Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Norwich City: 5 things we learned – Mikel Arteta rebuild continues

By Andrew Dowdeswell

Arsenal (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Arsenal (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 01: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal celebrates scoring his teams second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Norwich City at Emirates Stadium on July 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 01: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal celebrates scoring his teams second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Norwich City at Emirates Stadium on July 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

On Wednesday, Arsenal returned to the Emirates to face the Premier League’s bottom side, Norwich City. Here are five things we learned from the 4-0 victory.

Arsenal continued their onslaught on the top half of the Premier League on Wednesday with a convincing 4-0 victory over bottom side Norwich City. It was the first time the Gunners had played at the Emirates since lockdown with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring his first two goals upon English football’s return. Cedric Soares also got on the scoresheet for a debut goal, while Granit Xhaka notched a crucial second goal in the first half.

Here are five things we learned.

(Photo by SHAUN BOTTERILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
(Photo by SHAUN BOTTERILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

5. Hector Bellerin not safe

Hector Bellerin has been Mikel Arteta’s starting right-back ever since he returned from the ACL tear that robbed him of the second half of last season. As soon as he was fit and available, Arteta thrust him into the starting XI. Bellerin has started all but one Premier League match upon his return.

However, while Arsenal have waited patiently for the Spaniard to find his full match-fitness, his performances have never ticked up. There was hope that a three-month layoff would provide Bellerin with the time to rest and find his full fitness. Since the restart, though, his form has continued to tail off.

Meanwhile, Cedric Soares has shaken off his injury issues to make his first appearance. Signed on a six-month loan in January, it was believed that Cedric would merely back up Bellerin. However, after a spritely cameo, including several lovely crosses and an excellent debut goal, perhaps Cedric can yet put pressure on Bellerin’s starting role.