Arsenal’s Euro dream in balance

Draw 3-3 at home to Norwich in Premier League.

LONDON:

Arsenal’s bid for a top-four finish suffered a major setback as Steve Morison’s late goal earned Norwich a deserved point in a six-goal thriller.

Yossi Benayoun’s opener in the second minute had seemed to put Arsene Wenger’s side on course for an easy afternoon. But with Norwich having gone ahead through Wes Hoolahan and Grant Holt, a double from Robin van Persie seemed to have won it for the hosts before substitute Morison stunned the home crowd five minutes from time.

Van Persie, the league’s top scorer, took his tally for the season to 30 with the two goals in the 72nd and 80th minutes. Arsene Wenger’s side now has 67 points with one game left to play this season. Fourth-placed Tottenham, at Aston Villa, and fifth-placed Newcastle, at home to Manchester City, play their games in hand today. City and Manchester United are locked on 83 points.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 6^th, 2012.