Key Incidents:
Goal (Arsenal) (19) – Flamini flicked the ball forward to Pires, who created some space and then played it to Henry, who turned and sent a thumping drive low into the corner of the net.
Goal (Arsenal) (21) – What a goal! Lauren touched the ball on for Henry, who as usual, was lurking on the left. He cut inside the box, and while looking the other way slammed a shot into the far corner.
Goal (Norwich) (31) – This we could have done without. Lehmann flapped at a Huckerby corner. The ball came out and was sliced well wide, back out to Huckerby on the corner flag. A brilliant tackle it was not by Pires, who turned away from the ball allowing Huckerby to get into the area and hit a curling shot into the top corner. A good finish, but he should never have had that much space.
Goal (Arsenal) (50) – Jose set Lauren free down the right. His deflected cross looped up and deceived the goalkeeper, allowing Freddie to nod it home into an empty net.
Goal (Arsenal) (60) – Reyes burst into the area, and went down. With Arsenal appealing for a penalty, the ball rolled into the path of Henry who slid in to complete his hat trick.
Man of The Match – Thierry Henry
Player Ratings
Jens Lehmann - 6.5 - He had very little to do. Normally in these circumstances I would follow that by saying “and dealt with it all well” However, this time he did not. He flapped at the corner that led to the goal, and repeated this in the second half, and we were lucky to escape unpunished there. His lack of communication with Cygan was also a worry, and was emphasized by a moment late in the game where a harmless ball was hoofed out of play by Cygan, when Lehmann was coming for it.
Ashley Cole - 6.5 - Gooners, be ashamed. There were minorities among us yesterday who took to booing Ash. (Not me I hasten to add) “F*ck off to Chelsea” and other such abuse came his way. I had two such people behind me, and they got a lot of stick for it, and eventually shut up. Most came out in support, and lets hope that's continues. Whatever happened with Chelsea is irrelevant – he is still an Arsenal player and while he wears our shirt I will support him. He had a fairly good game, with good attacking play. He seemed to pick up a knock late on, so we shall have to wait and see what happens with that.
Kolo Toure - 7 - Had a good game on the floor, but his inability to win headers was slightly worrying in this game. Lets just hope in was an off day in that respect.
Pascal Cygan - 7 - Now how do you replace a defender who has just been awarded player of the month, but has picked up a slight knock? With Cygan of course! A groan could be heard when his name was read out, with Gooners fearing a return to the defending which cost us the title. In fairness to him, he had a good all round game. Obviously the reverse of the communication situation with Lehmann falls with him.
Lauren - 6.5 - He played well, and kept Huckerby quiet throughout the second half. He was strong in the tackle, and set up our second and third goal.
Robert Pires - 7 - His forward play was some of the best I have seen from him recently. He was having one of those games where everything comes off. However, his defensive awareness continues to be shocking! He allowed Huckerby to cruise into our area for their goal, and on numerous other occasions pulled out of tackles.
Gilberto - 7.5 - Was I the only one that laughed at the huge roar he got when his named was announced? This is the man who was widely slated in his last game before injury! Now people have finally realized the job he does, they seem to believe that all our problems are solved now that he is back! He played really well, and it was like he had never been away. His passing was excellent, as was his vision and technical ability. He showed us a few Brazilian touches as well.
Mathieu Flamini - 6 - Did well in the short time he was on the field.
Freddie Ljungberg - 8 - Played with energy and enthusiasm. He chased every ball, and was always ready to receive the ball. His off the ball runs were excellent, and but for some great interceptions by the Norwich defence, he could have also had a hat trick.
Jose Reyes - 7 - He was willing to run at goal, take on players and pass the ball around. I haven't seen him do all three in a match for a long time. He got back well a few times to stop a Norwich counter attack.
Thierry Henry - 9 - I'm beginning to run out words to describe this guy. Awesome, excellent, amazing, fantastic just don't do him justice! He was in a league of his own in this game. Whatever he tried worked, all the flicks and tricks were perfect and he scored three top quality goals. One of his best performances of the season. He is now just four goals away from Ian Wright's record.
Subs
Cesc Fabregas - 7 - Slotted straight into the midfield, and got stuck into the game. He got forward to good effect, and his vision was excellent.
Robin Van Persie – 6 - Hardly featured after coming on. Only a few touches before full time.
Gael Clichy - N/A - Not enough time to rate him, as he came on late and by the time he came on we were just passing around Norwich.