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Arsenal strengthened their grip on the Champions League places by beating Norwich but the nervy 1-0 win provided little entertainment for a disillusioned fanbase. Another ineffectual display from Olivier Giroud was a particular source of frustration… If it was surprising to see Olivier Giroud in Arsenals starting line-up against Sunderland last weekend, it was doubly so to see him stay there for the visit of Norwich. The Frenchmans Premier League scoring drought stretched to 801 minutes with a poor showing at the Stadium of Light, and he added another 90 to the total on a difficult afternoon in north London.The muted protests around the Emirates Stadium suggested many Arsenal supporters are still on Arsene Wengers side, but his continued faith in Giroud must be testing their patience. It looked all the more puzzling as Danny Welbeck netted the decisive goal just three minutes and seven seconds after coming off the bench. Jamie Redknapp gives his reaction to Arsenals 1-0 win over Norwich at the Emirates Giroud did, at least, provide the cushioned header to set up the goal, but that was about the only thing that went right for him all afternoon. The misfiring striker has not scored in the Premier League since Arsenals 3-3 draw with Liverpool in January, and he has only found the net in one of his last 21 appearances in all competitions.The drought never looked like ending against Norwich, who came to soak up pressure and hit the Gunners on the break. In the first half, Arsenal had Petr Cech to thank for keeping the scores level with two saves from Nathan Redmond, and at the other end they failed to muster a single first half shot on target for the fourth time in their last nine home games. Redknapp and Tim Sherwood felt that the introduction of Welbeck changed the game Giroud toiled as the lone striker. He set the tone for the afternoon when he failed to get a shot away from Aaron Ramseys pass in the 11th minute, and at the end of the first period he had touched the ball fewer times than goalkeeper Cech. Our game lacked a little bit of pace and penetration, Wenger conceded in his post-match interview with Sky Sports. It was a bit one-paced. Arsene Wenger described Arsenals 1-0 win against Norwich as a very difficult game It felt like a pointed reference to Giroud, whose struggles continued after the break. Just 30 seconds into the second half he wastefully headed a lofted pass over the onrushing Alex Iwobi on the edge of Norwichs box, and two minutes later he ran a Ramsey through ball out for a goal kick.His lack of movement and reluctance to run in behind made it difficult for the visibly frustrated Mesut Ozil to unlock Norwichs defence, and the visitors were comfortable sitting back and watching Arsenal harmlessly pass the ball from one side of the midfield to the other. Wenger says sorry Arsene Wenger insists he will work hard to make all Arsenal fans happy. It appeared as though Girouds afternoon might be over when Welbeck began stripping off in the dugout, but Wenger had other ideas, and while most Arsenal supporters had not partaken in the banner protests, the crowd were united in vociferous booing at the decision to withdraw Alex Iwobi instead of their No 12.Welbeck, meanwhile, gave Arsenal exactly what they needed. The former Manchester United striker, so impressive before losing his place in the side after the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace earlier this month, provided an immediate injection of speed and urgency. His first contribution was to set up a shooting chance for Mohamed Elneny, and his well-taken goal came shortly afterwards. Danny Welbeck confirmed that he stills sees himself as a striker It was his fourth in 10 Premier League games since his return from injury in January and with it he equalled his tally for the whole of last season. Suddenly, Arsenal looked dangerous, with Welbecks pace stretching Norwich and providing an outlet for the counter-attack. The contrast with the static Giroud could hardly have been more obvious. Passing problems Olivier Giroud finished the game with a passing accuracy of just 65.7 per cent compared to Danny Welbecks 88.0 per cent. The Frenchman did not link play adequately either. His passing accuracy of 65.7 per cent was the lowest of Arsenals outfield starters, and their attacks continued to break down around him as the second half wore on. He spurned a chance to release Ozil with a poor first touch in the 66th minute, and on the one occasion he did succeed in springing Norwichs offside trap with eight minutes to go, he gave his marker time to recover and steal back possession. Olivier Giroud challenges Norwich defender Ivo Pinto The difference in intensity between the Arsenal forwards was clearest in the closing minutes as, shortly after Giroud could be seen ambling back from an offside position during an Gunners attack, Welbeck was throwing himself into tackles and feverishly pressing Norwich defenders in the centre circle.The contrasting performances give Wenger plenty to think about ahead of Arsenals trip to Manchester City next weekend. On recent evidence, his best chance of claiming a result at the Etihad Stadium would be to deploy the striker more suited to their style. Also See: Welbeck strike rescues Wenger Wenger says sorry to protesters ., for the next three years with the signings on Monday of Daryl Townsend and Michael Carter. . Roman Josi had a goal and an assist to lead the Predators to a 4-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Monday night. . He says so-called TRT is only one problem and he wants to go even further than the ban. "Its about time," St-Pierre told reporters at a promotional event in Montreal on Friday. "I think its a good thing. .ca look back at each of the Top 10 stories of 2013. Today, we look back at Boston Strong - a citys recovery from tragedy. . -- Linebacker Myles Jack ran for four touchdowns, defensive end Cassius Marsh caught a scoring pass, and No. OAKLAND, Calif. -- Lew Wolff is selling all but a small stake in the Oakland Athletics and giving up his managing partner role, turning over leadership of the franchise to John Fisher as the club seeks a new ballpark location.Wolff will become chairman emeritus and Fisher the managing partner. In addition, team president Michael Crowley is stepping away from day-to-day operations after nearly 20 years in the role but will advise the As ownership group. San Jose Earthquakes president Dave Kaval will fill Crowleys role while also keeping his same position with the MLS team.Baseball owners approved the leadership transition for Oakland during meetings Thursday in Chicago. Wolff and Fisher bought the As on April 1, 2005.I am pleased my dear friend of almost 25 years, John Fisher, will be even more involved, Wolff wrote in an email to The Associated Press. I will miss Mike Crowley, who has contributed so much to the As, and I welcome my somewhat newer friend, Dave Kaval, who will bring lots of talent and energy to the As. And, I will be able to watch games with a slight degree of less stress, not much but a little!Wolff had been committed to keeping the As in Oakland but previously wanted to move the team to San Jose and build an intimate new ballpark.Former commissioner Bud Selig never ruled on whether the As can move into the San Francisco Giants cherished territory in technology-rich Silicon Valley. New commissioner Rob Manfred said last month he would like to see the club stay put.Manfred hinted at change when he spoke during the NLL Division Series between the Cubs and Giants at San Franciscos AT&T Park, saying more would be known about the As situation soon.dddddddddddd Manfred noted that Fisher has become more heavily involved in the ballpark planning and has made multiple trips to New York to meet with Manfred and MLB.In addition, Manfred said Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf told him the city is committed to keeping the As in town, and she would also like the NFLs Raiders to stay.I want to thank Lew for his leadership over the last 11 years, Fisher said. His initiative and love of the game of baseball brought my family to the As, and we would not be involved without him. Lew has given the organization all of his energy and experience for the last 11 years and I look forward to a new chapter in our working relationship and friendship. It is a privilege for me to steward the As at this important moment for the franchise.The small-budget As won consecutive AL West titles in 2012 and 13, losing in five games of the division series to the Detroit Tigers in both years. But they still consider a new ballpark the top priority to be a regular contender. Oaklands payroll of $87 million, pending award bonuses and adjustments, is above only Tampa Bay and Milwaukees.The run-down Coliseum, shared with the Raiders and the last venue with both Major League Baseball and football, had multiple sewage problems in 2013 that caused damage during games. ' ' '
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