Gunners turning the screw

Arsenal 4 Norwich 1

David Moyes’ side are now eight points behind Arsenal, and while the former are playing superbly the latter are struggling.

If the boot were on the other foot no-one would be claiming that Arsenal could catch their old foes, even at this early stage of the season.

But Arsene Wenger does not agree that the lead over Robin van Persie and friends is insurmountable. Indeed, he did his best to play down Arsenal’s early-season form, even if they are scoring contenders for Goals of the Season and, in Aaron Ramsey, undoubtedly have the player of the season to date.

“Manchester United are not out of the title race,” Wenger insisted. “It is too early. We are only two points in front of all the others (Chelsea and Liverpool).

“Of course 10 points starts to be a little gap. If you have a choice nobody wants to be 10 points behind. If you have the choice, you want to be in the race at the top.

“But you cannot rule Man United out. They have big players, big experience and they are a big club. It’s three games basically — that is very quick in our league.”

Indeed it is, but when Arsenal play like this it is hard to imagine them losing. True, Norwich gave it their all and at both 1-0 and 2-1 down seemed more likely to get the next goal.

But this match will be remembered for Jack Wilshere’s opener. Do you want to know how good it was? Well the best way to explain that is to note that Mesut Ozil — who had no part in it — walked over to his celebrating team-mates with a goofy, disbelieving grin on his face, clapping along with the crowd.

In simple terms, Santi Cazorla played the ball in to Wilshere, who then played a pair of one-twos — including two backflicks — with Olivier Giroud before calmly steering his volley past John Ruddy and into the corner.

It was exceptional skill done in a manner that made it appear to be the most simple thing in the world.

“It’s what you dream, it’s close to perfection,” said Wenger.

So far, Arsenal’s season has not been too far off perfection. But there are harder tests to come. Borussia Dortmund are the first, in the Champions League tomorrow.

Then a trip to Crystal Palace, followed by a hugely challenging November.

Arsenal average 1.6 points per game in the month under Wenger — their lowest of any month during his 17-year tenure.

With Liverpool and Manchester United sandwiching a trip to Dortmund — and then games against Southampton and Cardiff — an improvement on that record would give real belief they can win the title.

Wenger, who ruled Theo Walcott out for another fortnight after this win, conceded his squad is near the strength he wants — although January transfer market business is still on the agenda.

“We have a squad that quality wise is very, very good,” he said. “If there is a good opportunity (to sign players in January), why not. If none, I think it’s important, when you know who is out injured now, they will come back in November, the beginning of December. Then you have a really massive squad.”

Central to those hopes is Ramsey. Ozil had made it 2-0 and Jonathan Howson pulled one back before Ramsey took centre-stage, weaving past three would-be tacklers before slamming home another sumptuous goal. He then pulled Tomas Rosicky’s cross back into Ozil’s path to make it four before deservedly milking the applause.

It all felt a little unfair on Chris Hughton, whose Norwich side battled manfully. Yet seven points in eight games is a poor return.

“Yes, it is a horrible question to ask,” he responded when queried on his job prospects by a journalist who had prefaced the question with ‘I know it’s a horrible question to ask but...’

“I only concentrate on the team and doing the best job I can, getting as many points as we can, getting as many wins as we can — and anything else I don’t think about.”

Wenger’s problems are in a rather different realm. There is a long way to go in what is certain to be a hugely absorbing title race, but eight points represents a chasm to one of their most serious rivals.

ARSENAL: Szczesny 7, Sagna 7, Koscielny 8, Mertesacker 7, Gibbs 8, Wilshere 8, Arteta 7, Flamini 7 (Ramsey, 37; 9), Cazorla 7 (Rosicky, 59; 7), Ozil 7, Giroud 8 (Bendtner, 78; 7).

NORWICH: Ruddy 9; Martin 6, Bassong 6, Turner 6, Olsson 6; Tettey 7 (Hoolahan, 79; 6), Fer 8, Howson 6; Snodgrass 6, Pilkington 5 (Redmond, 70; 6), Hooper 6.

Referee: Lee Probert.