John Landamore Steve Bolds' table topping Arsenal went away with all three points at Colney today, but only after Norwich took the game to the wire leading twice and only losing out within the final 10 minutes in what was a thrilling game.

John Landamore

Steve Bolds' table topping Arsenal went away with all three points at Colney today, but only after Norwich took the game to the wire leading twice and only losing out within the final 10 minutes in what was a thrilling game.

The visitors were quickly into their stride playing at a very high tempo that saw City chasing the game. Declan Rudd was soon called into action denying Gunners striker Ausan Ozyacup.

But it was somewhat against the run of play that the Canaries took the lead on 10 minutes when KRIS RENTON scored from the penalty spot after a hand-ball.

Arsenal hit back just 60 seconds later when after a breathtaking move a low left-wing cross was converted by GILLES SUNU.

Renton's pressure was giving the visitors' defence plenty to think about as he headed a Sam Habergham cross just over the bar while Josh Dawkin saw a shot saved by James Shea.

Danny Kelly saw a shot go just wide of the target after Renton had created the opening. Arsenal then thought they had taken the lead but twice the woodwork came to City's rescue, the second a tremendous effort from Jay Thomas that cannoned back off the crossbar.

With 40 minutes gone City scored a goal out of nothing when Renton received the ball with his back to goal and from the edge of the box he chested the ball down to hit a tremendous volley beyond the reach of Shea.

Rudd was quickly back in action after the break, this time to deny Rhys Murphy while at the other end Kelly again went close after some good work by Habergham.

Rudd was having a tremendous game this time to deny Thomas but there was little he could do on 52 minutes when MURPHY pulled Arsenal level from the penalty spot.

With the Gunners looking to take all three points, City had to dig deep and for what seemed like the umpteenth time it was Rudd who came to the rescue, this time to foil Sunu.

Just when it seemed City might hold the league leaders, Arsenal wrapped the game up with just seven minutes left on the clock with SUNU beating Rudd with a shot just inside the penalty area.

t Norwich MoM: Declan Rudd.

t Norwich City: Rudd, Francomb, Habergham, Adeyemi, Dumic, Stephens, Omoregie, Lathrope, Renton (Brindley 82), Kelly (Reeves 70), Dawkin. Subs not used: Grieveson, Davey, Clarke.

t Arsenal: Shea, Obed, Cruise, Thomas, Bartley, Ayling, Eastmond, Ozyacup, Murphy, Deacon, Sunu. Subs not used: Byles, Mann, Rassmussen, Blackwood, Afobe.