Norwich City ended a seven-game Premier League (PL) winless run (D1, L6) versus Everton last weekend, in what was just the fourth top-flight match this season in which they scored over 1.5 goals. It’s normally a good omen when they do though, as they’ve won three of those four PL matches that they did.
The reason they are so reliant on their attack to secure wins is down to a faltering defense. Norwich has kept just two clean sheets all season, and their goals conceded an average of 2.15 per game is the second-highest in the PL. With this in mind, it won’t be a surprise to note that the ‘Canaries’ have conceded 2+ goals in ten of their 13 PL matches so far.
Amid a seven-game winless run (D5, L2 – all competitions) and their worst November since the days of George Graham, Arsenal parted ways with coach Unai Emery on Friday. Although their attack continues to perform, failing to score in just one of those matches, their defense failed to keep a single clean sheet in that run and conceded 2+ goals in five. Furthermore, each of their previous six games saw them concede after the 60th minute.
The ‘Gunners’ and their underperforming defense can take some comfort knowing that they are undefeated in the previous six competitive H2Hs (W4, D2). Additionally, they conceded under 1.5 goals in all of those meetings.
Players to watch: A good omen for victory, Norwich midfielder Todd Cantwell has scored in both of his side’s most recent PL wins.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored in the Europa League midweek and has three goals across his previous three PL away matches.
Stat attack: Norwich has conceded the opening goal in 69.23% of their PL matches.
Norwich has scored 61.54% of their PL goals in the second half.
Arsenal hasn’t scored or conceded in the opening 15 minutes of any PL away game this season.
Will not play
Drmic J.
(Thigh Injury)
Ceballos D.
(Thigh Injury)
Hanley G.
(Groin Injury)
Klose T.
(Knee Injury)
Tettey A.
(Personal Reasons)
Questionable
Bellerin H.
(Thigh Injury)
Holding R.
(Knee Injury)
Match Information
Referee: Tierney P. (Eng),
Venue: Carrow Road (Norwich)
LINK 1
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