WE’RE GUNNER
Fans serenade relieved Arteta who says: It was a funny song
JUBILANT Arsenal fans sang “we are staying up” as Pierreemerick Aubameyang finally broke their Premier League points and goal duck.
It gave under-pressure boss Mikel Arteta a reason to smile at last.
This was simply must-win for the Gunners after three straight goalless defeats from a match billed as a relegation six pointer.
They did that thanks to Aubameyang’s fortunate effort after Nicolas Pepe had hit both posts, with VAR ruling the Gabon striker was just about onside.
Instead of the Gunners, it is Norwich who are bottom of the pile.
But you have to feel sorry for Daniel Farke’s side who produced a spirited display of their own.
Arteta said: “I got pretty emotional at the end. I didn’t hear the song but it was funny anyway.
“We have to be one of the best teams in this country in terms of performance and trophies.
“It’s probably been the best last 15 days I’ve ever had in football.
“They weren’t the easiest – but probably the best. We’ve had to find out our purpose. And it all made sense.
“It was all about relationships and trust.
“I’ve had to reflect on the criticism. We’ve been extremely open. Our fans were incredible, trying to inspire us. They said they were ready to suffer.
“The team were aggressive and wanted to please everyone.”
Prior to yesterday, Arsenal had simply not been good enough – summed up by their shambolic showing in the 5-0 defeat at Manchester City last time out.
This time around they gave league debuts to keeper Aaron Ramsdale and Takehiro Tomiyasu and started with a real purpose.
Aubameyang should have done better early on
when Kieran Tierney found him in acres of space down the left but the chipped effort went over.
Albert Sambi Lokonga was next to go close but Norwich could have taken the lead themselves as Kenny Mclean headed over from Max Aarons’ cross.
Aubameyang then should have scored after running on to Martin Odegaard’s long ball but Tim Krul bravely denied him.
The Canaries were belying their own poor start to the campaign and giving as good as they got with Kieran Dowell twice going close.
Pepe’s free-kick went wide at the other end while Tomiyasu then volleyed over.
Despite their nerves, Arsenal fans remained in good voice although it was uncertain a goal would come. Their England midfielder Bukayo Saka saw his effort deflected away from goal while Pepe was foiled by the impressive Manchester United loanee Brandon Williams, who threw his body on the line to block the shot.
Eventually that goal came on 66 minutes, started by Saka.
The ball found its way to Pepe who was foiled by Krul and the post, the rebound finding its way back to him only for the other post to be rattled.
At that point Aubameyang was offside but Pepe, now ahead of his team-mate, got another touch to deflect the ball to the centre-forward who could not miss.
No flag but a VAR check. Goal
given despite lengthy protests from the Norwich players and bench.
Arsenal tension eased as Emile Smith Rowe was foiled by overworked Canaries keeper Krul.
There was still time for Gabriel to stick out a boot to prevent Teemu Pukki scoring late on.
“One nil to the Arsenal,” sang relieved home fans. Not the Arsenal of old but it was a start at least.
On the decisive goal, Farke said: “I have not watched it back because even if it was a VAR mistake it would not change the result. It’s not my topic, we have to accept it.
“It was unlucky for my players. “There is no replacement for points – you don’t get rewarded for great performances. But we have to accept the class of Arsenal’s players.”