Preston North End 2-2 Norwich City: Pink Un player ratings

George Long

Not the best evening for the City second choice, who was in need of a strong performance after his partial error at Stoke. He was left exposed by a poor defence for the opener, but more aggressive positioning or less aggressive sweeping could have avoided the penalty award.

Then there was the second, which on first viewing may have looked too close o stop from point-blank range, but actually seems to whistle straight through him.

What made up for his mistake in the Potteries was the strength of his distribution, and that unfortunately wasn't something he had the chance to show off at Deepdale. 3

Kellen Fisher

Potentially unlucky both to have been taken off at half time and to be labelled the main culprit of Preston's second.

The latter was teed up by a poor Shane Duffy pass, although he perhaps should have moved the ball on quicker. The former came just after an impressive assist to help get the visitors back into the game.

The end result means Johannes Hoff Thorup's call was the correct one, but on an individual level it's hard not to feel for the 20-year-old after his good recent form. 6

Shane Duffy

An incredibly difficult performance to assess, given the combining of a poor game overall with maybe the best goal he's ever scored.

That equaliser encapsulated both the bravery Thorup wants to see from his players and the improvement Duffy has made under him, sweeping home after a driving run to the edge of the box.

But aside from that there were reminders of his technical shortcomings, the aforementioned Fisher pass one of multiple actions that were less than ideal. Add that to the trouble Emil Riis cause him in behind and 'mixed bag' would be an apt description. 7

Jose Cordoba

A poor start from the Panamanian, who in the early stages looked nothing like the assured athlete he has previously. He was slow to react when Duane Holmes was sent through in the 12th minute and was left behind by Riis minutes earlier, while failing to complete simple passes in a slow opening.

Improved in the second half and looked better as part of a back three. Fantastically timed block when Riis worked some room in the box late on, although his passing options were limited by his role on the right of the three. 5

Callum Doyle

A tough ask of him at left-back against Holmes, who has the pace that's missing in his otherwise supreme game.

Nowhere to be seen when the winger doubled his side’s lead early on, in a first half display that got increasingly frustrated and culminated in a fairly needless yellow card.

Looked at home on the left side of a back three, however, allowing his roaming in central areas without giving Holmes the freedom of the right flank. A couple of promising surges into midfield before changes from both bosses took the sting out of the game. 5

Kenny McLean

A solid if imperfect display from the Norwich skipper, whose performance largely saw the same peaks and troughs as his team’s.

Will be disappointed he didn’t do better when the ball broke for him just inside the area on the volley, just before he picked up an uncharacteristic booking for talking back to the referee.

Had more time and space on the ball after half time, and used it well to progress the ball and dictate the game’s tempo. 6

Kenny McLean (right) had a mixed evening (Image: PA) Anis Ben Slimane

Another strong impression made by the Tunisian, who showed all sides of his multi-faceted game and stood out among a number of quiet performances.

One of few willing to try things in search of a route back into the game, picking the ball up in tight areas and trying to progress it. Levered opposition members off the ball often, too, providing a physical presence where it was needed.

Still apparently unable to play a full 90 minutes, but if he can add to his fitness he’ll only become a greater asset. 7

Emiliano Marcondes

The quietest appearance he’s made in yellow and green, although it got better as it went on.

Felt at times like he was chasing shadows when Norwich were struggling for control early on, as they failed to get the ball into the areas where he can make a difference.

Looked more at home in an advanced role after Thorup’s switch to a back three, but understandably looked tired before long in that system. Set Duffy free for his impressive run. 6

Ante Crnac

A very quiet evening for the Croat, who at least so far doesn’t seem to have been transformed by his first goal in England.

Barely involved in attempts to get back into the game, but he did adapt well to an unfamiliar left-wing-back role and did a good amount of defensive work. 5

Ante Crnac (right) was quiet (Image: PA) Borja Sainz

Another stellar night for the winger, who took the game by the scruff of the neck when City needed some inspiration. Hassled, harried, dribbled ran and shot until he got the goal he deserved with a very smart finish.

Harder for him to get involved centrally, which was the main drawback of Thorup’s changes at the break. 8

Josh Sargent

Conspicuous by his absence in the first half, the usual presence and power he brings absent and the home defenders comfortable. When the ball did find him his touch was poor, and it felt like more signs were appearing of the exhaustion he must be feeling.

But in the second half the striker fans know and love emerged, running in behind to receive Duffy's pass before cutting inside and retaining the wherewithal to tee the defender up. A strong ending to the game, but it's probably time for some rest now. 6

SUBSTITUTES

Kaide Gordon (on for Fisher, 45)

Another decent performance from the Liverpool youngster, who is continually defying expectations of a Premier League loan.

Fearless when crowded out and even when he couldn't create a chance or find a shot he won a free-kick or retained possession. One chance to really get at the defence in the box that he squandered, but otherwise a positive half in a slightly different position. 6

Gabriel Forsyth (on for , 67)

Good to see the young Scot getting some first-team minutes again after a quiet few weeks, but this wasn't exactly what he would have hoped for.

Some good movement and willingness to get on the ball, but he often spent too long on the ball or failed to show his quality with it. Some positives, but he looked like someone who hadn't played a league game in a while. 5

Ben Chrisene (on for Crnac, 67)

A disappointing lack of action for the wide man, who has been in good form and should be well-suited to a wing-back role. Nothing terrible, but he didn't change the game in the way he could have. 5

Jack Stacey (on for Slimane, 81)

No major mistakes, but very little involvement. 5