Here is Paddy’s verdict on Daniel Farke’s table toppers, who had Stoke on the ropes before having to cover up themselves after Emi Buendia’s red card.

'Punishing Schedule' | Daniel Farke Reaction | Stoke City 2- (3)

• Tim Krul
Foiled Nick Powell at his near post and earnt a slice of fortune when the follow up struck his bar. But looked in a lot of discomfort when he departed early with a thigh injury. Norwich need him back and soon. 6

• Max Aarons
Really tested aerially by Stoke in that final quarter with a series of diagonal balls to the back post. 7

• Grant Hanley
Looked harder to duck under Josh Martin’s cross than head it. But marshalled his troops again in the final throes. 7

• Ben Gibson
Really stood up when City were reduced to 10 men. Fine block on John Obi Mikel, after another key first half block. Constant cajoling of his team mates. 7


Norwich Evening News: Teemu Pukki makes it 3-0 to Norwich City at Stoke on Tuesday night. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus ImagesTeemu Pukki makes it 3-0 to Norwich City at Stoke on Tuesday night. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images (Image: ©Focus Images Limited https://www.focus-images.co.uk +44 7813 022858)


• Jacob Sorensen
Beaten in the air by Tyrese Campbell for Stoke’s opener. Finally switched into his more accustomed role when Emi Buendia was dismissed. 6

• Oliver Skipp
Prodigious work rate to cover extra ground when Norwich went down to 10 men. Made one perfectly-timed tackled in his own penalty area. 7

• Alex Tettey
Key turnover led to Teemu Pukki’s match-clinching goal. Experience was vital when City looked to be fraying. 7

• Emi Buendia
Assess that performance? Quite sublime assist for Pukki, to add to his opening goal. A joy to watch until the red mist descended for five minutes. Although it was perceived intent rather than any contact with Nick Powell’s head that sealed his fate. 7

• Marco Stiepermann
Rolled in Buendia for his opener. But looked very dazed when he was withdrawn in the second half. 6

• Josh Martin
A full debut to remember for all the right reasons. Quick feet triggered the opening goal. Served up a golden chance for Grant Hanley and got his assist for Pukki’s second. Impressive. 7

• Teemu Pukki
Superbly confident chest and finish from Buendia’s gorgeous pass. Composed swerve around the keeper for his second. Blistering goal return of late but reports of a hamstring issue post-match a major worry. 8

City substitutes
• Michael McGovern (for Krul, 40) 7
Tough act to follow. Brilliant goalline parry to thwart Danny Batth. Two pressure-relieving stoppage time catches. Got the benefit of the doubt from the officials for disallowed goal. No chance with either header.
• Mario Vrancic (for Stiepermann, 60) 6
• Przemyslaw Placheta (for Martin, 60) 6
• Christoph Zimmermann (for Pukki, 72) 5