Opinion
Paddy Davitt: Norwich City player ratings after a 2-2 Championship stalemate against Preston
Teemu Pukki opened his account for the season in the 2-2 Championship home draw with Preston Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Group Football Editor Paddy Davitt has posted his marks following the Canaries’ 2-2 Championship draw against Preston.
Here is Paddy’s verdict on Daniel Farke’s men, who did it the hard way to grind out a point against a streetwise Preston.
• Tim Krul
No penalty heroics this time to deny Scott Sinclair. Some secure handling when Preston raided on the counter in the second period. 6
• Max Aarons
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Far from ideal build up set against Barcelona backdrop. But really carried the fight early in the second period with two sighters. Cross was eventually finished by Przemyslaw Placheta. 7
• Christoph Zimmermann
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Strangely hesitant throughout. Sean Maguire appeared to unsettle him in the physical skirmishes. Work in possession was also frayed. 5
• Ben Godfrey
Deserved a better outcome from his goalsaving block to initially foil Sinclair. 6
• Xavi Quintilla
Gorgeous whip on the ball Teemu Pukki headed past Declan Rudd. 7
• Kenny McLean
Failed to get to grips with Preston’s tigerish midfield operators. Alan Browne bossed both City’s central midfield pairing. 5
• Oliver Skipp
Very naive to put his hands on the back of Ben Davies inside his own box to concede a penalty. Then let Sinclair run in behind for the second goal. 5
• Kieran Dowell
Injured almost in the opening seconds. Unable to continue thereafter. Left the ground on crutches. Anxious wait to discover the extent of potential injury to his left ankle. 4
• Todd Cantwell
Always looking for work in congested areas. But has the quality to exert a greater influence. 6
• Onel Hernandez
Good tussle with Darnell Fisher. Best work came in the first period but not as prominent as at Huddersfield. 6
• Teemu Pukki
Stepped up again from Huddersfield. Excellent movement brought him a rare headed goal to open his account for the new campaign. Then thwarted twice by Rudd, the save in stoppage time was top drawer. 8
City substitutes
• Przemyslaw Placheta (for Dowell, 24) 7
Horrid miss but showed his character to respond with a first City goal. Slashed at the first attempt but demonstrated great composure to control and finish the rebound.
• Adam Idah (for Hernandez, 63) 7
With the game drifting away pepped up City’s attacking efforts. Swerving strike set up Placheta chance. Then triggered the stoppage time move that saw Pukki denied by Rudd.
• Jordan Hugill (for Cantwell, 89) n/a
