They may have gone on to fall 12 points short of the eventual champions Manchester United, but for a large part of the 1992-93 campaign, Norwich City were challenging for the Premier League title.
The Canaries were expected to mount another charge during the following campaign and despite a loss on the opening day at Carrow Road to United, they made it through to December with eight victories under their belts prior to their trip to Old Trafford 20 years ago today.
It was a lacklustre start between the two sides, but the deadlock was eventually broken in the 30th minute by United youngster Ryan Giggs.
Eric Cantona was the creator, sending over a cross from the left for the Welshman, who ghosted in at the back post to send a half-volleyed effort into the bottom corner of Bryan Gunn's net.
However, within 60 seconds, Mike Walker's Norwich were level. United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel spread his body to deny Ruel Fox, but the ball dropped to Chris Sutton on the edge of the area. The striker drilled an instant shot goalwards, which beat both Schmeichel and his defenders.
The equaliser seemed to spark the home side into life and with four minutes of the first half remaining, they regained the lead. Giggs lofted the ball up for Cantona, who in turn headed it into the path of Brian McClair. The Scot had a habit of scoring against Norwich and he continued that form by firing beyond the reach of Gunn from close range.
Just as they had done earlier in the game, though, Norwich pegged back the hosts. Two minutes after the restart, Gary Pallister was adjudged to have fouled Sutton inside the box and a penalty was awarded. Fox stepped up to take the resultant kick and he duly sent the ball straight down the middle, while Schmeichel gambled to his left.
Both teams created opportunities during the remainder of the contest, but neither were able to find the winning goal as the spoils were shared.
United went on to retain their title with a 92-point haul, while Norwich fell away during the second half of the campaign and could only muster a 12th-place finish.
Liam Apicella
