Norwich City and Arsenal met at Carrow Road in the Premier League on Sunday, with the home side needing a minor miracle to survive relegation to the Championship.
Mathematically, Norwich had not been relegated entering the match, but needed to win, hope that Stoke City beat West Bromwich Albion and see a 17-goal swing in their favour.
Neither side could find the back of the net in the first period, but a terrific volley from Aaron Ramsey after 53 minutes sent the Gunners into the lead.
Arsenal made sure of the points just past the hour mark when Carl Jenkinson converted from close range.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Hello all! Sports Mole's live Premier League coverage for the 2013-14 season draws to a close this afternoon with all 20 teams in action. Here, our focus is on Norwich against Arsenal from Carrow Road. The home side can still mathematically escape relegation, but face an almost-impossible task due to West Bromwich Albion's significantly better goal difference. Arsenal, meanwhile, are assured of a top-four finish in the table, but could also finish third if they are big winners and Chelsea suffer defeat.
In total, the two sides have met 13 times in the Premier League, with Norwich winning just twice to Arsenal's six and the further five matches ending in draws. However, the Canaries were 1-0 winners over Arsenal in the corresponding match last season. The last time that the Gunners tasted success in this stadium was in November 2011, when the London outfit picked up a 2-1 victory. Right, the team news is filtering through.
TEAMS:
NORWICH: Ruddy; Martin, R Bennett, Turner, Olsson; Tettey; Snodgrass, Howson, Johnson, Redmond; Elmander
ARSENAL: Fabianski; Jenkinson, Sagna, Koscielny, Gibbs; Arteta, Rosicky; Ramsey, Ozil, Podolski; Giroud
So there we have it. Johan Elmander leads the line for Norwich this afternoon, while there is also a start for Nathan Redmond. Leroy Fer and Gary Hooper, however, are both on the bench. Arsenal, meanwhile, welcome Carl Jenkinson into their defence, with Bacary Sagna – who is out of contract in the summer – starting at centre-back. Jack Wilshere returns to the bench, while there is also a start in goal for Lukasz Fabianski.
As touched upon, Norwich have not been officially relegated, but it will take a miracle for them to survive. As it stands, the Canaries sit in 18th position in the table on 33 points. They can move level on points with 17th-place West Bromwich Albion this afternoon should Pepe Mel's side lose against Stoke City, but Norwich also need a 17-goal swing to occur in their favour. Can anyone seriously see it occuring?
Norwich's goal difference currently stands at minus 32, while West Brom's is minus 15. If the home side were to survive, it would arguably be the most famous moment in Premier League history. In truth, it is just about as close to impossible as you would possibly get, but the Canaries will want to send their supporters away for the summer with hope of returning from the Championship next season at the first time of asking.
The sacking of Chris Hughton and the decision to appoint youth-team coach Neil Adams for the final five matches has not had the desired effect, with the Canaries losing four of their last five in the league. They did pick up a point away to Chelsea last weekend, but really needed to win that match to stand a chance. It has been a horror run of fixtures for the Canaries, who have faced Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea in their last three games. Just a reminder that all 20 Premier League teams are in action at 3pm today.
Norwich have won just one of their last 10 in the league, losing seven times in the process and finding the back of the net just eight times. That run of form has left them third from bottom and with a record of just eight wins from their 37 league games this season. That said, looking at their current squad, they would be much-fancied to return at the first time of asking from the Championship next season.
The Canaries' home form, in relation to the teams around them, has not been too bad this season with six wins, six draws and six defeats from their 18 matches. However, they have the worst away record in the entire league, winning just twice from 19 games and losing 14 times. Overall, it has been a difficult and disappointing season for the club. Little over 30 minutes until kickoff this afternoon...
What's more, Norwich have found the back of the net just 28 times in the league this season, which is the worst record in the division. Arsenal, however, are the fourth-highest scorers with 66 strikes. Down the other end, Norwich have conceded 60 times – the third-worst record in the league. Meanwhile, Arsenal have conceded 41 times, keeping 16 clean sheets in the process.
Arsenal enter the match off the back of a 1-0 win over West Brom last weekend. Everton had threatened to take fourth position away from the Gunners with a solid run of form, but Arsene Wenger's side have since won their last four in the league and as a result, now sit seven points clear of fifth-place Everton.
