Paddy Davitt: Norwich City player ratings after a 1-0 Championship win against Swansea City
Tim Krul foils Andre Ayew in Norwich City's 1-0 Championship win over Swansea City Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Group Football Editor Paddy Davitt has posted his marks following the Canaries’ stirring 1-0 Championship win against Swansea City.
Here is Paddy’s verdict on Daniel Farke’s men, who delivered a statement of intent in a no holds barred promotion shoot out with the impressive Swans.
• Tim Krul
Denied Jamal Lowe three times. Earned a slice of fortune when Andre Ayew’s header cannoned off his post. Excellent low parry from the same player in the aftermath of Max Aarons’ penalty scare. A leader in every sense. 9
• Max Aarons
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Carved out the first chance for Przemyslaw Placheta with a run to the byline. Vital block on Lowe when he went through later in the first half. Prior to that had an early curling effort that got Freddie Woodman scrambling. Swansea boss Steve Cooper was convinced he hauled down Jake Bidwell. Referee was not. 7
• Grant Hanley
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Moving through the gears with regular games following his lengthy injury lay-off. Dominant again in his own box. Vital block from Ayew in the first half and a role in the goal. 8
• Christoph Zimmermann
Key switch for Bali Mumba in the match-winning move. Passing was spot on in general. Just struggled a touch with Lowe’s quick movement. But needs games now. 7
• Jacob Sorensen
Thankless task when Ayew switched to his flank at the start of the second period. But composed again on the ball and passing range adds an extra dimension. Made way for Mumba. 6
• Oliver Skipp
Seems more comfortable with each game handling the responsibility to get this side ticking. First time pass for Teemu Pukki was class in the first half. 7
• Kenny McLean
Big boots to fill in the absence of Lukas Rupp. In the circumstances a decent showing. Failed to track one Lowe run in the second half but made some vital blocks; notably one to foil Ayew in full flow. 7
• Emi Buendia
Always at the heart of much of City’s best attacking work. Curling effort plucked by Woodman. Controlled Mumba’s cross to set up Marco Stiepermann. Not every movement comes off - witness two early free kicks into the wall - but will keep trying to make things happen. 7
• Marco Stiepermann
Cracking finish to guide a low half volley away from Woodman’s grasp. Should give him such a confidence boost 8
• Przemyslaw Placheta
Lacked composure to slot Max Aarons’ cross. Lack of precision to a lot of his work. 6
• Teemu Pukki
Was clearly annoyed with himself he allowed Connor Roberts to block a big second half chance. On the end of a naughty challenge from Ryan Bennett 7
City substitutes
• Bali Mumba (for Sorensen, 68) 7
Stunning cameo for one so young and inexperienced. Capped by his driving run and low cross that brought Stiepermann’s strike. Fearless on the ball.
• Josh Martin (for Placheta, 68) 6
Tried to force a couple of passes when Norwich went ahead. But as his head coach explained afterwards a key part of the plan to force the win in tandem with Mumba.
• Alex Tettey (for Buendia, 90+3) n/a