Mesut Özil’s opener at Carrow Road was cancelled out by Lewis Grabban as Arsenal were held to a point by Norwich City.

Within 12 minutes Arsenal lost centre-half Laurent Koscielny to what looked liked a back/hip problem, so Gabriel replaced him at the back.

The first two chances at Carrow Road came from the left-hand side, with Nacho Monreal providing Mesut Özil and Olivier Giroud with sights at goal.

The German didn’t need a third attempt, and gave the Gunners the lead after just over half an hour. John Ruddy’s clearance found Alexis Sánchez, who quickly put Özil through. Provider turned goalscorer, Özil’s delicate chip gave him his second goal in as many games.

Plenty of the ball but few ideas, Arsenal paid the price for only being one up just before half-time. Assisted by Robbie Brady, who got free too easily, Lewis Grabban easily got away from Gabriel to score. Wes Hoolahan had a big opportunity to score before the break but couldn’t take it.

Another injury scare came as the second half began, with Santi Cazorla going down with a knee issue. The worst possible outcomes of an ‘injury crisis’ was always going to be key players missing out, and Alexis joined Koscielny in the second half after pulling his hamstring.

With 20 minutes to go, a cross deflected off Gabriel but Petr Čech pulled off a world class save to keep Arsenal level. Jonny Howson had a chance from the resulting corner, and an Arsenal rocked by injuries were against the ropes.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made a return from injury in the 71st minutes, replacing Aaron Ramsey. He couldn’t have much of an impact as the game went into its closing stages.

A Gabriel clearance and some unmet Arsenal crosses were the best ‘chances’, but were never likely to amount to much. Full-time came and, ultimately, a point was fair.