Norwich City: 9 Things Learned from Arsenal Draw

I think most of us would agree that Saturday was a fine performance by Norwich City against Arsenal; on another day it could easily have been three points rather than one. But it was further evidence that the Canaries can live with the best teams in the Premier League.

This was an important point to prove after the disappointing performances against Manchester City and Liverpool. Norwich and Arsenal played out a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Simon Lappin Was a Surprise Inclusion

It is fair to say the biggest surprise in Saturday's team selection was the appearance of Simon Lappin at left-back. However, this was probably a case of filling a problem position with Adam Drury and Marc Tierney unavailable through injury.

Left-back is clearly not Lappin's preferred position, and it will be interesting to see if Lambert sees a future for him as some kind of utility player.

Is Elliott Ward's Norwich City Career Over?

I think many of us have become concerned about Elliott Ward's future as a Premier League defender, especially after his disappointed displays. So it was no surprise to see him replaced by Russell Martin at center back in Saturday's game. 

However, it remains to be seen if Lambert has seen enough of the player. But with Ward out of contract at the end of the season, the easy solution would be to release him. 

Holt and Jackson Partnership Worked Well

Call me old-fashioned, but I like to see a target man played up front with a pacy strike partner. That's exactly what we get with Simeon Jackson and Grant Holt. It worked well against Arsenal, with Jackson chasing everything, and Holt getting himself on the score sheet.

Steve Morison Back in Business

Steve Morison was in impressive form in the first half of Norwich City's Premier League season, but he has not been able to score many goals lately. So his goal against Arsenal could prove to be very important and get him back to producing crucial goals on a regular basis.

Norwich Can Pass the Ball Without Having a Fox

I have often thought the Norwich passing game doesn't get going when David Fox is not on the team. However, Saturday's game proved that doesn't have to the case. Despite the exclusion of Fox, Norwich moved the ball superbly at times.

However, I remain a big fan of the player and hope that he is offered a new contract to remain at Carrow Road for at least one more season.

Russell Martin's Inclusion as a Center Back Exposes Norwich's Need to Strengthen

Russell Martin does a decent job for Norwich at the heart of the defense. But I think we all know that Norwich needs to add some quality in this area. I'm sure Martin would love to get back to being a full-time right-back.

Lambert will know that Martin's versatility is useful when injuries and suspensions come into play, but he will want to consider Martin as an emergency option.  

Performance More Important Than the Point

With Norwich City's position in the league secured, this Premier League point was not that important. But it is a result that hives the team a good chance of finishing the season strongly, especially if all three points can be secured against Aston Villa in the final game.

The bottom line is finishing this season strongly can act as a catalyst to take into next season.

Elliott Bennett Now Looks Totally at Home in the Premier League

I thought that Elliott Bennett had a superb game. He was full of running and caused the Arsenal defense plenty of problems. It suggests that he is now fully at home in Premier League football, and we can expect a big season from him in 2012-13.

Ruddy and Holt Underlined England Ability

We saw in the game Saturday that both John Ruddy and Grant Holt can perform against the best teams in the league. Holt converted his 14th Premier League goal of the season, and Ruddy produced heroics to help Norwich to this point. Has England manager Roy Hodgson noticed?

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