By Patrick Collins

|


The season has six months to run, so it is possible that we shall see a goal to equal the one which Jack Wilshere scored at the Emirates. Possible, yet extremely unlikely.

As the ball billowed the Norwich net, Arsene Wenger's graveyard face cracked the shadow of a smile. It was the ultimate compliment.

The goal erupted in the 18th minute, a manoeuvre which required the speed of a thief and the touch of a card sharp. It involved nine stunningly angled passes, the last handful being played by Wilshere, Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud at pace, under pressure and in a confined space.

Scroll down for video...

Opening up: Jack Wilshere celebrates scoring for Arsenal

Opening up: Jack Wilshere celebrates scoring for Arsenal

MATCH FACTS

Arsenal: Szczesny 6, Sagna 7, Mertesacker 6, Koscielny 7, Gibbs 7, Arteta 7, Flamini 6 (Ramsey 37, 8), Wilshere 8, Ozil 8, Cazorla 7 (Rosicky 59, 6), Giroud 6 (Bendtner 78, 6)

Subs not used: Vermaelen, Monreal, Fabianski, Jenkinson.

Goals: Wilshere 18, Ozil 58, Ramsey 83, Ozil 88.

Norwich: Ruddy 8, Martin 6, Turner 6, Bassong 6, Olsson 6, Tettey 6 (Hoolahan 79, 6), Snodgrass 6,Howson 7, Fer 7, Pilkington 6 (Redmond 70, 6), Hooper 6.

Subs not used: Whittaker, Johnson,Bunn, Becchio, Ryan Bennett.

Goals: Howson 70

Attendance: 60,009

Referee: Lee Probert

It was the kind of goal which a good side might try on a practice pitch when the mood is light and the session is ending.

It concluded with Wilshere scampering through the heart of a frantically bewildered defence and thrusting the dagger with a final swagger.

Arsenal are the only team in the country who could conceive and execute such a glorious adventure and Norwich looked on in wonder, along with the rest of us.

They seemed almost ready to applaud such inspiration.

Wenger would later call it 'almost the perfect goal', although he resisted the temptation to award it the accolade as the best one of his sides have ever scored.

'Certainly one of the best,' he said, adding: 'We would like to play all the time at that speed, but it is not always possible.'

The fact it reinforced Arsenal's position at the top of the table merely heightened the delight of their fortunate fans.

Men who were spotted waving protest placards and bawling slogans just a few weeks ago were now purring at the football on offer. Some were even ready to accept that Wenger really does know what he is doing.

Finishing off: Wilshere scored after a good passing move

Finishing off: Wilshere scored after a good passing move

Easy does it: Wilshere guides the ball into the corner of net

Easy does it: Wilshere guides the ball into the corner of net

All smiles: Olivier Giroud celebrates with Wilshere

All smiles: Olivier Giroud celebrates with Wilshere

Goal to remember: Wilshere scored after a good passing move

Goal to remember: Wilshere scored after a good passing move

And yet, the margin of Arsenal's victory was a harsh reflection on a largely accomplished Norwich performance. Chris Hughton's team play with solid method and a high degree of attractive efficiency. They have decent respect for the game and they seek to play it the right way.

For the middle third of this match, they controlled possession and looked capable of winning some solid reward.

England's squad goalkeeper John Ruddy made some outstanding saves, the likes of Leroy Fer and Jonathan Howson got through their midfield work with style and substance and they generally looked like a side that require only the briefest brush of luck to make something out of this season.

Fight for the ball: Sebastien Bassong holds off Giroud for Norwich

Fight for the ball: Sebastien Bassong holds off Giroud for Norwich

High jump: Giroud, rises highest to win the ball in the air

High jump: Giroud, rises highest to win the ball in the air

Arsenal lost Mathieu Flamini to concussion shortly before the interval and, although this brought on Aaron Ramsey, it also gave Fer the chance to dictate midfield terms.

They were dictating affairs right up to the 58th minute, when Arsenal forced a break and skill and imagination took over.

A ball was worked wide right and Mesut Ozil started to sprint from 10 yards inside his own half. When the cross came from Giroud, the German was there, accelerating between two defenders and flicking in the decisive header.

Head first: Mesut Ozil gets a second goal for Arsenal

Head first: Mesut Ozil gets a second goal for Arsenal

Easy does it: Ozil celebrates his goal for Arsenal

Easy does it: Ozil celebrates his goal for Arsenal

Making the difference: Ozil celebrates doubling Arsenal's advantage

Making the difference: Ozil celebrates doubling Arsenal's advantage

And that would have been that had not Norwich protracted the argument with a retaliatory goal. It emerged in the 70th minute, with Per Mertesacker prodding a leg at a low cross and seeing the ball lurch across the Arsenal box before Howson met it with an emphatic drive.

Nicklas Bendtner came on for Giroud and prompted yet another blinding save from Ruddy, before Arsenal found the killer goal.

Wilshere cut a ball back to Ramsey, who slalomed right and left as tackles came flailing in. The drive was stunningly precise. Wenger gave the thumbs-up. It was the closest he gets to elation.

A fourth goal was simply unkind to Norwich, but it arrived all the same. Passes were played through defence and Ozil began the movement and finished it.

Wenger would point out that these are early days, that much can happen, that nothing may be taken for granted. But the old boy's eyes were shining. He thinks he is on to something with this Arsenal team. And he may well be right.

Pulling one back: Norwich's Jonny Howson scored a goal to make it 2-1

Pulling one back: Norwich's Jonny Howson scored a goal to make it 2-1

In it goes: Aaron Ramsey scores No 3 for Arsenal past John Ruddy

In it goes: Aaron Ramsey scores No 3 for Arsenal past John Ruddy

The comments below have not been moderated.

Fantastic perfomance by Ramsey - man of the match for sure. Dortmund doesn't play on the level they did last year. I think the Gunners will win by 3:1

mesut ozil he is the man and best player.arsenal more confident and believe win premier lig.come on ARSENAL

''THE NEW INVINCIBLES''................IF IT WEREN'T FOR ASTON VILLA........HAHAHAHA

BACK TO REALITY ON TUESDAY LOSER-GOONS !!!

Arsenal the league champions what a joke: Norwich 18th, West brom 13th, Swansea 11th, Stoke 15th, Sunderland 20th, Fulham 17th, not one club from the top half of the table. When they come back down from their head in the clouds they will finish 5th.

2 of 3 repliesSee all replies

whatabout tottenham? napoli beaten aswell

I take it the red arrow was you Mick?

Everytime Arsenal win a game against the lowest opposition they suddenly become world beaters. Wait until they play teams in the top half lol lol lol lol lol. Oh sorry they did Spurs at home(spurs had just put there team together but it resulted in Arsenal holding on using 8 defenders) lol lol lol lol

Am i missing something here, where have all the banners gone behind my seat asking for Arsene to leave?? I have seen many Arsenal performances, but yesterdays one was a bit special!! My only worry is where will Arsene fit all his recovering players when they are all fit, will this cause a problem?

Olivier Giroud, 6 out of 10?!

How is giroud 6 with 2 assists???

BRILLIANT FOOTBALL ..... A JOY TO WATCH

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.