Match Review 2011 - 2012

A dull and windy 12:45 kick-off saw a packed Carrow Road play host to Chelsea in a game in which both teams fancied their chances of bagging all three points. With Norwich 11 points off the relegation zone and Chelsea 11 points off the top spot, both teams had a lot they could gain from a win. Norwich manager Paul Lambert switched up the team that last played WBA where a courageous and resilient effort saw Norwich snag all three points late on with a header from striker Steve Morison. Bringing Grant Holt and David Fox into the starting line up at the expense of Simeon Jackson and Wes Hoolahan was a good move from the gaffer as both played outstandingly and helped secure a well deserved point against a strong Chelsea team.

Before the game against Chelsea, Norwich had failed to keep a clean sheet all season. City keeper John Ruddy however showed why he is a premier league goalkeeper when he made several classy saves that kept City in the game. Chelsea had many chances which were poked wide of target too, the most noticeable coming from an off-form Torres who has now failed to score in 17 games for club and country.

Chelsea started the first half brightly, gaining a corner within the first 3 minutes. Zak Whitbread was on hand to put in a clearance – the first of many – which saw out the worry of an early goal. Moments later Lampard swung in a cross which was again blocked, this time from Johnson. Yet another cross flew into the City box not long after, which Daniel Ayala saw cleared away. The city faithful didn’t have to wait long before they could get excited at the other end of the pitch with Anthony Pilkington delivering a cross which was taken well by Chelsea keeper Petr Cech.

Perhaps the best Norwich move of the game came early on when a fantastic ball from Morison saw Grant Holt slip in past the defence and fire just wide of goal.

Despite Chelsea’s impressive line-up, Norwich matched them well in the first half with Bradley Johnson’s shot deflected by Terry safely into Cech’s arms and Steve Morison firing a dangerous shot into the side netting. Several crosses were made into the Chelsea box with no one to capitalise on them meaning that Chelsea could clear well. Chelsea also had some great chances, Torres unlucky to score in the 27^th minute when Ruddy pushed his well-struck effort past the post.

In the 35^th minute, Chelsea centre mid Frank Lampard suffered an injury which saw him limp off the pitch to be replaced by an on-form Malouda. Chelsea remained strong and saw several attempts well blocked from John Ruddy – Mata’s partially blocked shot in the 40^th minute saved low to the keeper’s left. Mata also had another good chance when a great run into City’s area resulted in a shot that he fired over the bar.

At half time, the score was 0-0. The first half saw a very balanced game with both teams deserving of a goal. Another interesting point in the first half was that referee Clattenburg had nothing to do - no free kicks awarded to either side. This reflected well on the first half, both teams playing a clean game –a rare occurrence in football.

As the second half began it was clear to see that Chelsea manager Boas had given his team clear instructions to pick up their game. Within minutes of the start of the half, the free kick tally mounted up to one as a foul was given against Norwich striker Steve Morison on Raul Meireles. The free kick count shot up to two when a free kick was awarded for a foul by Fernando Torres on Zak Whitbread.

City had the first chance in the second half with Naughton sending a ball into the box which Cech comfortably took once more. Another free kick was awarded to Chelsea when Norwich captain Grant Holt fouled Chelsea captain John Terry.

Chelsea progressed in the second half with many chances. A shot from just outside the penalty box by David Luiz missed to the left of the target and Fernando Torres fired wide on several occasions – the worst coming in the 60^th minute when the Spanish striker poked the ball wide from 8 yards after a great set up from Bosingwa. Just a minute later Norwich keeper Ruddy was called into action when Mata fired in an angled effort which was saved brilliantly.

One of the talking points in the game came in the 63^rd minute when Chelsea’s Meireles handled the ball on the very edge of his own box. Despite the outraged cries from the Norwich fans and players, the officials missed it and allowed play to continue. Chelsea came at Norwich strongly once more and had more chances with Malouda taking an effort at goal which was comfortable for John Ruddy and Ramires with a well struck effort that had the Norwich number 1 going down well to save.

Another decision not seen by the officials was when Mata’s low effort was seen to be pushed superbly round the post by Ruddy but given as a goal-kick. Malouda’s effort a few minutes later from the edge of the box was deflected behind for a corner as City stood resilient once more.

The game drew to a close and the score remained 0-0. With no team yet doing the double over Paul Lambert’s Norwich city, Chelsea put on a fantastic performance in the second half but couldn’t quite break down the defence of Ayala, Whitbread and Ruddy who kept Norwich in the game several times with great saves and blocks.

Norwich: Ruddy, Martin, Ayala, Whitbread, Naughton, Johnson, Surman (Bennett 90), Pilkington, Fox (Crofts 79), Morison (Jackson 79), Holt (c)

Chelsea: Cech, Cole, David Luiz, Bosingwa, Terry (c), Ramires, Lampard, (Malouda 37), Meireles (Essien 79), Torres (Lukaku 77), Mata, Sturridge

- John Ruddy came up with fantastic saves to help his team secure a point.

- Zak Whitbread put in a great defensive display, always on hand to block incoming dangerous balls.

- Daniel Ayala proved he has what it takes to be a regular in the Norwich line-up with a solid performance once again.

- Andrew Surman showed impressive distribution and contributed well to Norwich’s attacking play.

- David Fox had a very good game, his distribution too showing great quality.

- Russell Martin was quiet; some of his passing went awry. Not his best performance.

- Crosses into the Chelsea box weren’t the greatest, not often finding a yellow shirt.

- Norwich failed to close Chelsea down quick enough in the second half which meant Chelsea players were able to run a long way without resistance.

Zak Whitbread

A fantastic effort from the defender; cleared many times which helped keep his side in the game. Linked well with Daniel Ayala and which enabled them to rule the Norwich City box well. Communicated well with John Ruddy and was on hand to head away when crosses came in.

Juan Mata

Had several attempts on goal and provided crosses and corners that looked dangerous. Was very sharp and performed very well. Caused some problems at the back for Norwich and saw numerous shots saved or wide.

Match report by Beth Soanes