Arsenal vs. Norwich: Missed Chances Might Cost Gunners Champions League Football

Arsenal's failure to capitalize on several quality goal-scoring chances against Norwich on Saturday might cost the Gunners a place in the Champions League next season.

The Gunners took a 1-0 lead after just one minute and then allowed Norwich to take a 2-1 lead into halftime. Two Robin van Persie goals in the second half appeared to be enough to earn Arsenal all three points, but a spectacular goal from Steve Morison leveled the score in the 85th minute and helped the Canaries get a point.

In the final five minutes of the match, especially in stoppage time, Arsenal spent a lot of time in the attacking third and failed to capitalize on many scoring opportunities that would have given them all three points.

It was a missed opportunity that could haunt the Gunners in just a few weeks' time. Now Tottenham and Newcastle are just two points behind Arsenal in the Premier League table with Spurs and the Toon having a game in hand.

If Tottenham and Newcastle win their final two matches of the season, they will occupy the third and fourth spots in the table, leaving Arsenal with a fifth-place finish.

Spurs have two winnable matches against Aston Villa and Fulham, and you would have to fancy their chances to take all six points from those games.

Newcastle's remaining schedule is a bit more difficult. They must face Manchester City at home on Sunday, who are looking to maintain their slim lead over rivals Manchester United in the league title race.

City will be looking to dominate Newcastle, and there's a strong chance the Toon are defeated in this match. As well, Newcastle's final match is against a talented Everton squad.

Arsenal have to hope that Tottenham and Newcastle slip up over the last few weeks now that they have lost control of their own fate.

The Gunners did a nice job of climbing the standings after a historically bad start to the season, but now they must get help from other clubs and take care of business against West Bromwich Albion to save their season.

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