalf stoppage time after Arsenal’s defence backed off.

Aubameyang fired in from close range to level again in the 57th minute but it was Norwich who looked the more likely winners, with Leno making several good saves. /