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After a poor start to the Premier League campaign, Arsenal have finally recorded their first goal and victory of the season in front of a fully packed Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners were off to a fast start with chances falling to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Albert Sambi Lokonga. Unfortunately, even with the early pressure, the team was time and again denied by Norwich City's resilient and disciplined defense.
Meanwhile, the away team took some time to calm their nerves before finally gaining the confidence to get out of their own half and test the leaky Arsenal backline.
Both teams produced a total of 14 shots in the first half, but neither side was able to find their way onto the scoresheet.
In the 66th minute, the deadlock was broken when Aubameyang scored from close range. Arsenal could have added a few more before the final whistle but were undone by their wasteful finishing. The game ended 1-0 to the Gunners, who have at last returned to winning ways in the Premier League. On that note, here is a look at the five talking points from the match.
#5 Takehiro Tomiyasu makes an impressive debut for Arsenal
Arsenal's new summer signing, Takehiro Tomiyasu, impressed the home crowd on his club debut since joining on Deadline Day. The Japanese defender signed a four-year deal and reportedly cost around £15.5 million.
In his first taste of Premier League action, the 22-year-old excelled in defense and attack. Tomiyasu won seven out of eight aerial duels, and alongside Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, as well as Kieran Tierney, they helped keep a clean sheet for Arsenal. At the same time, he was also unafraid of running to more advanced positions on the field and almost scored from a volley.
With Hector Bellerin's departure and Cedric Soares seemingly vulnerable, Tomiyasu could play a crucial role in guiding the club back on track.
#4 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scores Arsenal's first Premier League goal of the season
After failing to score in their last three Premier League fixtures, Arsenal have finally netted their first goal thanks to an excellent partnership between Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe.
Running down the right flank, the Ivory Coast winger had his initial shot denied by the woodwork, but Aubameyang positioned himself well for an eventual close-range tap-in. The home fans instantaneously erupted in cheers while the Canaries were visibly upset that their hard work had gone down the drain.
Aubameyang's goal proved to be the winner as Norwich could not find an equalizer, and Aaron Ramsdale did well enough to keep a clean sheet.
With this victory, Arsenal are temporarily out of the relegation zone and into 16th place before the rest of the matches are played.
#3 Norwich City continue to falter
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
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?
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.
