Big Blow – Arsene Wenger Bemoans Alexis Sanchez, Laurent Koscielny and Santi

Our friends at All Arsenal have produced this in depth match report from Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Norwich, including highlights and goals from the game. “I do not know how long he will be out but it is a big blow”, Wenger told reporters.

The result meant Wenger’s side missed out on the chance to draw level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.

“It would be fantastic for the kid’s career to go through, so I have to be honest and say that I would like the kid and Olympiakos to go on”.

Hector Bellerin believes Arsenal’s ever-worsening injury crisis can be eased by the club’s latest generation of Academy graduates. “No – the players are there to play football not to be rested when the press decide they need to be rested”, said the Frenchman.

Arsene Wenger’s side are on the brink of elimination from the UEFA Champions League with one match still to be played in the group stage, making success in the Premier League that much more important.

Koscielny picked up a hip injury after only 11 minutes while Sanchez managed to feature for about an hour before suffering a hamstring problem.

Arsenal first threatened in the 14th minute when Alexis Sanchez curled a free-kick over the wall, but Boaz Myhill was equal to the task and made a comfortable save. I fear it is not the reality.

“It was a hard game”.

Losing arguably their best attacker is a disconcerting blow for the north Londoners to suffer at present, given Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck are already on the sidelines through injury. “I would say it was a fair point for Norwich but, on the injury front, it was a bad game for us”.

James Milner’s 62nd-minute penalty, awarded for a handball by Neil Taylor, lifted Jurgen Klopp’s side up to sixth place and increased the pressure on Swansea manager Garry Monk, who has overseen one win in 10 league games. Norwich finished stronger and celebrated the draw like a win, although the point leaves them two places above the relegation zone. I have a good relationship with him, if anyone breaks the rules or does something they shouldn’t they will be punished, it hasn’t been an issue, we have moved on.

Wenger also revealed that midfielder Santi Cazorla had finished the game nursing a leg problem and said that he, Sanchez and Koscielny would all undergo tests on Monday.