In fact, Arsenal can mathematically still finish third this season. However, they would need Chelsea to lose against Cardiff City and like Norwich, see a significant goal swing occur in their favour. In truth, it is seriously unlikely. It is the 18th consecutive season that the capital outfit will finish in the top four, while they already have more points (76) than they have managed in each of their last five campaigns.
Arsenal's home form this season has been strong with 13 wins from their 19 matches, losing just once in the process (on the opening day against Aston Villa). They have won 10 times on the road, meanwhile, but lost six times. In addition, their goal difference on their travels is zero in contrast to plus 25 at the Emirates. Their away form, especially against the so-called bigger teams, has been a serious problem.
As touched upon, Arsenal will also contest the final of the FA Cup next weekend against Hull City. It is nine years and counting since the Gunners last won a trophy, but they will have chance to taste success at Wembley in a couple of weeks. As a result, those selected this afternoon will be keen to put in a strong performance in hope of making the XI for the final. Just a reminder that Wilshere is on the bench this afternoon.
Whether or not a top-four finish is sufficient for the club's supporters is debatable. The Gunners led the Premier League as late as February, but tailed off as Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea found form at the correct time. Had the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott been fit all season, it might have been a different story. That said, other teams have also had a number of injuries to contend with.
Here's a word from former Liverpool defender and BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson ahead of the match: "Arsenal fell short in the title race in the end but they were badly hit by injuries to key players and I think they are only a couple of signings away from being much closer next year. In the meantime, I think they will beat Hull City in the FA Cup final at Wembley next week."
PREDICTION: In truth, Norwich are already down and Arsenal will finish fourth. While that is not quite official, it will be the case come 5pm this evening. I am expecting an open match, but I am struggling to see where the goals are coming from for the home side. Arsenal, however, have a host of attacking options in their XI this afternoon and I am backing them to pick up all the points with a 2-0 win.
Here we go then. Little under five minutes until kickoff this afternoon. Just a reminder that we have all the action covered on Sports Mole so be sure to stick around the site. Will it be Manchester City or Liverpool that pick up the title this season? It all comes down to this one afternoon.
Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. It is a wonderful afternoon in Norwich - let's hope that the football matches up. It should be an open affair at Carrow Road. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital. The away side get the action underway.
As expected, Arsenal have taken control of the possession in the early moments with the likes of Rosicky and Arteta enjoying early touches of the ball. It must be said that there is a brilliant atmosphere inside the stadium, with the home supporters in fine voice. That said, Norwich have not seen the ball as of yet.
Giroud threatens for Arsenal after collecting a through pass from Ozil, but the Frenchman had been in an offside position. Norwich are down the other end with Elmander moments later, but this time the Swede is ruled offside. Not too much in terms of chances as both sides attempt to settle into the early stages.
Norwich's bright start continues as Redmond drives down the left before sliding a pass towards Elmander, but once more the forward is ruled offside. Elmander carries possession to the edge of the Arsenal box moments later before finding Redmond, but his deflected effort is straight into the arms of Fabianski.
Snodgrass threatens for the home side after driving down the right before moving into the Arsenal box, but Gibbs is across to clear at the vital moment. The Gunners break from the resulting corner as Rosicky finds Ozil, but the move breaks down and Ruddy is on hand to collect. Still no real chances at Carrow Road.
CHANCE! First real chance of the match for Arsenal as Arteta drives into the Norwich box before finding Podolski, but his low effort just moves wide of the post. Just a few signs that the Gunners are starting to warm to their task at Carrow Road. Norwich are leaving space in defensive areas.
Both sets of supporters continue to create a brilliant atmosphere inside the stadium, but not too much is happening in terms of attacking pressure. Aside from that Podolski effort, it has been slim in terms of opportunities. Elmander continues to run behind the Arsenal defence, but the service has been poor thus far.
The end-to-end period of the match continues as Snodgrass breaks down the Arsenal right before delivering into the area, but Gibbs is on hand to clear once more. Redmond's pace remains a serious threat for Norwich, but Jenkinson has shown a solid turn of foot thus far. Not too much from Arsenal in the last few minutes.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of a number of late challenges, but the referee has not issued a booking thus far. Arsenal have started to pass and probe in the final third with Podolski and Giroud both involved, but the Canaries continue to defend their own area.
