Norwich City: 5 Reasons the Canaries Can Beat Arsenal

Norwich City know that they face a tough challenge when they play Arsenal at the weekend. However, the Canaries have impressed throughout this season. They have particularly impressed with their performances against Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool.

There is no reason to think that Norwich will not put on another impressive show against Arsenal on Saturday. The sport is, at times, as much a mental battle as a physical one and if the Canaries believe they can beat Arsenal then they might just do it.  

Home Advantage

Most Norwich City fans would say that over the last two and a bit seasons, the Canaries have been an impressive side on the road, but at times struggled with expectancy when at Carrow Road. The Premier League is a slightly different deal though.

On Saturday, no one will be expecting much from Norwich, so they can approach it like an away game. Knowing Norwich, this will be an attacking approach and if they can take their chances then there is ever chance of a famous result.

The Arsenal Defence

The Arsenal back-line is certainly not what it once was, and the Canaries will be confident that they can score goals on Saturday. However, Arsenal will also be painfully aware that the Canaries are struggling defensively themselves and yet to keep a Premier League clean sheet.

Norwich must ensure that they put the Arsenal defence under pressure, but also keep things tight at the back. They must keep in mind that the Gunners are a better side going forward, and any team that can score five goals at Chelsea will carry a massive threat to the Canaries defence and they will have to be cautious of that.

Weakened Arsenal Team

Arsenal had a difficult summer and lost a number of key players. Of course, there were also some signings made to replace the outgoing players. However, critics would argue that some of those players signed were panic buys, because they didn't fit into the usual Arsene Wenger-type signings. Some of the players signed didn't seem to fit into Wenger's long-term vision.

Earlier in the season, Arsenal looked vulnerable to nearly every Premier League team. But they have weathered the storm somewhat and improved their displays of late. The Canaries should be confident though that they have a better chance of getting a result than they would have in previous seasons.

Norwich Fans

Norwich City supporters tend to really get behind their team. This is especially the case when the team is up against it. On Saturday, the fans can lift the players to an inspired result.

The players need to believe they can get a result, but the supporters can enhance that belief. The vocal support from the home crowd will make it a difficult place for Arsenal to come to. This is especially the case if the away fans get restless and start to turn against the team.

As ever though, the key for Norwich will be to not concede early.  

The Master That Is Paul Lambert

Never underestimate the role that the Norwich City manager will play in any famous Norwich City victory. Paul Lambert has already shown how tactically astute he is this season, and isn't afraid to change his team or tactics depending on the opposition.

Lambert will likely revert back to his 4-4-1-1 system and hope to match up against Arsenal's midfield. He will also hope that Grant Holt can continue to make an impact from the bench.

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