Norwich City ended 2015 in style as they beat relegation rivals Aston Villa in a crucial match at Carrow Road.
Jonny Howson scored in the first-half and then a late Dieumerci Mbokani header secured all three points for the home side to take Norwich 12 points above Villa, who sit bottom of the Premier League.
However, as I pick my man of the match for the game; it is not any of the outfield players. Ryan Bennett was given the Anglian Home Improvements man of the match but I am giving ReadNorwich’s man of the match award (a much more prestigious award) to City ‘keeper Declan Rudd.
It was only Norwich’s second league clean sheet of the season and the last one came when Swansea failed to register a shot on target. Aston Villa had a number of decent opportunities but Rudd was sharp and made some fine saves.
Rudd was also very good at sweeping up behind the defence and was confident and commanding when picking out crosses. I think it is safe to say he is our new number one.
Declan Rudd, he’s one of our own.
