Arsenal 1-0 Norwich City: 5 talking points as Gunners record narrow victory | Premier League 2021-22

Arsenal beat Norwich City 1-0 at home
Arsenal beat Norwich City 1-0 at home

#3 Norwich City continue to falter

Norwich are now at the bottom of the table after losing to Arsenal
Norwich are now at the bottom of the table after losing to Arsenal

With the defeat to Arsenal, Norwich are without a win in four games and will surely be in for a tough time this season.

The Canaries have now lost 14 consecutive Premier League games, including those in the buildup to their relegation in the 2019-20 season, and Daniel Farke still does not seem to know what his side needs to do to improve.

Additionally, Norwich now have the biggest goal difference of -10, having conceded 11 goals and scored just once. If Farke does not resolve their propensity to concede goals and the players' lack of concentration, it might be tough for them to stay up this season.

Fortunately, they will face Watford, Burnley and Everton in the next three games and stand a chance of getting their season back on track.


#2 Bernd Leno's future at Arsenal is up in the air

Aaron Ramsdale kept a clean sheet against Norwich
Aaron Ramsdale kept a clean sheet against Norwich

When the teamsheets were announced, it was a surprise to see Aaron Ramsdale get the nod ahead of Bernd Leno, who has long been recognized as Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper.

Since joining the club over the summer, Ramsdale has played twice and let in zero goals. Meanwhile, Leno has conceded eight, including four against Manchester City before the international break.

By giving the Englishman the rare chance to start, it could inevitably be perceived as a sign that Ramsdale is on his way to deputizing the German, whose contract with Arsenal expires in the summer of 2023.

Refusing to go into detail about his decision to go ahead with the 23-year-old, Arteta said:

"Like the other seven changes we made, they are to try and win the match. We have two fantastic goalkeepers and today we have gone for Aaron."

#1 Can Mikel Arteta turn the tide at Arsenal?

Mikel Arteta has to start proving himself
Mikel Arteta has to start proving himself

As the biggest Premier League spender of the summer transfer window, Arteta has finally signed the players he wants and gotten rid of some deadwood. The main question now is, can Arteta turn things around and guide Arsenal back into qualification spots for European football?

There have been rumors that the club are lining up possible replacements for Arteta should he fail to perform in the coming weeks. However, technical director Edu has remained supportive of the manager. Speaking in an interview, he claimed:

"I respect all the pressure [on Arteta]. I came in from Corinthians and then the Brazilian national team where there is unbelievable pressure, just as here.
"I understand the fans. I understand the reason and I accept that, but we will need a bit of time to do what we plan to do."

But to be fair, he has no reason to not do well. Although young, he has learnt from the best during his time at Manchester City. He has also tasted success at Arsenal by winning the FA Cup trophy. Now that he has most of his transfer targets, there is no room for any more failure.

Hopefully, this victory against Norwich will spur Arsenal and give them some confidence.

Quick Links