Played
May 5, 2012 12:45 PM WAT
Emirates Stadium — London
Referee:‬ A. Taylor‎
Attendance:‬ 60092‎
 
   
 
 

Player Ratings: Arsenal 3-3 Norwich City

Incredible game sees Gunners seize initiative after Robin van Persie equals Thierry Henry's record for goals in a season before substitute Steve Morison drills home late leveller

By Josh Clarke at the Emirates

  • Wojciech Szczesny
    27
    47
    2.50

    Wojciech Szczesny

    Had an uncharacteristic howler for Hoolahan’s equalizer, spilling a tame effort into his own net, before an ugly deflection off Gibbs looped over his head. Looked unsure of himself from that point on.

  • Bacary Sagna
    39
    7
    3.00

    Bacary Sagna

    Looks as if his season is over after being stretchered off before half-time after making a bright start for his side.

  • Thomas Vermaelen
    19
    22
    3.00

    Thomas Vermaelen

    Gained a needless yellow for an overzealous challenge from behind on Jackson on the stroke of half-time. Holt's physicality surprisingly and regularly got the better of him.

  • Laurent Koscielny
    38
    4
    3.00

    Laurent Koscielny

    Fortunate not to have conceded a penalty in the latter stages of the first half after climbing over Howson though made immediate amends with a fine challenge that denied Holt.

  • Kieran  Gibbs
    31
    13
    3.00

    Kieran Gibbs

    Unlucky to see Holt’s goal take the wickedest of deflections off him into his own net but otherwise gave a good account of himself.

  • Tomas Rosicky
    33
    9
    3.00

    Tomas Rosicky

    Against the backdrop of a return to form it wasn’t the most influential of performances. Struggled to make much impact.

  • Aaron Ramsey
    27
    59
    2.50

    Aaron Ramsey Flop of the Match

    Needless yellow in the first 20 minutes put him on tenterhooks for the rest of the game and he consequently struggled to impose himself on a physically domineering Canaries midfield. Drew the ire of the home fans after a series of misplaced passes.

  • Alex Song
    37
    10
    3.00

    Alex Song

    Looked a little lost without Mikel Arteta in the middle of the park and often found himself swarmed by Johnson and Howson. Was unable to establish his usually effective distribution though hit what seems now to be a trademark bending pass to assist Van Persie

  • Yossi Benayoun
    41
    3
    3.00

    Yossi Benayoun

    Wasted no time celebrating his 32nd birthday, being allowed to bend a well-struck effort inside John Ruddy’s far post.

  • Robin van Persie
    63
    12
    3.50

    Robin van Persie

    Barely got a sniff in the first half though came alive when it really mattered in the second, equalling Thierry Henry's record of 30 goals in a Premier League season. Missed a big chance to settle the game at the death.

  • Gervinho
    30
    26
    2.50

    Gervinho

    Never seems to provide the genuine incision that his positions so constantly threaten, though did light up a droll Arsenal attacking display with the odd flash of inspiration. Performance was symptomatic of an impotent team display.

Substitutions

  • Francis Coquelin
    33
    4
    3.00

    Francis Coquelin

    Replaced Sagna as a makeshift right back and defended diligently with Norwich getting little joy down his flank.

  • Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
    39
    3
    3.00

    Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

    Brought on to a rapturous roar though was unable to effect the game the way the crowd expected.

  • Marouane Chamakh
    17
    13
    3.00

    Marouane Chamakh

    Sent on to bolster Arsenal's goal threat but saw little of the ball.

  • John Ruddy
    32
    6
    4.00

    John Ruddy Top of the Match

    Will rightfully be fuming at his defence for allowing Benayoun to pick his top corner in the opening moments. Made numerous high quality second half saves that kept his team in the hunt for a point.

  • Russell  Martin
    8
    6
    3.00

    Russell Martin

    The right-back continues to deputise impressively at centre-half. Defended with heart for the entirety and arguably didn't deserve to be part of a defence that conceded three.

  • Kyle Naughton
    5
    5
    3.50

    Kyle Naughton

    Will take a measure of culpability for Benayoun’s opener after the winger had an age to pick his spot for the opener though advanced very well down the right to put Hoolahan’s equalizer on a plate for the Irishman.

  • Ryan  Bennett
    6
    5
    3.50

    Ryan Bennett

    No mean feat keeping Van Persie quiet, which the young centre-half managed for the entirety of the first period. Couldn't quite manage the same in the second half though, made a series of crucial blocks that caught the eye.

  • Bradley  Johnson
    4
    5
    3.50

    Bradley Johnson

    Battling display that evoked constant ill-discipline from the opposition. An antagonist's display that his side drew strength from.

  • Wesley Hoolahan
    3
    5
    3.00

    Wesley Hoolahan

    Bright on the ball throughout and at the hub of most of his side's forward endeavours. Equalised for the Canaries in the first half.

  • Elliott  Bennett
    3
    4
    3.00

    Elliott Bennett

    Flitted in and out of the game too much to be a constant menace as the big occasion seemed to have got the better of him.

  • Simon Lappin
    3
    4
    3.00

    Simon Lappin

    Defended well one-on-one against Gervinho though endured some hairy moments when Van Persie drifted out to attack from the right flank. Was perhaps lucky to survive a penalty shout for a blatant looking handball.

  • Jonny  Howson
    4
    8
    3.50

    Jonny Howson

    Arguably could have won his side two penalties in the closing stages of the first half as he drifted forward with mean intent. Went missing in action after the break until providing Morison with a beautifully measured assist.

  • Grant  Holt
    5
    8
    3.50

    Grant Holt

    A constant handful from start to finish and, though somewhat fortuitously, edged his side into the lead before half-time. Menaced both Arsenal’s central defenders with intent to once again prove that he can deliver in big games.

  • Simeon  Jackson
    4
    6
    3.50

    Simeon Jackson

    On this evidence, should start more regularly for the Canaries. Proved an intelligent foil for Holt though could have finished better after beating Vermaelen one-on-one to engineer a clear effort on goal.

Substitutions

  • Anthony  Pilkington
    3
    5
    3.00

    Anthony Pilkington

    Brought on to try and relieve the visiting side from relentless pressure but by this point Arsenal were swarming forward.

  • Steve Morison
    4
    6
    3.50

    Steve Morison

    Replaced Jackson and slammed home the most emphatic of equalisers, to send the Canaries home with a memorable point.

  • Aaron  Wilbraham
    2
    7
    3.00

    Aaron Wilbraham

    Like-for-like swap for Holt as Norwich tried to muscle their way back into the game.

Results
 
Player Ratings
Tournament
Position
Ranking
Top Scorers
Player   Goals Penalties
Robin van Persie Robin van Persie
Striker
Manchester United
26 3
Luis Suárez Luis Suárez
Striker
Liverpool
23 0
Gareth Bale Gareth Bale
Midfielder
Tottenham
21 0
C. Benteke C. Benteke
Striker
Aston Villa
19 3
Michu Michu
Midfielder
Swansea City
19 0