Statistical Preview: Newcastle vs Norwich

Newcastle will be looking to build on an impressive victory over Tottenham when they host Norwich on Saturday.

The Magpies have keeper Tim Krul to thank for keeping Spurs at bay on Saturday, with manager Alan Pardew describing the keeper as ‘the best in the league’ following his impressive performance. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index highlights that Krul made 14 saves on Sunday – this was double his nearest competitor.

Krul, however, will also be grateful to the efforts of his defence in front of him. Mathieu Debuchy was particularly impressive, making a total of 15 defensive contributions (based on blocks, interceptions, clearances and tackles won). This was the fifth most in the league.

Moussa Sissoko has been quietly going about his business this term, figuring in all but one of Newcastle’s games. Defensively, he’s been very astute, completing a respectable 72% of his challenges. Likewise, he’s made his mark offensively – as no other player has completed as many passes in the opposition half as Sissoko’s 215.

Of the French contingent at Newcastle, the contribution of Yoan Gouffran is often overlooked due to the brilliance of Hatem Ben Arfa and Yohan Cabaye. He has however, been a central figure for Alan Pardew this term, appearing in every Premier League fixture to date, and he was impressive against Spurs again, completing 3 dribbles – more than any of his teammates. He also grabbed the assist for the goal.

Chris Hughton will be hoping that Norwich’s impressive victory over West Ham will help transform this season, as it would be fair to say it has been a bit of a struggle for Norwich this term. 

Johan Elmander appeared to be back to his best against the Hammers, as he managed to register two assists. He may not have scored for Norwich this term, but he has certainly toiled for the sake of the team as he’s completed an impressive 72% of his challenges. This is an impressive figure for a striker, and this application and graft will be vital for Norwich if they are to get sucked into a relegation dog fight.

One of the shining stars so far this season for Norwich has been midfielder Leroy Fer, with the Dutchman starting to pay back some of the faith shown in him. Jamie Redknapp described the former FC Twente man as the ‘complete midfield player’ following his performance against West Ham, and it isn’t hard to see why Redknapp holds him in such high regard. He won an impressive 88% of his challenges against the Hammers, and also managed to complete a pass in West Ham’s half at a rate of a pass every 4 minutes.

Michael Turner has become an essential part of the Norwich side since his transfer from Sunderland, and this importance is underlined by the fact that he is Norwich’s only outfield player who has featured in every minute of the campaign so far. Looking at the number of defensive contributions that Turner has made, it’s clear to see why he’s the first name on the Canaries team sheet. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index demonstrates that Turner has made 121 defensive contributions (based on clearances, tackles won, interceptions and blocks) – which is comfortably the most in the Norwich squad.

Nathan Redmond may have found himself out of the side in recent weeks, but that doesn’t stop him topping the table for the number of dribbles completed. The former Birmingham man has dazzled defenders with his trickery and pace – completing 19 dribbles this term, the most of any Norwich player.