Norwich City slumped to, what could be, a damaging defeat away at Crystal Palace this afternoon.
Jason Puncheon’s second-half goal was all that was needed in a game of poor quality, with Palace edging the 1-0 win.
The Canaries were bereft of any ideas going forward as they sent long balls towards Dieumerci Mbokani all game, but it wasn’t working. Palace put constant pressure on the City goal with a number of crosses into the box before Puncheon’s winner.
Timm Klose went off injured for Norwich in the first-half and the signs are worrying. He landed awkwardly on his left knee and it is thought that he could miss the rest of the season.
Klose has been in sublime form for Norwich since he signed and his absence has now already culminated in a loss. If he is out for the season then Norwich are going to have a real task on their hands to try and stay in the league.
Here are my player ratings from today’s match…
John Ruddy: 6
I still think he should have gotten something on Puncheon’s shot. But, still. Ruddy flapped at a few crosses and looked dodgy at times. Did make a decent save from Wilfried Zaha though.
Andre Wisdom: 6
Starting his second game in succession, Wisdom played well at the back and didn’t do much wrong at all.
Ryan Bennett: 7
I thought Ryan Bennett was one of the few players who can away from the match fairly satisfied with their perfromance. Solid at the back, promising for the rest of the season.
Timm Klose: 6
Was very solid until his injury. This could be a decisive moment in the relegation battle…
Martin Olsson: 5
Olsson was poor by his standards today. Exposed too much down the left and ddin’t do much defesnively or going forward.
Jonny Howson: 7
Howson was probably our best player today. One of the few who actually managed to pass the ball to a teammate during the game.
Gary O'Neil: 4
Probably his worst performance in a City shirt to date. Poor set-pieces, left far too much space for Palace in midfield and passing was poor.
Matt Jarvis: 5
Another lacklustre display from Jarvis. Why Nathan Redmond came on so late is beyond me. No end proudct again from Jarvis.
Steven Naismith: 5
Naismith worked very hard but it just wasn’t coming off for him today. Needed better service from his teammates.
Robbie Brady: 5
Sub-standard performance from Brady. Missed a gilt-edged chance in the second-half, which later proved costly.
Dieumerci Mbokani: 5
Won a few headers but rarely found a teammate. Didn’t get involved enough and spent far too much time in wide areas.
Subs
Sebastien Bassong: 5
On the for the injured Klose, Bassong looked very shaky and should have closed down Puncheon for his goal.
Patrick Bamford: 4
Did nothing when he came on, albeit with no service at all from his teammates.
Nathan Redmond: 6
Actually looked bright when he came on, change came far too late from Alex Neil, possibly should have started.