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[Ratings & Goals] Norwich 0-5 Arsenal: Saka & Odegaard star for on-song Gunners

By mac14 on December 26, 2021

Arsenal tightened their grip on fourth place with a comfortable 5-0 win over Norwich City at Carrow Road this afternoon.

We started well and opened the scoring in the 6th minute when Bukayo Saka slotted home following a good move involving Alexandre Lacazette, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard.

Norwich grew into the game but it was Arsenal who got the second goal as Martin Odegaard released Kieran Tierney and the full-back fired into the bottom corner to make it 2-0 just before half-time.

The three points were then secured midway through the second half when Saka grabbed his second of the game. The youngster cut in on his left foot before finding the bottom corner from the edge of the box with a lovely finish.

We were then awarded a penalty during the closing stages after Alexandre Lacazette was bundled over in the area. The Frenchman dusted himself off to convert the spot kick for 4-0 in the 84th minute.

Emile Smith Rowe then came off the bench to make it 5-0 with a close range finish as Arsenal opened up a six point lead over fifth-placed Tottenham.

Here are my player ratings:

Ramsdale 6/10 | Very quiet afternoon for Ramsdale as he had virtually nothing to do but another clean sheet in the bag.

White 7/10 | Moved to right-back due to the absence of Tomiyasu and Soares, and didn’t put a foot wrong. Solid at the back and did reasonably well going forward.

Holding 7/10 | A rare Premier League start but did his job with little fuss. Was up against a woeful Norwich attack but did what was asked of him.

Gabriel 7/10 | Another solid performance from the Brazilian. Dominant in the air and passed well from the back.

Tierney 8/10 | Terrific performance from the Scottish international. Lovely low finish to make it 2-0 with his first goal of the season and was a constant threat down the left wing.

Partey 8/10 | His recent good form continued as he bossed the midfield. Passing was on point and put in some good tackles. Shame he’s off to the AFCON soon just as he’s hitting form for Arsenal.

Xhaka 7/10 | Got in a couple of unnecessary scuffles in the first half but decent display. Kept the ball moving in the middle of the park.

Saka 9/10 | Outstanding. Opened the scoring with a nice low finish and made it 3-0 with a superb strike from outside the box. Great to see him adding goals to his game and is in terrific form right now.

Odegaard 9/10 | Another superb all-round performance. Linked midfield to attack and all of Arsenal’s threats came through the Norwegian. Another two assists as well.

Martinelli 8/10 | Justified his selection with another excellent performance. Did well to win possession which led to the second goal and his a goal ruled out for offside. Worked tirelessly all game.

Lacazette 7.5/10 | Converted his penalty well and was excellent with his back to goal, holding the ball up and bringing others into play. Suits this system far more than Aubameyang.

Subs:

Elneny 6/10 | On to shore things up.

Smith Rowe 7.5/10 | Got another goal off the bench with a close range finish.

Pepe 7/10 | A good impact from the bench as he set-up Smith Rowe for Arsenal’s fifth.

Watch all the goal here: