Protests mark Arsenal’s Win

A quick-fire goal from substitute Danny Welbeck united squabbling supporters as Arsenal defeated Norwich City 1-0 yesterday to advance their pursuit of a Premier League top-four finish. Fans protesting against long-serving Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger were drowned out by supporters backing him before Welbeck’s 59th-minute strike settled proceedings, keeping Norwich in the bottom three.

Arsenal established a provisional eight-point cushion over the teams below the Champions League places, ahead of next weekend’s high-stakes trip to Manchester City, who trail them by three points ahead of their trip to Southampton today.
“We lacked pace and seemed subdued. It was better in the second half and in the end we got a good win,” said Wenger.

On the protesting fans, he added: “We respect the opinion of everybody and we give absolutely the best. I think I have shown my commitment for this club and care for this club, and for the fans. I’m really sorry if I cannot make them all happy, of course. We’ll continue to work hard to achieve it.”
In a pre-planned protest at the Emirates Stadium, a smattering of fans held up A4 posters bearing the words “TIME FOR CHANGE” in the 12th minute of the game, in a nod to Arsenal’s 12-year league title drought.

In response thousands of fans chanted “There’s only one Arsene Wenger!”, with some holding aloft placards in support of the under-fire Frenchman, who has been in place since 1996.
However, with Norwich creating the best of the first-half chances, there were boos at the halftime whistle.

Injury forced Wenger to send on Gabriel for centre-back Per Mertesacker early in the second half, but it was his second change that was to prove decisive. Welbeck replaced Alex Iwobi in the 56th minute, drawing more boos, but less than three minutes later Olivier Giroud nodded Hector Bellerin’s cross into his path and the England striker slashed home the winner.