Arsenal travelled to Norwich on Boxing Day for a party that saw them leave Carrow Road with all three points after a dominant 5-0 win.

NORWICH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their team's second goal during the Premier League match between Norwich City and Arsenal at Carrow Road on December 26, 2021 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)
NORWICH, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Norwich City and Arsenal at Carrow Road on December 26, 2021 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)

It took Arsenal less than six minutes to open the scoring as Bukayo Saka found room through the legs of a Norwich defender and under the outstretched arm of Angus Gunn. Gunn was in goal for the first time since he had shipped nine as a Southampton player – and it showed.

Although they dominated for the entirety of the match, it took Arsenal until nearly the end of the first half to turn their superior play into another goal.

As the temperature of the game ramped up, thanks largely in part to the incompetent Graham Scott in charge, Martinelli sprinted from his side of the pitch to the other to win back the ball and set off Arsenal’s move that ended with Kieran Tierney scoring his first of the season, banging a drive in off the post.

Both sides probably should have had a penalty in the second half and Gabriel Martinelli found the back of the net after an hour only to be flagged offside.

The third eventually came a few minutes later, Bukayo Saka beating his man and scoring a beautiful Robben-eqsue goal from the edge of the box.

The fourth came via the spot, Alexandre Lacazette stepping up to score after he had won the spot kick.

The fifth, naturally, came from Emile Smith Rowe, who only came on in the 82nd minute when he replaced Gabriel Martinelli. He plays, he scores.

Smith Rowe now has as many league goals this season as Heung-min Son (8) despite playing almost 200 minutes fewer.

https://twitter.com/_Grimanditweets/status/1475147187520688130

Arsenal player ratings vs Norwich City (half-time)

NORWICH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their team's second goal during the Premier League match between Norwich City and Arsenal at Carrow Road on December 26, 2021 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
NORWICH, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Norwich City and Arsenal at Carrow Road on December 26, 2021 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
  • Aaron Ramsdale 7.6 (6.7)
  • Kieran Tierney 8.3 (7.7) – G
  • Rob Holding 7.5 (6.9)
  • Gabriel 7.6 (7.1)
  • Benjamin White 7.7 (7.2)
  • Granit Xhaka 7.7 (7.1)
  • Thomas Partey 7.7 (6.8)
  • Martin Odegaard 8.7 (8.2) – AA
  • Gabriel Martinelli 7.6 (6.7)
  • Bukayo Saka 9.1 (8.1) – GG
  • Alexandre Lacazette 8.8 (6.5) GA

Arsenal subs

  • Mohamed Elneny 6.1
  • Nicolas Pepe 6.3 – A
  • Emile Smith Rowe 7.0 – G

[source]

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