Norwich City vs. Arsenal: 5 Star Performers in the Gunners' 2-1 Win

Arsenal pulled off a hugely significant victory after a fine 2-1 win away to newly promoted Norwich City. The Gunners were determined and resilient, particularly in the second half.

After squandering several promising chances in the first period, Arsenal took control after the break. Robin van Persie put Arsenal back in front with a deft and classy finish.

Arsene Wenger's team controlled possession and produced some fine passages of play. Norwich gave them some scares, but Arsenal survived to record their second away win of the season.

Here are five players who spearheaded the Gunners to victory.

5. Wojciech Szczesny

Wojciech Szczesny reminded everyone that Arsenal are fortunate to have the best young goalkeeper in the Premier League.

Although Arsenal were dominant for most of the 90 minutes, Szczesny came up big when he had to. He has quickly become a trusted and reliable presence in goal.

The young pole excelled in repelling a dubious, late Norwich free kick. The save preserved the win and capped another commanding and assured performance between the sticks from Szczesny.

4. Gervinho

Even though his finishing was well below the par, Gervinho was a constant danger for Arsenal. The Ivory Coast forward always looked as though he had the beating of the Norwich back line.

Gervinho made intelligent runs and his pace and directness continues to add a valuable dimension to Arsenal's play.

His composure in front of goal needs to improve, but that could well happen with more games and a confidence boost.

Gervinho's speed and trickery still makes him a consistent threat in any game.

3. Laurent Koscielny

Despite being thrust into a role as a makeshift right back, Frenchman Laurent Koscielny exuded calmness and composure in the Gunners' defense.

Koscielny continued his recent rapid development and is beginning to look like a comfortable top flight defender.

He was positionally sound for much of the game and precise and forceful in the tackle. Koscielny's increased confidence should see him reprise his role as a stand-in full back, in the absence of Bacary Sagna.

2. Theo Walcott

This author has been as critical as anybody of Theo Walcott's often languid and inconsistent performances. But credit where credit is due. Walcott terrorised the Norwich defense all game long.

Playing with an enthusiasm and appetite that is sometimes lacking from his game, Walcott relished every opportunity he got to run at the canaries back four.

The best part of Walcott's performance today was that he kept things simple. Relying on his pace, the England speedster routinely made runs inside the full backs and quickly knocked the ball around his marker, creating a one sided foot race.

Walcott was direct and efficient throughout. He released the ball too early on occasion, but no player's decision making is exact every time.

If he continues to show the same desire on display today, Walcott can ravage any defense in the league.

1. Robin Van Persie

Maybe it shouldn't be a surprise, but Robin van Persie's brilliance and consistency continues to impress. The Dutch talisman was magnificent for Arsenal and once again proved to be the match winner.

After some early misses, van Persie took the game over. His movement off the ball and his speed of thought on it, were simply incredible.

Showcasing the varied skill set that makes him the epitome of the modern forward, van Persie was a consistent danger in front of goal and an intelligent, creative outlet.

Arsenal's skipper sprayed around some outstanding passes. Alternating dropping deep and roving forward with Aaron Ramsey, van Persie always found space and delivered a dangerous end product every time he got on the ball.

He displayed his poacher's instincts to turn in Theo Walcott's smart ball across the box to equalise in the first half.

Then he won the game in the second period, by latching onto an Alex Song through pass and surprising Norwich 'Keeper John Ruddy with a clever chip.

It's this kind of complete performance that makes van Persie's omission from the ballon d'or rankings, even more galling.

A Huge Away Win

There are so many positives to take from this victory. The win could have significant implications for Arsenal's top four prospects.

With Newcastle away to Manchester City today and Liverpool travelling to Chelsea tomorrow, two of the Gunners biggest rivals for those spots could be primed to drop points.

The tough away win in a tricky fixture also offers further proof of the new found resilience Arsenal have displayed during their winning run.

The three points should provide plenty of confidence heading into Wednesday's crunch Champions League showdown with Borussia Dortmund.