Statistical Preview: Norwich vs Cardiff

Despite Jonny Howson’s second-half strike, Norwich were unable to contain high-flying Arsenal last weekend as they fell to a 4-1 defeat at the Emirates. Chris Hughton will be looking for his side to bounce back when Cardiff visit Carrow Road this weekend.

Jonny Howson’s goal last weekend was just reward for a player contributing so much in the Norwich engine room this season. No Norwich player has completed more passes in the opponent’s half than Howson, his total of 187 so far setting the benchmark.

Whilst Nathan Redmond can so far only boast a relatively solid shot accuracy rate of 45.4% from 11 shots, he is still managing to be effective for the time he has spent on the pitch this season. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, Redmond has managed to fashion a shot on target on average once every 83 minutes he’s been on the pitch this season, the best rate in the Canaries squad.

Ricky van Wolfswinkel still bears the unwelcome distinction of having committed more fouls than any other striker in the league this season, with 22 to his name so far according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

Like their opponent’s this weekend, in the last round Cardiff also saw themselves slip to a 4-1 defeat to one of the Premier League’s strongest attacking sides in Chelsea. Despite a well-taken goal from Jordan Mutch to put them ahead, Malkay Mackay’s side were unable to stop Chelsea from striking back to claim all 3 points.

Bo-Kyung Kim looked dangerous against Chelsea on his return from international duty with South Korea, as he has done for much of the season to date. The attacking midfielder has made more attacking contributions (shots on goal, assists, crosses, dribbles) than any other Cardiff player so far with 24.

Peter Whittingham has so far been the fulcrum in the Cardiff midfield, helping to provide the platform for much of their attacking efforts. He’s racked up more successful passes in the opponent’s half than any of his colleagues with 153, at an average rate of one every 4.7 minutes.

Steven Caulker once again tops this list for most committed defender so far this term, racking up 14 blocks to place him top of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

Ben Turner continues to turn in the impressive performances alongside Caulker at the back this season, so far compiling the most defensive contributions (92) (tackles won, blocks, interceptions, clearances) of any Cardiff player.