MX23RW : Tuesday, November 26 17:05:39| >> :60:2244:2244:

Match Analysis: Norwich City 1-0 Manchester United

Match Analysis: Norwich City 1-0 Manchester United
© PA Photos
Sports Mole casts an eye over Manchester United's 1-0 loss away at Norwich City this evening.

Norwich City continued their unbeaten run of form with a 1-0 victory over title challengers Manchester United at Carrow Road this evening.

Following a first half with no goals, Anthony Pilkington scored with a header after the restart to hand the hosting Canaries all three points.

Below Sports Mole has looked back over the action to determine whether or not visiting United deserved a share of the spoils or not.

Match statistics:

Norwich:
Shots 10
On target 5
Possession 49%
Corners 0
Fouls 10

Man United:
Shots 12
On target 9
Possession 51%
Corners 12
Fouls 7

Was the result fair?

Without a doubt Norwich deserved the points. Over the last few weeks they have become virtually watertight in defence and carried that on today. You can count on one hand the number of clear-cut chances that they gave United. Also, having taken the lead, they didn't just sit back and invite on pressure.

Norwich's performance

As mentioned above, Hughton's men defended extremely well. When they were breached, John Ruddy in goal was on hand to thwart the United attack. Where the likes of Aston Villa and Southampton have crumbled from winning positions against United this season, Norwich stood firm.

Man United's performance

Sloppy, wasteful and lacklustre are all words that sum up the way United performed this evening. Norwich were resolute in defence and the visitors did not have the ability to unlock the door. Too often Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez were isolated, while the likes of Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick in midfield gave the ball away frequently.

Sports Mole's man of the match

The whole Norwich City team: It seems a bit of a cop out given this to the whole team, but they fully deserve it. In truth, no-one really stood out for the home side. Everybody did their job extremely well and as a result they got their reward.

Biggest gaffe

It's likely that Jonny Howson is going to be the butt of the jokes from his teammates for some time after his miss in stoppage time. With his side leading 1-0, he raced through on the United goal unopposed. He never looked comfortable though and with just Anders Lindegaard to beat, he sent his shot nearer the corner flag! Thankfully for him, it didn't matter in terms of the outcome.

Referee performance

Anthony Taylor was barely noticeable in this game, thanks largely to the fact that he had very little to do. Both teams played the match in the right spirit and he only had to issue one booking and that was to United full-back Rafael in stoppage time.

What next?

Norwich: The Canaries' unbeaten run will be put to the test next weekend when they travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton.

Man United: Following a Champions League clash with Turkish side Galatasaray during the week, United play host to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

ID:55114: cacheID:55114:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5430:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez stand miserable after Norwich go ahead on November 17, 2012
Read Next:
Norwich stun United
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Ravens
30-23
Chargers
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1210112481631
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Fulham125341717018
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle125341313018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd124441313016
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham124351519-415
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Ipswich TownIpswich121651323-109
19Crystal Palace121561017-78
20Southampton121110924-154


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!