EPL – Player Ratings – Norwich City 1 Stoke City 1

EPL – Player Ratings – Norwich City 1 Stoke City 1

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Norwich City drew 1-1 with Stoke City at Carrow Road, in what can be said to be a fast-paced and action-packed encounter. The home side will feel that they could, and probably should, have taken away the 3 points, having been presented with vastly more opportunities, however goalkeeping heroics from Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland ensured the match ended all square.

Norwich City 

John Ruddy – 6: Conceded 11 minutes into the game, however an otherwise quiet performance. He produced some solid saves, however nearly gifted Stoke a goal by short-changing a backpass.

Russell Martin – 8: The club captain now has two goals in two games, following up his efforts against Sunderland with a fine strike past Butland to level the scores. Defensively sound, and looking impressive.

Sebastian Bassong – 6: Norwich’s central defensive anchor struggled abit against the power of Diouf. He looked slightly suspect in defence and was booked as a result of this. Has to improve next week.

Steven Whittaker – 6: A quiet game for the Scot. He didn’t provide any incision in attack, however there were no scares in his defensive performance.

Robbie Brady – 8: An impressive performance from the Irishman. He created many dangerous opportunities from the left wing, including his set-piece delivery, and can count himself unlucky not to have recorded an assist.

Nathan Redmond – 9: Another sparkling performance from the young Englishman, though failing to provide the cherry on top with a goal. Constantly dangerous and probing, he gave Stoke’s defence a tough test. Provided the assist for Martin’s goal. If he continues playing like this he will be highly sought after.

Graham Dorrans – 8: The former West Bromwich Albion man had a busy game in midfield, dominating the middle of the park and offering an outlet going forward. Perhaps should have scored given his many opportunities, however he can be happy with his performance.

Alex Tettey – 7: A quiet game for the Norwegian. He spent much of the game trying to protect Bassong from the advances of Diouf, and was booked for his pursuits. Nonetheless, he did his job.

Jonny Howson – 7: Another player who turned in a solid performance. Howson provided some creative spark to Norwich’s midfield, and gave 100% until he was substituted for O’Neil in the 86th minute.

Wes Hoolahan- 7: The Irishman had a quiet game in comparison to last weeks affair against Sunderland, however he was the orchestrator for many of Norwich’s chances. Like Brady, he can count himself unlucky to not come away from this with an assist. Substituted for Bradley Johnson in the 77th minute. A vital part of Norwich’s team moving forward.

Cameron Jerome – 6: A disappointing day for the former Stoke attacker. Jerome spurned quite a few opportunities to put Norwich in front, which he can be left to rue. He will be hoping he can open his Premier League account next week.

Substitutes: 

Bradley Johnson – 5: Only on the field for 13 minutes however he wasted a glorious opportunity to win the game for Norwich.

 

Stoke City

Jack Butland – 8.5: An outstanding display from Stoke’s young goalkeeper. Stoke had the heir to Asmir Begovic waiting in the wings all along. Had it not been for Butland, Stoke would have lost this game 4, or even 5-1. Produced save after vital save to ensure Stoke left East Anglia with a point. Man of the Match, absolutely no doubt.

Glen Johnson – 5: Offered precious little offensively and defensively. He managed to get forward, however was caught out of position countless times, allowing Norwich dangerous openings.

Geoff Cameron – 5: A difficult day for the American. Following a solid first half,he was battered by constant Norwich chances. Unlucky to have little shielding from his midfield.

Marc Muniesa – 5: A very similar story to Cameron. Both were solid and looked untroubled in the first 45, however came under intense pressure in the second half. They have Butland to thank.

Eric Pieters – 5.5 Struggled against the pace of Nathan Redmond. A relatively quiet game for the Dutchman. Booked towards the end of the game.

Marco van Ginkel – 7: A fairly solid performance. van Ginkel offered flair coming forward, and always looked for opening within the Norwich defence. Substituted after 79 minutes for Charlie Adam.

Glenn Whelan – 7: A military performance from Stoke’s midfield enforcer. Whelan battled with Tettey and Dorrans in the centre of the park, however his isolation made life difficult. Though he dealt with it well in the first half, the cracks began to show in the second.

Xherdan Shaqiri – 8: A successful debut for the Swiss international. Shaqiri showed flair and pace down the flank, and looks to have already settled into the tempo of the Premier League, something Stoke fans can get excited about. Provided a fine assist from a free-kick for Stoke’s goal. It looks like Shaqiri will have a successful Premier League career if he continues in this vain.

Ibrahim Afellay – 5: A very average performance from Afellay. Offered very little going forward and failed to influence the game in any way. He was hooked in favour of Stephen Ireland just before the hour.

Marco Arnautovic – 5: A very similar display to that of Afellay. Offered very little in attack. Provided some openings for Stoke, but had a very quiet game in comparison to last week’s pursuits at Whit Hart Lane. He suffered the same fate as Afellay, and was substituted for Joselu at the same time.

Mame Biram Diouf – 8: The Senegalese striker continues his successful start to the new Premier League campaign. Met Shaqiri’s cross with a fine header to give Stoke the lead. He always looked dangerous and hungry for goal-scoring opportunities. He is going to be a nightmare for most defensive partnerships this season. I could see him rubbing shoulders with some of the leagues finest in the goal-scoring charts.

Substitutes: 

Stephen  Ireland & Joselu – 6: Both players failed to make an impact on the game due to the fact Norwich dominated in the second half. They will both be looking for more expressive performances next week.

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