Premier League 2019-20: Norwich City 2-2 Arsenal - 3 talking points from the encounter

Two Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang goals along with some mind-blowing saves from Bernd Leno earned Arsenal a deserved point at Carrow Road. Freddie Ljungberg's first game in charge probably did not end as he wanted to but there are plenty of positives to take back from the encounter.

It was a breathless game, as both the sides had enough chances to turn the game in their favour. Norwich City stepped up their game in the last 20 minutes or so, as they dominated Arsenal completely and were a tad unlucky not to get a third goal.

On the other hand, Arsenal began the game very well and showcased some decent free-flowing attacking football in the first half, but eventually, Norwich grew into the game and Leno had to make some brilliant saves to deny Norwich the win.

Arsenal were there for the taking, and Norwich made sure they get something from the game. Considering the balance of play, a point shared should satisfy both parties. Let's take a look at the 3 talking points from this game.

#3 Arsenal's defence needs shuffling

Norwich City v Arsenal FC - Premier League

The personnel in that Arsenal back four need to change. Freddie Ljungberg has to fix the defence before anything else, and that might surely be his priority after tonight's result. David Luiz, Sokratis and Shokdran Mustafi have proven time and time again that they cannot play together. Which is why, either Rob Holding or Calum Chambers need to be integrated into that centre-back spot.

Holding was a key part to Arsenal's set up last year until he got injured. He had earned his place under Unai Emery and had formed a robust partnership with Mustafi. However, since returning back, Holding hasn't been at 100% and chances for him have been limited, while nobody has performed as consistently as he did in his absence.

Norwich looked a threat every time they counter-attacked Arsenal, and the Gunners were a shambles at the back. If not for Leno, a defeat was a real possibility for the visitors and Ljungberg will likely look to change things up when they play Brighton & Hove Albion at home on Thursday.

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#2 Bernd Leno saves Arsenal again

Once again, Bernd Leno single-handedly earned Arsenal a point in a game where they should have at least conceded four. The Gunners have been overly reliant on him and the Arsenal defenders clearly need to have a look at themselves.

Leno has made the most saves (59) in the Premier League this season, followed by Matt Ryan (Brighton), Martin Dubravka (Newcastle) and Tim Krul (Norwich). It is never a good sign when your goalkeeper has to make an average of five saves per game.

The defence hasn't helped Leno and as a result, clean sheets have been hard to come by for Arsenal. Goalkeepers like Alisson Becker and Ederson have a world class defence to protect them, which is why they keep clean sheets on a consistent basis. 10 years down the line, nobody would know how incredibly consistent Leno was because of the fact that he played for a poor defence.

#1 Aubameyang and Lacazette need service

Although Arsenal dominated in possession against a team which likes to keep the ball, clear cut chances were scarce for the Gunners. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's brace came off a penalty and a deflected shot which fell into his path.

Despite the inclusion of two attacking midfielders in Joe Willock and Mesut Ozil, most of the chances came from crosses, courtesy of Calum Chambers and Sead Kolasinac, which is why Freddie Ljungberg will have to include a natural winger in the starting XI in their next outing.

Not having Nicolas Pepe in the line up gives Ljungberg an extra man to rely on when it comes to defending, but the £72 million signing has one quality none of the other Arsenal players possess - efficient dribbling and pace to burn.

Pepe's best quality is that he can attract two to three defenders onto him, which eventually creates space for his companions to attack and create. The simple solution to provide more support to Aubameyang and Lacazette is to include at least one natural winger in the starting XI, and Arsenal have four in Bukayo Saka, Nicolas Pepe, and Reiss Nelson.

Wingers not only help in creating through the wings, but they also pin down opposition teams' fullbacks in their own half. Aubameyang, Ozil and Lacazette should only be starting together if either one of Pepe or Saka are in the starting line up

Edited by Zaid Khan