Norwich City vs. Arsenal: 5 Keys to a Gunners Win

Arsenal returns to Premier League action following the international break and take on newly promoted Norwich City in Saturday's early kickoff.

The canaries have been on a good run of form in recent games and are surprising many with their direct and resolute style.

Arsenal's own form has been exemplary since their early season slump.  Led by the brilliant Robin van Perise, Arsene Wenger's side has revived their fortunes.

The Gunners will need to be at their best to subdue a hard-working and technically capable Norwich team, desperate to cement their top flight status.

Here are five keys to the Gunners securing an important away victory.

5. Harass Wesley Hoolahan

Arsenal midfield duo Alex Song and Mikel Arteta must work hard to disrupt the efforts of Norwich's midfield talisman, Wesley Hoolahan.

The Republic of Ireland schemer has blossomed into one of City's most able and consistent performers under the tutelage of canaries boss Paul Lambert.

Hoolahan is a tireless, energetic presence in midfield.  His efforts keep Norwich's possession play ticking over.

Crowding Hoolahan out of the game will create more opportunities for Arsenal to break up and steal possession.  This should present openings for launch quick counters against the Norwich back line. 

4. Be Wary of the Aerial Threat Posed by Grant Holt

Lambert may decide to test Arsenal's notorious weakness in the air by unleashing battering ram striker Grant Holt from the outset.

Norwich often begin games with the more pacy Steve Morrison patrolling the forward line as a lone striker.  However, Holt's bullish style and power in the air could make him the perfect weapon against an often indecisive Gunners back four.

If Wenger keeps the partnership of Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny together, then Vermaelen should be the one to challenge Holt.

Although he will be at a height disadvantage, Vermaelen is aggressive and assertive in the air.  These are the exact attributes needed to make life difficult for Holt.

Wenger may instead opt to reinstate Per Mertesacker back into the starting 11.  If so, then the tall German international needs to make his 6'6" frame count for the first time this season.

3. Track the Runs of Anthony Pilkington

Anthony Pilkington is steadily developing into a productive attacking midfielder in the Premier League.  During their recent string of positive results, Pilkington has emerged as one of the main scoring threats for Norwich.

An extremely active player, Pilkington is always able to find dangerous pockets of space, and he times his forwards runs very well.

Arsenal will need to be aware of Pilkington's threat and ensure that he is not allowed an unhindered passage into the box.

2. Encourage Gervinho and Theo Walcott to Make Some Central Runs at Leon Barnett

The Gunners should do all they can to target calamitous City central defender Leon Barnett.  Arsenal should attack the ponderous Barnett with speed.

As the Norwich defense will already be fully occupied with trying to contain van Persie, Arsenal should overload the central areas.

Some timely and varied runs from Theo Walcott and Gervinho can split the Norwich defense and leave Barnett isolated one on one.

Arteta, van Persie and Aaron Ramsey should look to thread balls between the lines to Walcott and Gervinho, in behind the canaries back four.

1. Get Aaron Ramsey on the Ball Early and Often

Norwich play without a holding midfielder.  Former Leeds United starlet Bradley Johnson is the closest thing they have to a midfield destroyer.

But Johnson is more of a box-to-box type of player and doesn't usually sit deep and remain in front of his back four.

So there should be plenty of space for Aaron Ramsey to exploit.  Ramsey is showing signs that he is ready to develop into a productive talent, as Arsenal's most advanced midfielder.

Ramsey needs to get on the ball early and often against Norwich.  The young Welshman has the flair and creative instincts to pose a constant threat to the City defense.

With Ramsey as the focal point of the play, there should be plenty of supply to the Gunners pacy trio of forwards.

This is a tricky-looking fixture for Arsenal.  Despite the recent success experienced by the Gunners, this is still a team that can't quite be trusted.

Arsenal need this win to keep pace with rest of the top four contenders and to start building some impressive away form.