Arsenal 3-3 Norwich: Champions League Football Out Of Arsenal's Hands

Arsenal dealt their hopes of qualifying for the 2012/13 Champions League a significant blow this afternoon. The Gunners could only manage a draw against a resolute Norwich City side, with goalkeeper John Ruddy in inspired form. Arsenal were straight out of the blocks and took the lead through Yossi Benayoun. His curling shot flew past Ruddy with just 70 seconds on the clock. But Norwich were allowed back into the game through an error by Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny, who managed to let Wes Hoolahan's seemingly nonthreatening effort beat him. Grant Holt then saw his shot deflected into the Arsenal net to give The Canaries a deserved lead. Norwich could have extended their advantage late in the second half, but referee Anthony Taylor missed a blatant shirt pull by Laurent Koscielny in the Arsenal six yard box. Arsenal were much brighter in the second half, Arsene Wenger clearly reminding his side how much was at stake, but it was the 72nd minute before they drew level. Robin Van Persie timed his run to perfection and finished a ball over the top of the defence exquisitely. The Dutch striker added to his tally and took Arsenal into a 3-2 lead when he again beat the Norwich back-line and finished smartly. Robin Van Persie could have had a hat-trick moments later but Paul Ruddy, who had already denied numerous chances for Arsenal, spread himself well and blocked the goal-bound effort. Further saves by the Norwich keeper ensured the points would be shared. The result leaves Arsenal on 67 points with one game to play, while both Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are on 65 points, but play their penultimate games tomorrow. Arsenal 3 Benayoun 2 van Persie 72, 80 Norwich 3 Hoolahan 12 Holt 27 Morison 85