Naharnet

Arsenal Down Norwich to Go Sixth

Robin van Persie scored twice as Arsenal came from behind to defeat Norwich 2-1 and move up one spot to sixth place in the Premier League standings on Saturday.

Van Persie took his goal tally for 2011 to a remarkable 31 in 29 games as Arsenal recorded their fifth consecutive league victory to leave them level on 22 points with fourth-placed Chelsea and rivals Tottenham in fifth.

Norwich's defeat left Paul Lambert's newly promoted side in ninth place with 13 points from 12 games.

Norwich had capitalized on a dreadful defensive blunder by defender Per Mertesacker to take the lead through Steve Morison on 16 minutes

There appeared to be little danger when Mertesacker gathered a routine long ball forward. However the German defender was legitimately hustled off the ball by Morison who duly slotted his third goal in as many games.

Arsenal, who had already seen Norwich defender Russell Martin pull off two goal-line clearances to prevent certain scores, were back on level terms within 10 minutes however through van Persie.

Theo Walcott surged into space down the right and his low cross was met by van Persie for 1-1.

Van Persie scored the winner on 59 minutes, latching onto an Alex Song pass and lobbing over John Ruddy.

Source: Agence France Presse


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