Midfielders
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Centre-Midfielder – 6
Regardless of all the press surrounding Hojbjerg, his captaincy, and his future, he was still given a place in Hasenhuttl’s starting eleven. Shaky with his touch, awareness, and pace of play in the first half. Grew into the game as it went on, but missed some good opportunities to start counter attacks. One or two early forward passes from Norwich turnovers were really poor. Will be interesting to see how many more starts he gets.
James Ward-Prowse, Centre-Midfielder – 9
The new captain was amazing in recovery and intervention from the onset. Broke up a number of Norwich attacks and put his set piece on frame, albeit right at a well-placed Tim Krull. Work rate was unbelievable considering the lay off, but maybe his tired legs got to him when he let the defender recover on an open-net opportunity. Lead by example in the first game, and off the ball effort was a superb start to his captaincy.
Stuart Armstrong, Attacking-Midfielder – 8
Given a lot of time and space on the ball, and had trouble finding his footing early on. Really good set piece design from a corner opened up a good opportunity for him, but he hit the goalkeeper with a first time strike. Was responsible for two Norwich set pieces in good position, but the first was due to a Valery mistake. Earned an assist on the Ings opener, and then scored one for himself with a low left-footed strike. There is a shout he should have had a brace or a hat trick, but clearly has cemented his place in Hasenhuttl’s every week side.
Nathan Redmond, Attacking-Midfielder – 9
Amazing when he picked up the ball today, with Norwich having no way to knock him off of it. Looked to spring him early on the counter and got his chance before 10 minutes, but was unable to get a shot away. Started a handful of breaks himself with a change of pace no one on the field could cope with. His finish in the 80th minute was well deserved and taken with absolute confidence.