Arsenal meandered to a 1-0 win against Norwich City at the Emirates on Saturday, as a number of fans groups staged a rather uninspiring protest at yet another season of underachievement.
On 12 minutes, the protesting fans held up ‘Time For Change’ banners, in an action organised by a number of supporter groups including REDaction and Black Scarf Movement (good name for an indie band).
However, the banners in question (around 300 in number) only lightly peppered the Emirates stands, with fans on the other side of this bizarre Gooner civil-war belting out ‘One Arsene Wenger” in response.
On the pitch, Arsene Wenger’s charges once again struggled to click against the relegation-threatened Canaries, with the Gunners’ once again struggling to threaten John Ruddy’s goal.
The visitors threatened to score themselves and add to the edgy atmosphere in the stadium. However, just before the hour-mark, sub Danny Welbeck fired home from an Olivier Giroud knockdown to ease the tension somewhat.
Instant impact by Danny Welbeck! Great knock down by Giroud for the Goal! #Arsenal pic.twitter.com/txdwWiKGMw
— Arsenal’s Voice (@ArsenalsVoice) April 30, 2016
A second, even more muted protest occurred on 78 minutes as the Gunners saw out the game and secure all three points, albeit with yet another mediocre display. And despite the win and the underwhelming protests, the atmosphere at the Emirates and the awkward unease surrounding the club is only likely to increase.
As for Alex Neil’s Norwich, they now find themselves in 19th place with 31 points, two away from safety.