Player ratings for Coventry City vs. Norwich: Milan triggers a late OG to give Sky Blues a well-earned point

Player ratings for Coventry City vs. Norwich: Milan triggers a late OG to give Sky Blues a well-earned point

A late own goal gave Coventry City a deserved point in an entertaining game against Norwich at the CBS Arena.

Despite Coventry enjoying plenty of encouraging approach play, it was the visitors who snatched the lead against the run of play four minutes from the break when Josh Eccles lost possession in the box, allowing the Canaries to work the ball back into the area where Jonathan Rowe poked home.

Mark Robins’ men huffed and puffed after the break as they continued to look for a goal but struggled to pick their way through a well organised defence to create clear cut opportunities. The home side had created 18 attempts on goal by the 85th minute but the telling stat was that only four had hit the target.

But substitute Milan van Ewijk helped turn the screw for City and it was his centre from the right that was headed into the back of his own net by Ben Gibson in the 88th minute to give Robins’ men a share of the spoils amid a frantic end to the game.

STARTING FORMATION: 3-4-1-2

BEN WILSON: 6.5

Had very little to do in the first half until well beaten from a quick passing move and precise finish just before the break. Rarely troubled in the second half and kept a calm head at he end to dominate his area when he needed to.

BOBBY THOMAS: 6

Under hit an early backpass that almost enabled Rowe to score into an unguarded net. Slid in to block Rowe’s second half strike on goal.

KYLE McFADZEAN: 6.5

Strong and organised at the back and tested the keeper with a hard and low shot in the half hour mark.

LIAM KITCHING: 6

Made his first City start to the left of the back three and read the game well and went on the occasion foray forward. Looked a threat from attacking corners when he got his head to an Eccles’ flag kick and forced the keeper to save. Did OK but didn’t particularly catch the eye.

TATSUHIRO SAKAMOTO: 7

A rare start for the Japan international who displayed excellent technical ability on the ball and enjoyed plenty of space out on the right but it felt like there’s more to come from him in terms of taking on his man (McCallum). Did just that after the break when he set up Ayari brilliantly, only for the forward’s shot to be blocked. Grew in confidence as the game went on and showed his versatility by switching across to the left when Dasilva went off.

JOSH ECCLES: 7

Worked tirelessly in the midfield battleground and showed a marked improvement with the quality of his deliveries from corners but was dispossessed by Liam Gibbs in the box resulting in Norwich working the ball back into the box and scoring. Had three second half chances, one of which looked like it was heading for the back of the net until the keeper tipped over the bar. Impressive display overall.

JAMIE ALLEN: 7

Started his third game in eight days and filled in admirably for the injured Liam Kelly, getting his foot in and winning and intercepting the ball, while also displaying an impressive range of passing. Arguably lucky to get away with a Norwich appeal for a pen in the first half but otherwise excellent shift. Went off fatigued midway through the second half.

JAY DASILVA: 6.5

Involved in the thick of the early attacking action down the left, playing some nice one/twos and helping to work the ball into the box, albeit City struggling to find an end product.

YASIN AYARI: 6

Deployed in the No.10 role behind the strikers, the Sweden international let fly early on when space opened up for him but he lifted his shot high over the bar. Tracked back well to help win back possession and showed some impressive glimpses of quality on the turn and moving the ball up to the strikers.

ELLIS SIMMS: 6

Drifted wide to receive the ball and work his way into the box from the left and had a decent half chance when fed by Eccles, only for a defender to block on the line.

HAJI WRIGHT: 6

Worked hard pressing from the front and displayed good movement in and around the box looking for that killer pass to arrive at his feet. Desperately tried to link up and pick out Simms on the counter attack but didn’t quite connect with each other in their first game partnered together.

SUBSTITUTES:

JOEL LATIBEAUDIERE (71 mins, for Kitching): 5.5

Deployed in a holding midfield role with Allen tiring and did a decent job.

MILAN VAN EWIJK (71 mins, for Dasilva): 8

Made a welcome return and added instant quality with excellent work down the right. Changed the game and sent in the cross for the own goal.

MATTY GODDEN (71 mins, for Wright): 6

Added some much needed energy and urgency up top. Helped liven things up.

LUIS BINKS (76 mins, for Allen):

Subs (not used): Brad Collins (GK), Jake Bidwell, Evan Eghosa, Bradley Stretton, Justin Obikwu.

 

NORWICH CITY (4-2-3-1):

Angus Gunn; Jack Stacey, Shane Duffy, Ben Gibson, Sam McCallum (63 mins, for Tony Springett); Gabriel Sara, Kenny McLean; Jonathan Rowe, Liam Gibbs, Przemyslaw Placheta (63 mins, for Dimitris Giannoulis); Adam Idah.

Subs (not used): George Long (GK), Christian Fassnacht, Danny Batth, Onel Hernandez, Adam Forshaw, Hwang Ui-jo, Kellen Fisher.

GOALS:

SKY BLUES: Gibson (OG, 88 mins)

 

CANARIES: Rowe (41)