Here is Sam's verdict on Norwich City, who were denied their first victory of the post-Dean Smith era by Andy Carroll's late penalty at Carrow Road.

Angus Gunn

Again an outstanding performer, Gunn continues to prove why he's been unlucky to be associated with City's recent run of poor form.

Not overwhelmingly active but diving saves to deny Tom Ince and Lucas Joao in the third and 63rd minutes respectively highlighted his abilities between the sticks, while his distribution remained as reliable as ever.

Tim Krul will hope the new head coach takes a liking to him, because Gunn isn't leaving the door open an inch for his return. 7

Max Aarons

A return to form of sorts for one of the individuals forecast to benefit from Smith's departure.

His marauding runs forward were refreshing to see as he linked well with Gabriel Sara and Josh Sargent, in a performance that City fans will hope is repeated throughout the rest of the season.

Little to deal with defensively aided his ability to drive forward. 7

Grant Hanley

Potentially hamstrung by a second-minute yellow card when he brought down Junior Hoilett on the edge of the box, but dealt relatively well with a lively Andy Carroll throughout the game.

The former England international did find joy at points and Hanley will be disappointed to have been turned by him in the second half, but little the Scot could do to prevent the penalty that denied him a clean sheet. 6

Ben Gibson

Likely selected for his aerial presence in the duel with Carroll, who Russell described as "one of the best in the world" in the air prior to the game.

He did win one of those battles in the second half, but inconsistent distribution meant he didn't always have the desired effect in a more direct system.

Still, a solid enough performance, and one not many would have expected even a few weeks ago. 6

Sam McCallum

Compromised at times by the clever and creative Ince, McCallum was forced into a leg-swinging tackle that drew a collective wince and a yellow card in the first half.

Saw mixed success with his attacking endeavours, but likely did enough to keep his place ahead of Dimitris Giannoulis, who didn't even make the matchday squad. 6

Kenny McLean

Another solid shift despite worries over how he'd fare as a sole midfield pivot.

In truth, the absence of a real defensive midfielder was relatively evident in the ease with which the visitors countered through the middle of the pitch, but the Scot can't do much about the system he's selected as a part of.

His energy was high, and his presence as part of a temporary back three in possession helped the progressive build-up Russell had called for.

Highlighted why he's been a consistent starter and why he could be again under his next head coach. 7

Marcelino Nunez

It was hoped that Smith's departure could provide Nunez with a clean slate, but this performance was characterised by the inconsistency that blighted his last few games under the former Aston Villa boss.

For every raking 40-yard pass there was a frustrating ball out of play, for every clever piece of footwork a sloppy touch that got him into trouble. The talent is clearly there for the Chilean, but he must improve his concentration if he's to reach his high potential. 

Nice pass to slip Sargent through in the second half. 5

Gabriel Sara

A positive showing from potential club record signing Sara, whose technical quality became more evident as the game went on.

Involved in some entertaining interplay with his midfield colleagues and Aarons in the second half, and regularly showed signs of the player Norwich were hoping to get when they signed him from Sao Paulo in the summer.

Never stopped running, but will be disappointed with his final contribution, a cross swung into the arms of Joe Lumley with time and space to pick out a team-mate. 7

Josh Sargent

Showed his usual endeavour and willingness from a right-wing position, but still waits for his first goal since jetting off to the World Cup with the USA.

Should have had it in the 17th minute when he volleyed into the ground before balooning a header into the air. Will also be frustrated with his relatively tame effort when slipped in at an angle by Nunez in the second half. 6

Teemu Pukki

Provided a positive focal point and made excellent runs to test the Reading defence. Will be disappointed with an uncharacteristically poor touch when through on goal in the 17th minute, but made amends to tee-up Idah for his unerring opener.

Remains a key part of this side depsite the pressure present on both sides of him. 7

Adam Idah

Epitomised his talent in one dynamic and dangerous performance.

His left-wing role allowed him to drive at defenders while also providing the running in-behind that Russell was looking for, and on the ball his quality was evident, most of all when he drove home the opener to give Norwich the lead.

Lovely flick through to Pukki, who should have done better, in the 17th minute.

After consistent struggles with injury have frustrated his first few years as a senior player, there's no better time to find form than when a new head coach is set to arrive. 8

Substitutes

Onel Hernandez (for Idah, 75)

Showed some positive signs and added drive but, predictably, struggled for end product. 6

Kieran Dowell (for Nunez, 75)

Some moments of quality, but his performance will be remembered for giving away the penalty for the equaliser. A fairly harsh decision, in Dowell's defence. 5

Isaac Hayden (for McCallum, 90+2)

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