Solid pressure from Elmander forces a mistake from Arteta and a corner for the home side, but Mertesacker is on hand to clear the danger. That has been the story of the match thus far - both sides having decent possession, but clear chances remaining few and far between. Redmond does have a half-chance from a strike from distance, but the Arsenal stopper is across his goal to make the save.
Another half-chance for the home side as Tettey strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. A period of possession follows for Arsenal, but there is no real intent to their play at the moment. Little under 25 minutes of the first period remaining and it is goalless.
Arsenal continue to dominate the ball in the Norwich half, but they are finding it difficult to create clear chances. Rosicky picks up possession just outside the box before feeding Podolski, but his effort is wide of the post. Another half-chance, but no more than that as Norwich continue to resist the Arsenal threat.
Again it is bright work from Elmander as the Norwich forward brings the ball under control under pressure from Gibbs before feeding Snodgrass, but Arteta is on hand to make a fine challenge. Arsenal are on the counter moments later with Ozil, but once more the move breaks down in the final third. Still just the one clear chance to note thus far, with Podolski firing wide of the Norwich post after 10 minutes.
CHANCE! Another chance for Arsenal as Giroud collects possession inside the Norwich box before feeding Podolski, but his effort is straight at Ruddy. Brilliant goalkeeping from the Englishman.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges. Turner is twice penalised for fouling Ozil, but both free kicks are wasted. The tempo has started to rise in the last few minutes as Arsenal start to find their passing football in the final third.
CHANCE! Another chance for Arsenal as Giroud combines with Podolski before striking towards goal, but Ruddy is on hand to make another brilliant save. It is all one-way traffic at the moment.
Norwich just cannot keep the ball at the moment as Arsenal continue to force the issue in the final third. Redmond remains the main outlet, but has not had any change from Jenkinson in the opening 35 minutes. Ozil finds Podolski down the left moments later, but Turner is across to clear for an Arsenal corner.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for Arsenal as Ramsey finds a way into the Norwich box before striking towards goal, but Turner is across to make the block. Brilliant defending from the centre-back.
Arsenal continue to dominate the ball in the latter stages of the half, with Norwich dropping deeper and deeper as the pressure continues. Still no goals, but the Gunners have taken control in the last 20 minutes or so. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining at Carrow Road.
Another half-chance for Arsenal as Jenkinson drives down the right before feeding Giroud, who turns on the edge of the box before curling one towards the top corner, but Ruddy is on hand to make the save. Norwich, however, just cannot get out of their own half as the pressure continues from the Gunners.
Not much of an atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment, which is not much of a surprise as Arsenal continue to dominate possession. Redmond remains the main outlet for the home side, but has been left chasing lost causes thus far. I should not think that there will be too much added time at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Norwich 0-0 Arsenal
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Arsenal have dominated in terms of chances and possession, but Ruddy has been the star of the show thus far, with the Norwich stopper making a number of brilliant saves to keep the score goalless after 45 minutes of action.
STATISTICS: Arsenal have dominated the possession with 70%, while they have had seven attempts - three of which have been on target. Norwich, meanwhile, have hit the target with one of their four attempts. No cards to speak of, however, despite a few late challenges from both sets of players.
BENCH WATCH: Not too many attacking options on the bench for Norwich this afternoon, but they have the likes of Hooper, Fur and Murphy in reserve. Arsenal, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Wilshere, Kallstrom, Sanogo and Diaby. Both managers will surely make alterations as the half advances.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period at Carrow Road. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in terms of the final result. Norwich get the second 45 minutes of action underway. Can the Canaries end their campaign with a win?
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will look to their bench as the half develops. I would be surprised if this half also ended goalless. As expected, Arsenal have taken control of the early possession.
Norwich just cannot get the ball at the moment as Arsenal continue to dominate possession in the home side's half. Giroud turns on the edge of the box before finding Podolski, but Turner is across to clear the danger. It is almost like a training match at the moment as Norwich continue to drop deeper and deeper.
Jenkinson threatens for the away side after combining with Ozil before driving into the box, but Turner is across to clear at the vital moment. The resulting corner is delivered towards Podolski, but his effort is over the crossbar. Surely the first goal will soon arrive. Norwich are living a charmed existence.
