Half-Time Report: Lewis Grabban cancels out Mesut Ozil opener to keep Norwich City, Arsenal level

A Lewis Grabban strike against the run of play has cancelled out Mesut Ozil's opener to ensure that Norwich City and Arsenal go in level at the break.

© Getty Images

The hosts were barely able to get a foot on the ball throughout the first half, as Arsenal dominated the game's early chances, with Alexis Sanchez firing narrowly wide on the four-minute mark.

Defender Laurent Koscielny was forced to make way for Gabriel Paulista after just 11 minutes, as the French international limped off the field with an injury.

© Getty Images

Arsene Wenger's side continued to push their opponents for the opening goal, as Sebastien Bassong deflected an Ozil strike off target, before Olivier Giroud connected with a Nacho Monreal cross to volley wide.

Arsenal took a deserved lead on the half-hour mark, when Norwich keeper John Ruddy cleared as far as Sanchez, who picked out Ozil for a clinical finish beyond the reach of the English shot-stopper.

The hosts' first shot came after 40 minutes, as Robbie Brady tried his luck from 25 yards, but the effort was comfortable for Arsenal keeper Petr Cech to parry away.

Norwich netted the equaliser on 43 minutes, as Grabban outmuscled substitute Gabriel before placing a composed finish into the bottom corner of the net.

Alex Neil's men almost took the lead before the half-time whistle as Andre Wisdom picked out Wes Hoolahan with a cross, but the Irish midfielder blazed his effort over the bar from close range.