Norwich City: 6 Things the Canaries Must Do to Beat Arsenal

Norwich City face a difficult task when they play Arsenal on Saturday (20 October 2012). Arsenal have started the season fairly well and will be keen to secure all three points to keep the pressure on the sides above them.

But the Canaries are currently in the relegation zone and will be equally keen to secure a win. Therefore, Saturday's game promises to be eagerly contested.

But, of course, Arsenal start as a massive favorites. Here are six specific things that Norwich City must do very well to come out on top.

Deny Their Best Players Time and Space

Losing games to Liverpool and Chelsea certainly hurt, but the thing that hurt more was the fact we made it too easy for them. If we do this again then we can forget about any notion of getting anything out of the game.

Theo Walcott may be out of the game, but he was unlikely to start the game anyway. The real danger men are Santi Cazorla and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. It is vital that neither man is given time and space on the ball. Norwich city must close down on the ball and make things as hard as possible for Arsenal to create.

Put in a Decent Defensive Performance

I think it's fair to say that Norwich haven't yet found their defensive shape. But fans will hope that will change in the games ahead. Nevertheless, it's difficult to see how the Canaries can get anything out of this game if they don't defend well.

Therefore, Chris Hughton will have to see a massive improvement from the defensive performances against Liverpool and Chelsea. I would like to see a new look partnership between Sebastien Bassong and Ryan Bennett.

But Don't Forget to Attack

It's important to remember that goals win games and Norwich City will certainly need to score to get anything at all out of the game. Therefore, it is important that they get forward to create chances, but remain cautious to being caught on the break.

It is difficult to know if Chris Hughton's Norwich City have a lot of goals in them, but the players that scored them last season are still at the club.

Take Your Chances

Norwich have been involved in some very tight games this season, but the Canaries haven't been able to do enough to get the win or draw due to their inability to take chances. This is something that has has improved in the last two games, but the defensive shape has gone out of the window.

Against Arsenal, Norwich City must rediscover their defensive shape, but also show an ability to take chances when the opportunities arise.  

Dominate the Midfield

I think it's going to be vital for Norwich to dominate the midfield engine room. Therefore, I expect Hughton will start with two defensive midfielders. Hopefully, this will pair Tettey and Fox together for the first time in the Premier League.

I have been saying for some time that the midfield is the strongest part of the team for the Canaries, so I wouldn't be upset to see only one striker utilized from the start.

Fans: Sing Loud, Sing Proud!

It's important that Norwich take advantage of being at home. For the players, this means attacking the away team, but for the fans it means getting behind the team. Therefore, I am hoping for an electric atmosphere in Saturday's late kick-off.

Maybe, the fans can give the team an edge to secure a massive result.

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