Norwich City vs Burnley player ratings as substitute Dwight McNeil stands out in damaging defeat at Carrow Road
Just days after a significant win over Everton in the race for survival, the Clarets were beaten at Carrow Road as the gap to safety returned to four points.
Maxwel Cornet missed a game-defining chance in the second half as the Ivorian somehow managed to turn Dwight McNeil’s cross past Tim Krul from two yards out as the visitors trailed to Pierre Lees-Melou’s eighth minute goal.
The Canaries’ opener came courtesy of a deflection off Josh Brownhill, who failed to get out to the Frenchman in time after the ball broke from a corner. The finish was just out of reach of Nick Pope as the ball crashed in off the inside of the post.
Teemu Pukki then doubled the advantage with minutes remaining after Burnley’s defence went walkabout.
Here are the ratings.
The Canaries’ opener came courtesy of a deflection off Josh Brownhill, who failed to get out to the Frenchman in time after the ball broke from a corner. The finish was just out of reach of Nick Pope as the ball crashed in off the inside of the post.
5. James Tarkowski 6
Couldn't get across to Pukki in time when the Finland international tested Pope in the first half, but battled well at the back. For all City's counters, when catching the Clarets out in transition, his placement limited the hosts to very few clear-cut chances. Another Rolls Royce of a performance. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) Photo: Nathan Stirk
6. Aaron Lennon 4.5
Took the game to Giannoulis when the opportunity presented itself, driving to the byline and attempting to pull the ball back into the box. Saw plenty of the ball early on, but influence quickly waned and he was replaced by McNeil just after the hour. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) Photo: Mike Hewitt
7. Maxwel Cornet 4
The Ivorian's 'miss of the season' contender ultimately cost the Clarets at Carrow Road. After hitting plenty of 'goal of the season' contenders, the forward missed from two yards out when McNeil put the ball on a plate for him. The ex-Lyon man had earlier tested Krul at his near post and saw an attempt blocked by Hanley, both in the first half. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Photo: Clive Brunskill
8. Josh Brownhill 4
Covered plenty of the pitch, but failed to make it work with Westwood in the middle. The home side were able to penetrate Burnley's banks far too easily, which was largely down to poor distribution in midfield. Couldn't get out in time to prevent Lees-Melou from scoring and then wasted a well-placed free kick. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Photo: Clive Brunskill