Arsenal secured their first win of the Premier League season with a 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Norwich City. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s second-half strike from close range relieved some of the mounting pressure on Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium.
The ‘Gunners’ immediately asserted their authority over the match, pinning Norwich in their own half for the opening exchanges. Despite their dominance of the ball, Arteta’s men struggled to create clear-cut chances. Captain Aubameyang was the hosts’ main outlet, and tried his luck from long-range while Tim Krul was off his line, but the shot was wayward. The Dutchman would be tested again moments later after Ødegaard found Aubameyang, but the forward’s delicate attempt was well stopped by the ‘Canaries’ shot stopper.
The ‘Canaries’ grew into the game before half-time and continued to improve after the break, but they couldn’t keep Arsenal from going into the lead after 66 minutes. Nicolas Pépé found space on the left and saw two efforts come back off the post before the ball landed at Aubameyang’s feet from a yard out, giving him the easiest finish of his career. Daniel Farke’s team were furious the play wasn’t pulled back for offside, but VAR found no issue and awarded the goal.
Aubameyang was the dangerous outlet for the hosts throughout the game, and nearly added a second late on after being played through by Bukayo Saka, but the Gabon international saw his shot saved by Krul.
Victory over a spirited and competitive Norwich side could be vital for Arteta after a bruising start to the season. The visitors will hope their season starts now, after facing Liverpool, Manchester City, Leicester and Arsenal in a brutal reintroduction to the top flight.
