LONDON – With their second draw in two weeks against a lower-table side in Norwich, 3-3, Arsenal’s hopes of solidifying third place in the English Premier League got much slimmer.
The Gunners, who would be held to a 1-1 draw at Brittania Stadium against Stoke City, would draw with Norwich 3-3 in a back-and-forth thriller at Emirates Stadium.
With one game left, Arsenal must now hope that both Newcastle and Tottenham lose if they hope to clinch the automatic qualifying spot for the Champions League next year.
Arsenal, who have drawn in their last two fixtures against Champions League finalist, Chelsea, 0-0 and Stoke City, 1-1 have failed to strengthen their hold on third in the Premiership table thanks to a combination of lax defense, sloppy passing and the look of casual indifference on the pitch.
It is one thing to have a 0-0 draw against a strong side such as the Blues, but to not be able to lock down an automatic Champions League spot with favorable fixtures featuring Norwich and Stoke City is very concerning for Arsenal.
Arsenal would strike first in the second minute on a goal by Yossi Benayoun, only to give up a goal at the 12th minute by Norwich’s Wesley Hoolahan.
After a Grant Holt score at the 22th minute, Dutch striker, Robin van Persie would net two goals within eight minutes of each other att he 72nd and 80th minutes respectfully.
The Gunner’s shaky defense would concede a late goal to Canaries forward Steve Morison to ensure another shocking draw for the Gunners in North London.
If the Gunners hope to contend next year in the Champions League, the first area that they must address during the transfer window is in the midfield and defense, as those two areas may be the reason why the Gunners may miss out on third—and possibly fourth place this year.
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