Norwich lost 3-2 in a thrilling encounter in the final friendly of pre-season against 2. Bundesliga side Hannover 96.
Hannover opened the scoring in the 5th minute, and doubled their lead shortly after. Not long into the second half they added a third. Wes Hoolahan clawed two back for City in the 52nd and 58th minutes. Norwich continued to fight until the end of the game, but were unable to draw level in front of their own fans.
This final friendly wraps up a pre-season that has given Alex Neil a lot to think about before his team face Blackburn Rovers in their openeing Championship fixture on August 6th.
Who showed Neil that they deserve to start and who has thrown their place into jeopardy? Find out in our Player Ratings.
Do you agree with these? Who should be starting Norwich’s first game? Tweet us @ReadNorwich with your thoughts and opinions.
John Ruddy - 6
At fault for the first goal and possibly the second, however, redeemed himself with some good saves and commanding catches.
Steven Whittaker - 4
The causes of the first two goals, terrible defending down the right flank by him and he was rightfully dragged off at half-time. I think Pinto’s place is pretty safe.
Ryan Bennett - 6
A solid performance by Benno, however, he needs to be careful not to stray out of position and expose Norwich.
Timm Klose - 7
What. A. Man. Klose will be vital next season. Yet again, a fantastic performance at the back.
Martin Olsson - 7
Good attacking work and defended well.
Jacob Murphy - 6
He was only on the pitch all of 20 minutes.
Jonny Howson - 7
Another good game in the middle of the park for Howson. He will be crucial this season.
Alex Tettey - 7
Fresh off the back off signing a new contract, Tettey showed off the defensive side of his game today, acting like a third centre-back at times.
Wes Hoolahan - 9 (MOTM)
The Irish Messi proved yet again that he’s still got it, with an attacking masterclass and two fantastic goals.
Steven Naismith - 6
Naismith was great in build up play, but when he was relied on to finish he wasted chances. Hoolahan should be chosen over him when it comes to the attacking mifielder role.
Cameron Jerome - 5
Jerome missed a sitter and was at fault for the third goal. Instead of making a tackle on his man, he stamped near him in an attempt to scare him off. It didn’t work.
Graham Dorrans - 7
Came on for Jacob Murphy in the first half. Was a very solid performance from him and he will be looking to compete for a starting spot this season
Ivo Pinto - 7
Pinto replaced Whittaker at half-time and immediately showed why he should be our starting right back. He can attack well, and has the pace to retreat in time to prevent Norwich from being exposed.
James Maddison - 6
Maddison was only on the pitch for a short amount of time. He took a poor corner and made a few passes. Should be used this season as a competitor for the starting spot or as an impact player.
Josh Murphy - 6
He barely touched the ball in his 10 minute run-out.
Harry Toffolo - 6
Toffolo did the little defensive work required in his spell to a good standard. Should make capable backup for Olsson.
Kyle Lafferty - 5
Lafferty was wasteful and didn’t look like he wanted to play. Maybe he put a bet on us losing?
Youssouf Mulumbu - 6
Mulumbu was only on for a few minutes due to Dorrans’ injury.