EPL – What We Learned – Norwich City 1 Stoke City 1

EPL – What We Learned – Norwich City 1 Stoke City 1

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The match at Carrow Road between Stoke and Norwich was an intriguing encounter, but despite their impressive transfer window Stoke were unable to come away with all three points. 

Stoke City went into the match as favourites but did not play as such. They took the lead thanks to a free kick, taken by new signing Shaqiri, that found the head of Mame Diouf. Not long after Russell Martin put the ball through Jack Butland’s legs and into the back of the net. That’s how the game would stay, but Norwich would dominate the stats for shots on target and crosses completed.

Shaqiri is back to his best

Throughout Shaqiri’s first gam,e there was an aura of excitement that could be compared to a marquee player in the American MLS or Australian A-League. The skilful midfielder was an attacking presence as he continued to bring pace and technical ability to the Premier League club. Certainly, last season was not a success for Shaqiri. At Italian side Inter Milan he only scored one goal in 15 games. Even the Norwich City fans were keen to see if Shaqiri would perform. Stoke City fans would be ecstatic to see that he has played well. Nonetheless, the Swiss international will need to prove his consistency by playing well for the majority of the season.

Stoke need an improved defence

An injury to first team stalwart Ryan Shawcross has left the Potters vulnerable at the back. This deficiency was shown in the 28th minute when Russell Martin was left unmarked and promptly scored. If Shawcross was in the team, then he may have been able to mark the Norwich player better. The absence of Shawcross has been a significant reason why Stoke have only earned one point in three games. They can either wait until the English defender comes back, or they can find a quality central defender to replace him. Manager Mark Hughes has been promised extra transfer funds, to be used on a new centre back. Geoff Cameron is not originally a central defender, but says that he would like to continue playing in the heart of defence after doing so on Saturday. It remains to be seen whether the manager will trust his current players or invest in a high calibre defender.

Norwich could be a dark horse throughout the season

Newly promoted teams stereotypically play counter attacking football, and have a fast striker and in this encounter, Stoke City dominated the possession with a 58%-42% split. However, Norwich controlled the game with almost four times more shots than Stoke City and executed their gameplan to perfection. Cameron Jerome can be very threatening when he is on form but the former Stoke City man could not convert a one-on-one attempt. If Jerome can improve this aspect of his game, Norwich could do tremendously well this season. The relatively decent team could challenge the best and save themselves from relegation. This performance against Stoke City was marvellous as they were able to defend well, getting five more tackles than the opposition.

Do Norwich really need a new striker?

Norwich’s search for a new striker has been successful with a trio of players that could be crucial signings. Mattia Destro, Benik Afobe and Stoke City forward Jonathan Walters could all great players for the Canaries but is getting a forward really necessary for Norwich City? Cameron Jerome has played in the Premier League for over five seasons and scored 18 goals last season in the Championship. The striker is experienced but still has enough pace and youth to keep playing for at least a few more terms.

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