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Match Analysis: Manchester City 2-3 Norwich City

Match Analysis: Manchester City 2-3 Norwich City
© Dave Thompson / PA Photos
Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between Manchester City and Norwich City.

Norwich City became only the second team to win at the Etihad Stadium this season, finishing their Premier League campaign in style by beating Manchester City 3-2.

The Canaries were pegged back twice in an entertaining game, before Jonny Howson sealed all three points with a solo effort in the second half.

Jack Rodwell had twice equalised for City but the hosts were unable to score a third goal, despite a late onslaught.

Take a closer look at the action with Sports Mole's match analysis below.

Match statistics:

Manchester City:
Shots 14
On target 5
Possession 44%
Corners 7
Fouls 8

Norwich City:
Shots 13
On target 8
Possession 56%
Corners 7
Fouls 9

Was the result fair?

You'd have to say it was. City had a dominant spell after their first equaliser, but Norwich were brighter at the beginning and end of the first half, creating the game's better chances. The were again very good in the second half, before seeing off a late City charge.

Manchester City's performance

The hosts' performance was one you might expect in their position. They have nothing left to play for and sacked their manager during the week, so for all intents and purposes, they were already thinking about next season. That said, they produced several moments of quality during the first half, particularly through Carlos Tevez and Rodwell.

Norwich City's performance

Norwich's performance was very good. Like last week, when they beat West Bromwich Albion 4-0, they played without the distraction of relegation, giving the side freedom. The interplay between Wes Hoolahan, Anthony Pilkington and Robert Snodgrass was a constant threat for City.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Wes Hoolahan: Although he didn't get on the score sheet himself, the midfielder relished his free role behind Grant Holt. His passing range was on display all afternoon and he played a key role in all of his side's goals.

Biggest Gaffe

There weren't too many potential nominees for this today. Yaya Toure was below par throughout the match, and lost the ball cheaply on the edge of the box for the opening goal.

Referee performance

It has probably been forgotten with all the other retirements this week, but referee Mark Halsey is also bowing out of the game. He had little to do today, and was pretty consistent, although Norwich felt that they could have had a penalty or two in the first half.

What next?

Manchester City: It will be an exciting summer ahead for City, with a new manager and probably a few new signings arriving at the Etihad Stadium. It's been a disappointing season but I'm sure they will be back stronger next year.

Norwich City: After narrowly escaping relegation, Norwich eventually finish 11th in the Premier League. They have already agreed a deal to sign Sporting Lisbon forward Ricky van Wolfswinkel, and with one or two more signings, the Canaries shouldn't be too far from the top 10 next season.

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Norwich City's Jonathan Howson celebrates scoring his sides third goal against Manchester City on May 19, 2013
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