An inspired performance from Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland stopped Norwich from claiming all three points as the Canaries drew 1-1 with Stoke in this early season affair.
Stoke had taken an early lead after debutant Xherdan Shaqiri’s cross was headed home by Mame Biram Diouf but Norwich levelled in the 28th minute after Russell Martin’s second goal in two games found a way past Butland.
Much of the pre-match focus was on Stoke’s new £12m signing from Inter Milan, Shaqiri, and he didn’t disappoint as he assisted the opening goal and showed flashes of brilliance during the opening stages. Norwich failed to cope with the early Stoke pressure but did grow into the match as centre-back Martin had an attempt saved by the English goalkeeper and after the ball was recycled, Redmond put the defender through a second time and this time converted past the helpless Butland.
Both sides could have won the game in the second half, Cameron Jerome had the best chance when he was put through on goal by Wes Hoolahan but he toe-poked his shot wide. Graham Dorrans, Nathan Redmond and then Jerome again were all denied by super saves from Butland. Stoke were much less impressive in the second half but could have won it right at the end as substitute Joselu found himself unmarked in the box but he blazed his shot over.
Norwich would have felt they deserved all three points following their onslaught on the Stoke goal in the second half and had it not been for Butland they would have claimed their first home win of the season.
