After a promising performance with plenty of chances, the Canaries had to settle for a point as they came from behind via Robert Snodgrass’ late equaliser.

After Saturday’s promising performance against QPR, Hughton kept things unchanged. Therefore John Ruddy began in goal behind a back four of Javier Garrido, Leon Barnett, Sebastien Bassong and Russell Martin. The midfield comprised of Robert Snodgrass, Jonny Howson, Bradley Johnson and Anthony Pilkington. Whilst Grant Holt and Simeon Jackson remained up front. New buy Alexander Tettey got his first involvement, starting on the bench.

Just short of the ten minute mark Norwich came within inches of taking the lead. Snodgrass won a free-kick after being floored, he rose himself to take it. The Scotsman flashed in a lovely ball, finding the head of his international counterpart Russell Martin who thumped the bar with a cracking header! City tried to keep the chance alive though Tottenham managed to scramble clear. It was a good chance for Hughton’s men and a clear sign of encouragement early on. Norwich were carving out the greater opportunities, Russell Martin slamming in to regain possession as Spurs threatened. He set Jackson away down the wing, he advanced on goal though dragged a cross-shot towards the corner flag rather than the far post. Tottenham responded with their first effort at goal as Defoe slid a shot from range just wide of Ruddy’s post.

Norwich were giving as good as they got as the game progressed. Holt, Snodgrass and Martin all combined to set up Howson for a cross. Jackson challenged with Friedel who could only punch clear, Bradley Johnson came rampaging into the loose ball and thumped a vicious long range volley inches over the bar! The hosts responded as Bale did well to keep the ball in, he took a few steps forwards and rattled in a shot from 25 yards though Ruddy beat the ball away. Tottenham came again, building patiently before Sandro had an effort which was well held by the City keeper. With half-time looming, Brad Friedel made a smashing save to deny Snodgrass from giving City the lead. Pilkington floated in a lovely cross, Snodgrass got his head on it at the far post and sent it back across goal – though a sprawling Friedel clawed the ball away. Jackson tried to force it over the line as it bounced clear though Gallas managed to scramble to safety!

As the half-time whistle went, there were hints of booing from the home fans that spoke volumes of how Norwich had acquitted themselves thus far. Spurs could count themselves very thankful that the score remained 0-0 at the break, Norwich had, had two excellent chances to take the lead though thus far it hadn’t been their day. Yet.

After the break Moussa Dembele came on for the hosts, their new signing from Fulham – the man who had ran the show during Norwich’s opening day demolition. It sparked the hosts into life and they were on the attack immediately. After Defoe couldn’t quite control a cross it bounced clear to Sigurdsson, he hit a first time drive at goal which saw Ruddy hold onto to good effect. City broke and won a free-kick 20 yards from goal as Jackson took a tumble. Snodgrass stepped up though curled wide of the post, Friedel wasn’t really threatened in truth. Norwich were responding for certain as Snodgrass catapulted in a deep cross, Holt got his head on it though it flew wide. Spurs mounted a response through Bale, he whipped in a powerful effort though it flew just wide! Villas-Boas was drawn into his second change short of the hour mark, bringing off Sigurdsson for Adebayor – trying to give his side a greater attacking threat.

Tottenham were handed a free-kick in the D as Defoe was fouled by Bassong, certainly a dangerous proposition for Norwich to contend. Defoe stepped up, it clipped the wall and went over the bar – to the great relief of those in black on yellow on this particular occasion. Friedel once again saved Tottenham with a cracking save as City fought back. Snodgrass played it into Pilkington, he spun and powered in a low drive which was well blocked by the American keeper. The Canaries were made to pay for missed chances as Dembele announced his White Hart Lane arrival with a goal. The Belgian ghosted past Howson before drilling a low effort across Ruddy into the far corner of the net. With 18 minutes to go Hughton withdrew Simeon Jackson and brought on Steve Morison. City were drew into weak penalty appeals as Morison broke into the box, he took a tumble there were initial hopes a penalty could be given – though referee Halsey blew the other way.

City were running out of time as they won a free-kick in a promising position thanks to hassling from Morison. Snodgrass delivered, though City saw a header clear off the line through Walker. Russell Martin kept it alive from Pilkington’s return, Holt headed it back down for Snodgrass who came charging on and drilled it into the bottom corner! A cracking finish and the scores were level! Norwich’s hopes were handed a further boost as Huddlestone saw red for a challenge on Howson. His studs were showing, to be fair it was 50/50 but it was a dangerous looking challenge from the Tottenham substitute and probably warranted the dismissal. 4 minutes of stoppage time were added on by the Fourth Official, would there be any more twists in a whirlwind of a game?!

The Canaries soared forwards on the break, with Friedel preventing them from taking all 3 points. Morison played the ball across for Holt, he found Johnson whose thunderous effort was excellently saved before he lashed the rebound over the bar. Without Brad Friedel, Tottenham could have been comfortably beaten!

The full-time whistle was blown to more boos from the home support, Norwich had got a hard earned point on their travels and without Friedel it could certainly have been more. It was a fine performance and a draw was the very least that Norwich deserved. Helped by a fine Bradley Johnson performance, they go into the international break on the same points tally that they did last season.

In: Cory Varney Thread By: Supermarket Prodigy [408 ] Posted: 263 days ago