Arsenal 1-0 Norwich: Danny Welbeck eases the pressure on Arsene Wenger and strengthens Gunners' hold on a Champions League spot as relegation fears mount for Canaries at Emirates Stadium
- Arsenal scored with their first shot on target as substitute Danny Welbeck broke the deadlock against Norwich
- John Ruddy denied Mohamed Elneny from doubling lead with fine save tipping midfielder's effort over the crossbar
- Gunners midfielder Mesut Ozil was booked and appeared to brush into referee Mike Jones in the closing stages
- Norwich have now won only one of the last 15 Premier League matches against Arsenal (drawn 6, lost 8)
But that is where we are with Arsenal at the moment; a club split by the man who has no intention of budging.
Saturday's 12th and 78th-minute protests — signifying the club's 12-year title drought — against the Arsenal manager only served to increase the confusion. Those intent on sounding off about the Frenchman were drowned out by those who remain loyal to their manager.
Danny Welbeck had been on the pitch only a few minutes when the Arsenal forward broke the deadlock with a firm low shot into the net
Welbeck wheels away to celebrate giving Arsenal the lead with the 50th goal of his club career and 13th goal for the Gunners on Saturday
There were protests from Arsenal fans after 12 minutes with banners and posters held aloft directed at manager Arsene Wenger
Arsenal supporters were divided in their protests towards Wenger, with some fans showing solidarity for their under-pressure manager
The protests were sporadic with some supporters backing the current regime while others were frustrated by success elsewhere
But the performance will have done little to placate fans who believe Wenger should go. This was drab as drab gets from Arsenal. But when they needed inspiration, Wenger provided it. Some fans simply do not trust Wenger any more. On this evidence, perhaps they should.
'I have given my best for this club and I have to accept the judgement of people,' said Wenger
'I cannot keep 100 per cent of the people happy. It was a strange atmosphere but we have to live with that. Overall some fans were protesting but the majority didn't and the big majority were behind the team and showed they appreciate what I have done.'
If Wenger thinks he has got problems, then he should spare a thought for Norwich manager Alex Neil. Saturday's loss pushed them further into the relegation mire.
Nevertheless, the Scot believes his side have got the minerals to stay up 'We have three cup finals now but it was going to be the case regardless [of Saturday's result],' he said. 'There's nothing between the three clubs involved. We need to pick up points but I'm confident and my players are confident.'
Indeed, Norwich's start at the Emirates Stadium indicated they could yet pull off an escape act. Petr Cech stopped Nathan Redmond's firm effort in the sixth minute, before Cameron Jerome squandered a half chance from deep inside the area following some slack Arsenal defending.
Some Arsenal fans believe it is time for change with Wenger closing in on 12 years without bringing the Premier League title to the Gunners
Norwich defender Ivo Pinto manages to get in front of the France striker to clear the danger in the first half at the Emirates on Saturday
It was hardly the start Wenger wanted ahead of that pre-planned 12th-minute protest. When it did arrive, ironically it mirrored Arsenal's season; promising, full of early intent — but in the end a damp squib.
Indeed, the chants of 'One Arsene Wenger' that followed were, perhaps, more significant.
Wenger, who acknowledged the fans, is adamant that the vast majority want him to stay, that the idea of a mass supporter revolt is a myth conjured by social media. On this evidence, the Arsenal manager is spot on.
His players, however, were toiling. Arsenal failed to force Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy into a single save in the first half. Had Redmond and Gary O'Neil been more clinical then the Gunners would have been behind at the break.
Arsenal were flat during the first half and Olivier Giroud was quiet before he set up substitute Welbeck for the game's opening goal
The Gunners were dealt a blow early in the second half when defender Per Mertesacker was forced off the pitch with a hamstring injury
In short, Arsenal were toothless, lacking creativity. How often have we said that during Wenger's reign?
Wenger certainly hoped the Gunners could only get better, with another protest planned for the 78th minute [another 12-minute significance, being the amount of time until the end of the match].
But they were struck by an injury blow early in the second half, Per Mertesacker limping off with a suspected hamstring injury to be replaced by Gabriel.
Again, Arsenal dominated the ball. Again, however, they were not doing anything with it. So at this point, Wenger had seen enough and on came Welbeck for Alex Iwobi in the 55th minute.
The home fans did not agree, however, believing that Olivier Giroud — who had been ineffective up to then — should have been replaced instead.
The tall German defender is helped off the pitch by a member of Arsenal's physio team and he was replaced by team-mate Gabriel
There were boos from the Arsenal faithful when Wenger chose to substitute the lively Alex Iwobi before replacement Welbeck struck
Norwich manager Alex Neil looks to motivate his players against a side playing with the pressure of a fan protest throughout the match
The Arsenal players celebrate scoring the opening goal which came as a relief after the side had struggled to create clear-cut openings
Gunners playmaker produced an exquisite pass into the path of Alexis Sanchez on one occasion but he later showed ill-discipline
Norwich substitute Dieumerci Mbokani had a good chance to level for the visitors but Gabriel made sure the striker's path was blocked
Sanchez can only fire straight at the Norwich stopper John Ruddy as Arsenal looked to put the game to bed in the final 10 minutes
Ye of little faith. Arsenal took a 59th-minute lead with their first shot on target. Welbeck scored it, firing home from 12 yards. Guess who set him up? That's right, Giroud. On a day his reign was under the spotlight more than ever, Wenger came up with the goods.
Norwich kept plugging away, Gabriel making an excellent last-ditch 70th-minute challenge to deny Dieumerci Mbokani.
Had Alexis Sanchez — who stormed off the pitch having been substituted — and Mesut Ozil not been denied by Ruddy, then Arsenal would have been home and hosed.
For Norwich, relegation now looks more probable than possible. And all because Wenger won the game for his team. Some Arsenal fans will do well to remember that.
Norwich became more adventurous as the game wore on with striker Cameron Jerome looking to escape the attentions of Hector Bellerin
Norwich midfielder Robbie Brady looks to deliver a cross in the Spring sunshine at the Emirates as Norwich pressed in vain for a leveller
Martin Olsson begins the Norwich inquest as he talks to Jerome after Welbeck's crucial intervention within minutes of his arrival
Norwich goalkeeper Ruddy went up for a free-kick late on as the relegation strugglers strived desperately to rescue a point
Banners were once more unfurled at the full-time whistle with some fans remaining disillusioned at the current situation at the club
