It’s never boring being a Norwich City fan, with the clash at the Etihad being an emotional roller coaster for both sides. After a tightly contested first hour, the game sprung into life after City (again) conceded a poor goal from a set piece. An absolute gift from Joe Hart allowed Jerome to level the game with just seven minutes left. However, our below-standard back line allowed the likely Champions-to-be to end up winning with a disappointing amount of comfort.
John Ruddy – 3. In the words of the Chuckle Brothers, ‘Oh dear oh dear’. It was a respectable performance until the critical incident that cost Norwich a precious point. Dropping a fairly routine cross, and failing to stop the follow-up shot cost City a red card when Ruddy’s foul on Bony was a certain penalty anyway. I will be surprised if he starts the next game.
Robbie Brady – 6. Looked at home playing in his natural wing-back role, despite being on the wrong side. Was effective at both ends of the pitch and covered a huge distance. Disappointing end with the silly foul on Sterling for the penalty.
Russell Martin – 5. Undoubtedly benefitted from having two other centre backs around him, and looked quite solid for most of the match. Pulled off the best save of the match and can’t be criticised for being sent off. But he won’t be a huge loss.
Ryan Bennett – 6. Premier League games can be decided in a single moment, and a moment of very lacklustre marking put the home side ahead giving Otamendi a free header. But the City defence has looked greatly improved since his arrival to the first team.
Seb Bassong – 5. Looked sloppy and unaware in the first half, giving Bony two clear shots on goal. A lack of communication with Olsson left far too many openings which would’ve been punished if the likes of Aguero and Silva had been fit.
Martin Olsson – 5. As always, he looked impressive as an attacking threat but unreliable at the back. I can’t see him and Bassong forming much of a partnership. Was fingertips away from equalising in injury time but denied by a spectacular save.
Youssouf Mulumbu – 8. One of the few players in the City squad who look comfortable playing alongside the Premiership’s best. You have to wonder how much higher up the table Alex Neil’s side would be if the Congolese powerhouse hadn’t got injured in the final game of pre-season. City’s Man of the Match.
Alex Tettey – 6. Although he’s clearly lower quality than his new defensive midfield partner, the Norwegian looked more comfortable having someone to share the defensive duties with. It’s yet to be seen whether the two could play together in games with more emphasis on attack than defence.
Jonny Howson 5. Hasn’t looked the same player this season, possibly due to frequently being moved around the midfield. Despite having to do a lot of ugly work., he’s yet to really make an impact in any game he’s started even when playing in an attacking role.
Matt Jarvis – 6. Taken off at half-time, likely due to injury. Definitely one of our best attacking threats and forced Hart into a good save. All City fans will be praying to the football Gods it’s not a serious injury.
Cameron Jerome – 7. Had the unforgiving role of the lone striker with a midfield often feeling like a mile behind him, but did well to make an impact on the game. Frequently showed strength and determination to win long balls against a centre back pairing costing around £60 million. Still doesn’t show the quality needed to score goals regularly at this level, but deserved his goal.
Nathan Redmond – 4. Tried hard but failed to make any significant impact on the game. Struggling to find the promising form he showed at the start of the season and the team has suffered because of it.
Gary O’Neil – 4 Gary came on and didn’t really make a major impact on proceedings.
Lewis Grabban – N/A Lewis Grabban came on too late to really make an impact. Giving a rating would be harsh.
