Norwich hosted Southampton in what seemed a six-pointer. Norwich, 6 points off safety and Southampton only 7 points clear were both desperate to gain 3 points. Southampton ran riot, scoring twice in quick succession before adding a third to walk away 3-0 winners. Does this signal the end of Norwich’s survival chances?
BEST PLAYER - DANNY INGS
Before today, Danny Ings had netted 15 times in the premier league, a career-high. His remarkable form continued against Norwich, displaying his clinical finishing in the 48th minute by slotting the ball confidently past Tim Krul despite only a .06xG, indicating that he would have only been expected to score that chance 6 times out of 100. Ings then turned provider 5 minutes later, sliding the ball to Stuart Armstrong who gave Southampton a commanding lead. Does Ings’ form warrant him a place in Gareth Southgate’s future England squads?
WORST PLAYER - TIMM KLOSE
With Grant Hanley and Cristoph Zimmermann injured for the rest of the season, Daniel Farke was forced to hand Timm Klose his first Premier League appearance in over 4 years. Despite standing at 6’4 and facing numerous Southampton attacks, Klose won only 1 of 5 aerial duels and failed to make a tackle, underwhelming to say the least. The Swiss international also looked uncomfortable in possession only finding a teammate 72% of the time and completing only 2 long balls from 9 attempts. Perhaps defensive injuries will be the nail in the coffin for Norwich’s survival.
UNDERRATED PLAYER - PIERRE-EMILE HØJBJERG
Despite being stripped of the Southampton captaincy, Hojbjerg showed no sign of agitation. The Danish midfielder hounded Norwich’s midfield, frequently winning possession back for the Saints through his 5 tackles and interceptions. Once he regained the ball, he was also successful in moving his team up the pitch, completing 3 dribbles, only bettered by Nathan Redmond’s 9. Hojbjerg was also essential in the Saints’ build-up play, having the most touches (72) and completing the most passes (38). With plenty of transfer speculation, one thing is for sure, he will be sorely missed by Southampton if he departs.
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