06-10-2019, 12:30 AM
Arsenal strengthened their grip on the Champions League places by beating Norwich but the nervy 1-0 win provided little entertainment for a disillusioned fanbase. Another ineffectual display from Olivier Giroud was a particular source of frustration… If it was surprising to see Olivier Giroud in Arsenals starting line-up against Sunderland last weekend, it was doubly so to see him stay there for the visit of Norwich. The Frenchmans Premier League scoring drought stretched to 801 minutes with a poor showing at the Stadium of Light, and he added another 90 to the total on a difficult afternoon in north London.The muted protests around the Emirates Stadium suggested many Arsenal supporters are still on Arsene Wengers side, but his continued faith in Giroud must be testing their patience. It looked all the more puzzling as Danny Welbeck netted the decisive goal just three minutes and seven seconds after coming off the bench. Jamie Redknapp gives his reaction to Arsenals 1-0 win over Norwich at the Emirates Giroud did, at least, provide the cushioned header to set up the goal, but that was about the only thing that went right for him all afternoon. The misfiring striker has not scored in the Premier League since Arsenals 3-3 draw with Liverpool in January, and he has only found the net in one of his last 21 appearances in all competitions.The drought never looked like ending against Norwich, who came to soak up pressure and hit the Gunners on the break. In the first half, Arsenal had Petr Cech to thank for keeping the scores level with two saves from Nathan Redmond, and at the other end they failed to muster a single first half shot on target for the fourth time in their last nine home games. Redknapp and Tim Sherwood felt that the introduction of Welbeck changed the game Giroud toiled as the lone striker. He set the tone for the afternoon when he failed to get a shot away from Aaron Ramseys pass in the 11th minute, and at the end of the first period he had touched the ball fewer times than goalkeeper Cech. Our game lacked a little bit of pace and penetration, Wenger conceded in his post-match interview with Sky Sports. It was a bit one-paced. Arsene Wenger described Arsenals 1-0 win against Norwich as a very difficult game It felt like a pointed reference to Giroud, whose struggles continued after the break. Just 30 seconds into the second half he wastefully headed a lofted pass over the onrushing Alex Iwobi on the edge of Norwichs box, and two minutes later he ran a Ramsey through ball out for a goal kick.His lack of movement and reluctance to run in behind made it difficult for the visibly frustrated Mesut Ozil to unlock Norwichs defence, and the visitors were comfortable sitting back and watching Arsenal harmlessly pass the ball from one side of the midfield to the other. Wenger says sorry Arsene Wenger insists he will work hard to make all Arsenal fans happy. It appeared as though Girouds afternoon might be over when Welbeck began stripping off in the dugout, but Wenger had other ideas, and while most Arsenal supporters had not partaken in the banner protests, the crowd were united in vociferous booing at the decision to withdraw Alex Iwobi instead of their No 12.Welbeck, meanwhile, gave Arsenal exactly what they needed. The former Manchester United striker, so impressive before losing his place in the side after the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace earlier this month, provided an immediate injection of speed and urgency. His first contribution was to set up a shooting chance for Mohamed Elneny, and his well-taken goal came shortly afterwards. Danny Welbeck confirmed that he stills sees himself as a striker It was his fourth in 10 Premier League games since his return from injury in January and with it he equalled his tally for the whole of last season. Suddenly, Arsenal looked dangerous, with Welbecks pace stretching Norwich and providing an outlet for the counter-attack. The contrast with the static Giroud could hardly have been more obvious. Passing problems Olivier Giroud finished the game with a passing accuracy of just 65.7 per cent compared to Danny Welbecks 88.0 per cent. The Frenchman did not link play adequately either. His passing accuracy of 65.7 per cent was the lowest of Arsenals outfield starters, and their attacks continued to break down around him as the second half wore on. He spurned a chance to release Ozil with a poor first touch in the 66th minute, and on the one occasion he did succeed in springing Norwichs offside trap with eight minutes to go, he gave his marker time to recover and steal back possession. Olivier Giroud challenges Norwich defender Ivo Pinto The difference in intensity between the Arsenal forwards was clearest in the closing minutes as, shortly after Giroud could be seen ambling back from an offside position during an Gunners attack, Welbeck was throwing himself into tackles and feverishly pressing Norwich defenders in the centre circle.The contrasting performances give Wenger plenty to think about ahead of Arsenals trip to Manchester City next weekend. On recent evidence, his best chance of claiming a result at the Etihad Stadium would be to deploy the striker more suited to their style. Also See: Welbeck strike rescues Wenger Wenger says sorry to protesters Bobby Orr Jersey .Y. - Rob Manfred was promoted Monday to Major League Baseballs chief operating officer, which may make him a candidate to succeed Bud Selig as commissioner. Derek Sanderson Jersey . "I have had no discussions with Chad Johnson or his representation," Popp said Friday in an email. However, he appeared to confirm a report on Twitter from TSN this week that Johnson was on Montreals negotiation list. http://www.bruinsstore.com/authentic-ray...ns-jersey/. "Last year we were in a ton of situations, late-game situations we couldnt pull out. Wed kind of fold under the pressure, get frustrated or let a big shot frustrate us," guard DeMar DeRozan said. Johnny Bucyk Jersey . Roma has a game in hand but now second place is even at risk for the capital side as Napoli moved to within three points with the win. "The result is not always fair," Roma coach Rudi Garcia said. "If we play like this until the end we will win many matches. Adam Oates Jersey .This one was bigger than most.Ben Roethlisberger and LeVeon Bell came up big in a game that Pittsburgh had to win Sunday, leading the Steelers to a 42-21 drubbing of the Cincinnati Bengals that left the AFC North race wide open.ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Cardinals recalled prize prospect Oscar Taveras from Triple-A Memphis and plugged him right into the lineup to make his major league debut against the Giants. "You know what Im supposed to do is downplay it, right?" manager Mike Matheny said before Saturdays game. "Id be lying to you to say I wasnt excited for him." The 21-year-old Taveras didnt downplay it, either. This is his first look at Busch Stadium. "Oh, man," he said before the game, "Im so happy. I know when I hit for the first time, with the fans, itll be awesome for me." Taveras batted sixth and played right field. He got a standing ovation before flying out to left to end the second. "Weve got enough very, very good players that were not going to rely on him to shoulder this," Matheny said. "I do believe he can be an addition to something good. "Weve got an opportunity for a couple weeks to see what this kid can do." Matheny said Taveras was welcomed just like any other rookie, joking that balloons were not involved. "This is a big day, regardless of all the hype, for any oof our guys.dddddddddddd Its a huge accomplishment," Matheny said. "To be on this roster for one day, whether player or not is a big, big deal." First baseman Matt Adams was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with a left calf strain thats dogged him for several days. The move is retroactive to Friday. Cardinals trainers dont believe Adams will be available until early next week. Hes among the league leaders with a .325 average with three homers and 17 RBIs. "The tightness is just not coming along as fast as we wanted," Adams said. "I want be out there doing everything I can to help the team compete. Its very disappointing." Taveras was batting a team-leading .325 at Memphis with seven home runs and 40 RBIs in 49 games. The 21-year-old, left-handed hitter was starting in right field and batting sixth. Taveras had been on track to make his debut last year before season-ending ankle surgery. The Cardinals signed Taveras as an international free agent in 2008. He has a .321 average with 52 homers and 315 RBIs in 423 career minor league games. He won batting titles in 2011 and 2012. 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