GOAL! Norwich 0-1 Arsenal (Ramsey)
Arsenal take the lead with 53 minutes on the clock as Ramsey strikes a wonderful volley into the top corner following a floated pass from Giroud. Stunning, stunning effort from the Welsh international.
In truth, it had been coming. Norwich have hardly been out of their own half since the restart. It would not be a surprise if Neil Adams looks to alter proceedings in the next five or so minutes. You would have to fancy Arsenal to go on and win the match from this position and at this stage of the match.
Norwich have started to enjoy more of the ball in the Arsenal half, but are really struggling to find a way through this stern Arsenal defence. Just a reminder that the Canaries will be officially relegated this afternoon. Fulham and Cardiff City have already dropped out of the Premier League in the last few weeks.
SUBS! Two changes for Norwich as Hooper and Loza replace Elmander and Tettey.
No movement on the Arsenal bench thus far, but it would be a surprise if Wenger did not look to freshen his side in the latter stages. Just a reminder that the Gunners face Hull in the FA Cup final next week. Norwich have a half-chance as Redmond curls one from the edge of the box, but it was always high of the crossbar.
GOAL! Norwich 0-2 Arsenal (Jenkinson)
Arsenal have their second just past the hour mark as Jenkinson places one into the bottom corner following a period of pin-ball inside the Norwich box. That is game, set and match for the Gunners.
SUB! Good news for Arsenal as Wilshere makes his return in place of Ramsey.
The Arsenal supporters are in fine voice as their side continue to dominate possession in the Norwich half. The home side are a threat on the counter with Redmond, but the England Under-21 international has been left isolated on too many occasions. Little under 25 minutes of football remaining at Carrow Road.
Norwich threaten with two corners in quick succession, but Gibbs and Arteta take it in turns to clear the danger. The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments, meanwhile, due to a number of late challenges. Still Arsenal lead 2-0, with Norwich now certain to be relegated.
Again it is brilliant work from Redmond as the Norwich attacker drives through the heart of the Arsenal midfield before moving into the penalty area, but Sagna is across to make the challenge. Hooper curls one from the edge of the box moments later, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar.
Neither side is too interested in defending at the moment as both continue to commit players in the final third. First Gibbs combines with Ozil before delivering towards Giroud, but Ruddy is on hand to claim. Down the other end, Redmond is denied by Jenkinson just outside the box. Still 2-0 Arsenal this afternoon.
SUBS! Two changes for Arsenal as Diaby and Sanogo replace Rosicky and Giroud.
SUB! Norwich make their third and final change as Redmond is replaced by Bennett.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments as both sides exchange periods of possession in each half. Just a reminder that it appears almost certain that Manchester City will win the Premier League this season, with Liverpool second, Chelsea third and Arsenal fourth.
CHANCE! Chance for Norwich as Loza breaks into the Arsenal box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Fabianski is across to make a brilliant save. Loza has been very bright since entering.
CHANCE! Another chance for the home side as Bennett finds himself inside the Arsenal box following a break from Hooper, but Bennett can only turn his effort into the arms of Fabianski.
Half-chance for Arsenal from a free kick just outside the Norwich box, but Arteta's effort is straight into the arms of Ruddy, who has been brilliant this afternoon. Norwich are down the other end with Hooper moments later, but the striker's header is straight into the arms of Fabianski, before Snodgrass fires wide.
CHANCE! Another chance for Norwich as Snodgrass finds himself inside the Arsenal box following a through pass from Hooper, but Fabianski is out to make another bright save. It has been a brilliant response from the home side and they are the team pushing for a late goal here.
Possession football from Arsenal in the last couple of moments as the Gunners keep hold of the ball inside the Norwich half. It has been a composed performance from Wenger's side. Wilshere has a half-chance after finding some space inside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Ruddy.
CHANCE! Opportunity for Sanogo to score Arsenal's third following a through pass from Wilshere, but Ruddy is down low to make a brilliant save. Not long remaining at Carrow Road.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Not too much to report as Arsenal continue to dominate possession of the ball.
FULL-TIME: Norwich 0-2 Arsenal
NORWICH ARE RELEGATED FROM THE PREMIER LEAGUE
So there we have it. Arsenal end their Premier League season with a 2-0 win over Norwich, who have been relegated to the Championship. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around the site for all the reaction. Until then!
