Norwich v Arsenal reaction

Reports in France suggested Wenger, who is in his 15th campaign at the helm and has two years of his current contract left to run, would review his position at the end of the season. However, following Saturday's battling victory at Carrow Road, which saw Arsenal close to within striking distance of the top four, Wenger moved to put the record straight. The Arsenal manager, 62, said: "It was after a conversation where the journalist asked 'there would be no way at all you will ever leave this club?' "I said the only way would be if I feel I did not deliver what I feel is expected from me. Then, if you love the club and feel you are below what people are expecting from you, that is the only way I would consider. "I am committed to the club and will respect my contract to the end, unless I feel I am not good enough. "That has always been the case." Wenger added: "At the start of the season, there were many people questioning what I do, but I was determined. "I have to honestly rate the quality of my work at the end of the season and think 'did I take the maximum amount out of the team'? "You want me to say now 'if I do not take Arsenal into the top four, then I will quit', which is what I will not say. "I do not question my commitment to my contract, I have shown that in the past and will do in the future. "This is the club of my life, and it will remain it, unless I feel I do not do well enough. That should not be something surprising." After Arsenal spurned several chances, which saw Norwich defender Russell Martin clear a couple of goalbound efforts off the line, the Canaries snatched a shock early lead when Wales striker Steve Morison capitalised on an horrendous blunder by German international Per Mertesacker. However, in-form Dutchman van Persie made it 30 goals for 2011, the second a sublime finish, after referee Phil Dowd had played a fine advantage following a foul by Russell Martin, to maintain Arsenal's resurgence. Wenger said: "We missed early chances in the first 20 minutes and then we were 1-0 down. "It made the game difficult against a very dynamic Norwich side, but with our backs to the wall, we responded well. "Once we were ahead, we controlled the game and never were really in trouble. "Overall it was a very positive win, and the team is growing from game to game." Wenger was quick to praise his captain, adding on Sky Sports 2: "He is exceptional, but we all know within the club that he's an exceptional player. "Sometimes, what was in the way was the fact he was injured. Since he plays, Robin shows just how good he is." Norwich have shown a great deal of character following their return to the Premier League, earning a 1-1 draw at Liverpool recently. Paul Lambert's men again refused to accept defeat, with substitute Grant Holt giving Mertesacker a real test during the closing stages, but were unable to find an equaliser. "Arsenal are a right good side, but the pleasing thing is we were always in the game," said the Canaries manager. "You are never going to keep Arsenal out for 90 minutes, and the winning goal really hurt us. "At this level, you have to make as few mistakes as you can. "But against every big team, we have always had a foothold and never been out of it, we are up against a really top side, but the lads never disgraced themselves."