Despite being plagued by injuries for parts of his time at Arsenal, Robin van Persie still scored 132 times, which makes him the club's eighth-highest goalscorer of all time.

His last season with the North Londoners before his switch to Manchester United in 2012 proved to be his most clinical, as he found the net on 30 occasions in the Premier League and further seven in other competitions.

Two of those goals came in Arsenal's trip to Norwich City, which was played at Carrow Road three years ago today.

The Gunners went into the contest in positive form, having won nine of their previous 11 matches, but they fell behind in the 16th minute as the home side broke the deadlock.

Visiting centre-back Per Mertesacker was caught in possession inside his own penalty area by Steve Morison, who punished the German by firing his effort into the corner of the net.

However, within 10 minutes, Arsenal were level thanks to Van Persie. Theo Walcott was the creator as he used his pace to open up a crossing opportunity for himself and having picked out his Dutch teammate, he had a simple finish from close range.

Arsene Wenger's side continued to pile on the pressure, although it wasn't until the 60th minute that they scored what turned out to be the winning goal. Alex Song released Van Persie and with Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy committed, he smartly lifted the ball into the net.

It was Van Persie's 10th goal in his last five outings and it sealed all three points for Arsenal, who hit the post late on through Walcott.

Speaking after the final whistle, Wenger was full of praise for his match winner: "Robin is exceptional but we all know within the club that he's an exceptional player. Sometimes, what was in the way was the fact he was injured. Since he plays, he shows just how good he is."

Meanwhile, Norwich boss Paul Lambert added: "Arsenal are a very good side and deserved to win on the day. It's another learning curve for us as we try to aspire to that level. We were always in the game today which is pleasing."

NORWICH: Ruddy; Martin, Barnett, Tierney, Naughton; Johnson, Crofts, Pilkington (Jackson), Hoolahan (Holt), Fox (Bennett); Morison

ARSENAL: Szczesny; Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Santos; Arteta, Song; Ramsey, Walcott (Djourou), Gervinho (Benayoun); Van Persie