Fulham’s rejuvenation under Rene Meulensteen continued at Carrow Road, where Scott Parker hit a late winner. Here’s how we rated the players in their 2-1 victory.
David Stockdale: 7
A deflection off Aaron Hughes meant the stand-in keeper had little chance for Norwich’s opener. A mishap almost led to another Canaries goal but other than that Stockwell did well, producing an important second-half save to deny Nathan Redmond.
Sascha Riether: 7
A mixed afternoon for the German but one which, on balance, he’ll be pleased with. He was given problems by Redmond and a poor back-header might have led to a Norwich goal. But he also cleared off the line from Leroy Fer before Parker’s winner, which came following Riether’s cross.
Fernando Amorebieta: 7
The defender’s best game for a while. He was impressive on the ball, determined in the tackle and strong in the air.
Aaron Hughes: 6
Unlucky for the Norwich goal, which came during a first half in which Hughes was caused problems and never looked comfortable. He was better after the interval though.
Kieran Richardson: 7
Meuelensteen seems to favour solid rather than attack-minded full-backs and Richardson responded to that well, curbing his attacking instincts and turning in a battling display.
Damien Duff: 7
Did a solid job and offered some important defensive cover before being substituted. Missed a good chance to score though.
Scott Parker: 8
In addition to his fabulous winner – a driven shot from outside the box – he was outstanding in midfield, winning a host of key challenges and setting up attacks with his sensible passing.
Steve Sidwell: 7
Also performed well in midfield. Never shirked a challenge and saved the day with a couple of excellent tackles.
Alex Kacaniklic: 7
Quiet in stages but at other times he linked up well with Pajtim Kasami and caused Norwich some problems when he drifted in from the left.
Pajtim Kasami: 8
Hauled Fulham level with a first-half free-kick and was a constant threat to the Norwich defence with his close control and clever movement in the final third. Fed Duff with a lovely ball in the first half but the Irishman was unable to take the chance.
Adel Taarabt: 7
Kept at it even when things didn’t go his way. Always a handful and was prepared to press the City defence when he didn’t have the ball.
Ashkan Dejagah: 7
Gave Fulham added impetus with his pace when he came on in the second half.
Hugo Rodallega: 7
Also added pace when introduced from the bench and almost scored.
Norwich
Chris Hughton’s side started strongly but always looked vulnerable on the break. They failed to make the most of a lucky breakthrough in the first half and ran out of ideas in the second period.
Man of the match
Parker
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This post was last modified on 27/12/2013