Below, Sports Mole has looked back over the fixture to determine if Stoke can argue that they were deserving of a share of the spoils or if Norwich were worthy victors.

Match statistics:

Stoke:
Shots 8
On target 1
Possession 57%
Corners 7
Fouls 14

Norwich:
Shots 8
On target 3
Possession 43%
Corners 3
Fouls 12

Was the result fair?

Stoke will probably bemoan the fact that they weren't awarded a penalty during the second half, which had they converted would have seen them claim a draw, but the truth of the matter is that they weren't good enough today. Norwich were much the brighter side and created the better of the opportunities, so they deserve the points.

Stoke's performance

The hosts have been praised for the football that they have played under Mark Hughes's guidance so far this season, but they looked like the Stoke of old today. Their play lacked any real tempo and for large parts of the contest their passing was extremely wayward. It was also a match that highlighted Stoke's need for extra options in the striking department - something that Hughes will no doubt look to address in the January transfer window.

Norwich's performance

With the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal coming up, this was a match that Norwich needed to win. Despite that pressure, Chris Hughton's side played with a lot of freedom, particularly during the first half and they should have gone in at the break with a larger winning margin. After the restart they were forced defend, but held firm and limited the home side to shots from distance. It's the type of performance that is bound to give their supporters some confidence ahead of the next few weeks.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Anthony Pilkington: Norwich had a few candidates for this award, but we will give it to Pilkington. He has not played much football recently, but the midfielder showed great energy levels before he was replaced late on. What's more, he was a major creative force for Norwich and set up the only goal of the game for Howson.

Biggest gaffe

Asmir Begovic and Robert Huth can share this award for their parts in the Howson goal. First of all, centre-back Huth failed to shut down the Norwich midfielder's space quick enough, which allowed him to take aim. While his shot was well struck, Begovic got down to it, but allowed the ball to fly into the net under his hand. From Stoke's point of view, it was a poor goal to concede.

Referee performance

A largely quiet afternoon's work for Anthony Taylor, but he did miss one big call. For some inexplicable reason Norwich midfielder Leroy Fer had a big tug on Kenwyne Jones's shirt in the penalty area early in the second half. The referee failed to spot the offence, though, and Fer can count himself extremely lucky.

What next?

Stoke: Next Saturday Stoke will make the trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham.

Norwich: A week today the Canaries will play host to Jose Mourinho's Chelsea at Carrow Road.