NORWICH (4-4-1-1):
Ruddy 6; Wisdom 7, Bennett 6, Klose 6, Olsson 7; Jarvis 7 (Redmond 75), Howson 6, O’Neil 6, Brady 8; Naismith 7 (Hoolahan 81); MBOKANI 8 (Jerome 85).
Subs (not used): Rudd (gk), Bassong, Mulumbu, Redmond, Bamford.
NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1):
8 Darlow: Would be harsh to criticise him for Mbokani’s goal, especially after his two superb first-half saves kept Newcastle in the game
5 Janmaat: His attacking qualities tend to overshadow his defensive limitations – was beaten by his opponent on a number of occasions
5 Mbemba: Looked shaky for most of the game and was bullied by Mbokani to the extent that he stopped even challenging him
5 Taylor: Earned a surprise recall ahead of Lascelles but did little to merit it – another player who struggled against Mbokani
3 Anita: Was all over the place at left-back, although to be fair to him, that is not his position – can’t start there on Saturday
5 Tiote: Came in from the cold in an attempt to shore up the midfield but was outplayed by Norwich’s central quartet
5 Shelvey: Has earned a reputation on the back of two or three ‘Hollywood’ long balls a game, but offers little for long periods
7 Townsend: The pick of Newcastle’s attackers by a distance and the only midfielder willing to run at the Norwich defence
3 Wijnaldum: Another dreadful display from a player who has lost his way to an embarrassing degree – surely it is time to drop him
4 Sissoko: Offered nothing as an attacking midfielder, and actually looked better when switched to left-back – another player living off an undeserved reputation
5 Cisse: Almost claimed a winner when Ruddy did superbly to keep out his late header, but missed a glorious earlier chance
Subs:
6 Perez (for Tiote, 46): Provided some additional energy in the second half, but still isn’t performing at anywhere near his best
8 MITROVIC (for Anita, 62): Almost single-handedly secured a point with his two second-half goals – has to start the final seven games
(not used): Woodman (gk), Sterry, Lascelles, de Jong, Riviere.
Man Of The Match: DIEUMERCI MBOKANI – The striker has endured a difficult few weeks as he was in Brussels Airport when terrorists struck on March 22, but this was a display that showcased all of his attacking qualities.
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