A tense game in which both teams vitally needed the victory today fell the away of the Canaries, thanks to Jonny Howson’s 70th minute headed goal, his first in 31 Premier League games.
The ninety minutes didn’t see many clear-cut chances, and the game needed someone from either team to stand up and be counted to take the three points that their side desperately needed.
John Ruddy – 6. Hard to give the shotstopper a rating after a game in which he saved zero shots, but the man currently under fire caught well and commanded the area when he needed to. Not making any game-costing mistakes is a bonus, too.
Martin Olsson – 7. Was solid and disciplined in defense during the large periods that Swansea had the ball, and busted a gut regularly to get forward and help out his team. His crossing quality wasn’t particularly impressive, though.
Sebastien Bassong – 7. Even though he does infuriate us all when he decides to try and beat every opposition player, Seb had a good game today and stayed concentrated for large periods. He’s forming a good partnership with Ryan Bennett and it was a sterling effort from the pair to reduce the Swans, who had nearly 70% possession, to zero shots on target.
Ryan Bennett – 8. Like Bassong, Bennett was strong and stable at the back and really took charge of the defence. On multiple occasions he heaved the defensive line up when we were in danger of dropping too deep, which we’ve been consistently guilt of this season so far.
Andre Wisdom – 7. Hasn’t had the easiest of starts to his Norwich career but today showed his offensive qualities. Was caught at the back a couple of times but had the reassurance of Howson there to help him at all times. His pace and quality of ball into the box was evident throughout.
Robbie Brady – 8. Burst into the box and had a shot well saved to earn us the corner that led to our goal, and caused Swansea problems whenever he had the ball. We all know how hard working and how good he is defensively after his superb start to life at Carrow Road, and today he showed the ability of his left foot with multiple crosses and a superb corner.
Alex Tettey – 7. Captain for the day Tettey was ever reliable, filling in whatever position is needed. We’d struggle to keep a clean sheet in a million games without this man protecting our back four and we’re very lucky to have him playing regularly
Gary O’Neil – 7. Many doubted his inclusion before the game, including myself. His combative performance proved us wrong however and the way he played went a long way to us preventing Swansea breaking our barriers and thus us keeping a clean sheet.
Jonny Howson – 8. ‘Super Jonny Howson; sang the Snakepit after the ex-Leeds man bundled the ball home for our first headed goal of the season. He’s a solid option on the right and will always help out defensively, and he is of course quality on the ball, nearly scoring from a 25-yarder in the first half. Alex Neil loves him, I love him and he loves us all.
Wes Hoolahan – 7. His touch and ability to beat a player is breathtaking, and if you read the piece Norwich did on him this weekend you would have looked upon him in a different light today. If you haven’t read it, please do, it’s amazing. His passing was a bit off by his standards but inevitable he was the main man whenever we went forward.
Cameron Jerome – 6. Won his fair share of headers, which is a surprise but failed to impress me with his work ethic on this occasion. Missed a glorious header early on and will have better days in a Norwich shirt.
Subs:
Dieumurci Mbokani – 9. The whole crowd and team were lifted when the big man, dubbed ‘Dave’ by the Carrow Road faithful, came into the fray. He won balls he shouldn’t have and really used his strength well to cause Ashley Williams and co. real problems. He set up Howson with a clever head back into the six yard box and from early signs looks set to have a bright Norwich City career.
Youssouf Mulumbu – 6. Had to deal with Swansea piling their players forward when he came on, but the experienced midfielder of course dealt with everything he had to do with ease and professionalism.
