Group Football Editor Paddy Davitt has posted his marks following the Canaries’ 1-0 Championship defeat against Derby.
Here is Paddy’s verdict on Daniel Farke’s men, who contrived to lose a game they controlled for long spells, albeit Wayne Rooney’s winner was a special strike.
• Tim Krul
Foiled Morgan Whittaker. But beaten by a majestic Rooney set piece. 6
• Max Aarons
Thwarted by a top drawer reaction stop from David Marshall. Set the tone in the opening quarter playing in advanced areas. No trace of any transfer distractions yet again. 8
• Christoph Zimmermann
Looks the makings of a decent pairing with Ben Gibson. But some sloppy passing when he stepped into midfield. 6
• Ben Gibson
Very encouraging debut display. Composed on the ball. Relished the physical challenge. Organised the City backline. Will get better with more games. 7
• Xavi Quintilla
No takers for his set piece deliveries. Caught out positionally on occasion with Derby’s rapid counters. 6
• Oliver Skipp
Picked out Jordan Hugill for his late big chance. Made one or two vital tackles to halt Derby counters 7
• Lukas Rupp
Left with no option but to hack down Jason Knight to concede a free kick slotted by Rooney. But good in possession and looked in the main a decent foil alongside Oliver Skipp. Headed a close range chance over. 7
• Emi Buendia
Some trademark flourishes with his clever passing. Key role in the build up to the penalty award. But also coughed up cheap possession for Whittaker’s attempt saved by Tim Krul. 6
• Marco Stiepermann
Prominent in most of City’s ultimately failed efforts to pierce a well-drilled Derby backline. Curled one early shot at David Marshall. 6
• Onel Hernandez
Right-footed strike was flying off target before handled by George Evans. City need to see more attacking threat from the Cuban, much like the rest of Norwich’s forward options. 6
• Teemu Pukki
Costly slip as he took the penalty. No other sighters. Service remains fitful and laboured. 6
City substitutes
• Adam Idah (for Hernandez, 57) 5
Did not have the desired impact from the bench, bar one isolated slaloming run. Gave away the ball in the counter that sparked Rooney’s winner.
• Mario Vrancic (for Stiepermann, 69) 6
Measured angled clip for Max Aarons’ big chance. Tumbled inside the Derby area in stoppage time but referee was in mood to award a second spot kick to the hosts.
• Jordan Hugill (for Buendia, 84) n/a
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