Max O’Leary – 7
O’Leary was a rock at Carrow Road. He was ever-so reliable, dealing with what needed to be dealt with despite nothing making him really stretch. Some first half saves made up the highlights as he stood strong in between the sticks, whilst he swept up confidently when called upon and positioned himself very well when Norwich had the ball.
Cam Pring – 7
The Englishman was a solid part of the Reds’ defence, operating as a left-sided centre back in a back three when the Robins were out of possession. He barely let anything past him and put in an excellent last-ditch challenge on Christian Fassnacht in added time to keep the clean sheet for his side.
Haydon Roberts – 7
Enjoyed some good space up and down the left flank and set up the opening goal after receiving a long ball and playing it simply to Anis Mehmeti. Roberts was brilliant going forward against Norwich, offering a real outlet down the left flank for the Robins and grabbing himself an assist whilst he was at it.
Luke McNally – 7
Made some strong challenges early on to try and restrict Borja Sainz, one of the most exciting players in the Championship this season. Won his headers and wasn’t caught out on the transition. Great stuff, especially considering he was a bit touch-and-go for today after suffering a concussion at the start of the week.
Zak Vyner – 6
The centre back grew and grew into the game as time ticked on and, particularly in the second, period did well to shut down Sainz and his attacking colleague. He stood his ground well and put in a few simple yet effective ball-winning challenges. You may not really notice Vyner during these types of games, but that’s more than a compliment.
Jason Knight – 8
The captain showed great distribution to find the forward players in the box and was covering a lot of ground in midfield as always. He didn’t give his opponents a moment’s rest in the centre of the park and put in a strong standing challenge to stop Oscar Schwartau who was bearing down on goal late in the first half. The Irishman then went on to create the second goal, driving at the Norwich defence and simply but effectively laying the ball of the Nahki Wells.
Marcus McGuane – 7
McGuane displayed some brilliant ball-carrying in the centre of the park. The ex-Barcelona B man is proving himself as a calm head on the ball and someone who is becoming increasingly press-proof game by game. Him and Knight are forming a strong partnership in the middle of the pitch.
Max Bird – 7
The ex-Derby County man showed his prowess on the half-turn in East Anglia. He looked brilliant on the transition and played a beautiful cross-field diagonal ball out to Roberts which led to Mehmeti’s goal. The 24-year-old is clearly growing in confidence as he embeds himself in his role higher up the pitch.
George Earthy – 6
Another performance to be proud of from the youngster as he offered a solid presence in what was effectively the right wing back position. He may be frustrated not to be in his usual role on the pitch, but he’s performing really well to fill in for defensive injuries, something that Liam Manning will value very highly.
Anis Mehmeti – 8
The Albanian winger looked full of confidence at Carrow Road. He was taking players on from the start, winning a foul well just before he scored. He took his goal terrifically, occupying the inside space and shuffling well onto his left foot to find the bottom corner neatly. An exciting performance from the 23-year-old who kept going right until the end, hitting the bar with a deflected effort in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Nahki Wells – 8
The finish alone deserves at least higher than a seven. The Bermudian struggled to really get into the game during quite a dull first half overall. The second half was where he found himself though, as he worked space on a few occasions, most notably when he entered the box and lashed home an emphatic shot past Long into the top right corner. Not a bad way to crown your 500th career league appearance.
Substitutions:
Fally Mayulu (83′) – N/A
Yu Hirakawa (66′) – 6
Was a presence as he came on down the right for Earthy. Won the ball numerous times and provided some much-valued energy on the wing.