van Persie double sees off Norwich

A Robin van Persie brace condemned Norwich to defeat at Carrow Road, and saw the clinical Dutchman improve his goalscoring tally for 2011 to 31 goals. Arsenal have now won 10 of their last 12 games.

Arsenal played a strong looking lineup, with the attacking trio of Theo Walcott, Gervinho and Robin van Persie putting Norwich under pressure from the off.


It required a sterling defensive display from Norwich's defence and goalkeeper John Ruddy to ensure that this would not be a cricket scoreline though, and throughout the game Arsenal demonstrated wonderful passing ability.


Norwich took the lead though, through Steve Morison who took advantage of poor defending from Per Mertesacker. A simple looking ball over the top from Norwich's defence was dealt with poorly by the German, and he was left on the floor as Morison  rounded the centre back and fired past Szcezsny.


It wouldn't take long for the Arsenal to respond though - just 10 minutes - as Robin van Persie fired home from a wonderful Theo Walcott cross. Gervinho appeared to have made a hash of Walcott's cross but the on fire Dutchman was available at the back stick to fire home and equalize.


Gervinho had several chances to score a goal, but the Ivorian was not on fire today as the forward continues to acclimatize to the rigours of Premier League football.


Robin van Persie wrapped up the three points in the 59th minute, taking control of Alex Song's wonderful through ball to chip over the stranded Norwich goalkeeper.


The Gunners were let off when Carl Pilkington missed a glorious chance in the 67th minute, instead firing wide.


Arsenal controlled the rest of the tie and ran the clock down. The Gunners now sit comfortably in sixth place in the Premier League.