Norwich City 3-3 Middlesbrough: Championship player ratings

George Long

A performance that looked to be going the same way as his prior two until he turned the game on its head with one fine moment.

A poor concession for Tommy Conway's equaliser, allowing the volley to squirm past him at the near post to the dismay of the home fans. Had produced a fine save to deny Hayden Hackney previously, however, and continued to make good stops throughout the occasion.

The key one, if not the most impressive, was his holding of Conway's penalty at 3-1. Without that it would have been game over, and instead it was game on. A much-needed confidence boost for the City second choice. 6

Kellen Fisher

Continually left exposed in the visitors’ bright spell, but thrived with more protection in the second half.

Amankwah Forson's more defensive introduction combined with a better tracking display from Ante Crnac to give him defensive security after half time, allowing the sort of attacking runs that yielded the hosts' equalising goal.

That may have come rather fortuitously, but it was an example of the sort of lung-busting effort Fisher is combining with his strong defensive work to become a real asset under Johannes Hoff Thorup. 7

Shane Duffy

Few serious errors, but when three fairly sloppy goals are conceded the centre-backs will always come into focus.

Slow to react when Hackney's shot broke for Ben Doak ahead of the game's fourth goal, allowing Finn Azaz to wander past him for a tap-in five yards out. Struggled with the pace of Boro's rapid counter at times, too, and wasn't able to penetrate on the ball in a game that less-than suited his strengths.

He's had and will have better days this season, but this was a struggle for the Irishman. 5

Shane Duffy was at the heart of a porous Canaries defence (Image: PA)

Jose Cordoba

Similarly to his defensive partner, it's hard to let Cordoba off the hook when such poor goals were conceded.

Gave away the penalty that could have decided the game with some absent-minded defending, bringing Riley McGree down in an otherwise safe situation. Shielded away from the ball by the same man before that Azaz finish.

But on the ball it was another good afternoon for the 23-year-old, whose incisive pass started the move for Borja Sainz's opener and whose composure was vital when Norwich were at their best. 6

Callum Doyle

Some promising moments on the attack, but another sign that Doyle is not best used as a left-back.

Continually beaten by the superior pace of Liverpool loan export Doak, and was caught out of position multiple times after marauding forward. In games where City are dominant he works as an inverted option, but they're often outdone on the left against pacy opposition.

Key in the first goal, though, and set up Oscar Schwartau shortly after the youngster’s introduction. 5

Kenny McLean

A typically busy performance that was largely solid but blotted by a late sending off.

Hard to contest the decision when watching the tackle back, even if the likely ensuing three-game ban does feel like it would be slightly harsh. Ultimately halted a promising attack from the away team, but at great cost.

His presence will be sorely missed if the suspension is held up, and that's the main blow the red card delivered. 5

Emiliano Marcondes

Thrived in a slightly more attacking display, picking up dangerous positions and making the most of them with clever passes and refreshing urgency.

A key role in setting up Sainz's drive from 25 yards and in a number of the chances created thereafter, while covering plenty of ground and doing his defensive duty.

Looks nothing like the late free agent pick up he was and more like someone who's been part of the group for years. 7

Emiliano Marcondes was impressive (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd) Anis Ben Slimane

A dip from the midfielder's usual high standards since making the move to Carrow Road.

Didn't do enough defensively in the first half, allowing too many second balls on the edge of the area to fall to his midfield counterparts and failing to stop Doak as he completed the turnaround.

Sloppy in possession in the second half, and didn't make the same impact he usually does with a series of loose touches and misplaced passes. Still one of the first names on the Thorup team sheet, but a day to forget for the Tunisian. 4

Ante Crnac

Another quiet showing, although when he did burst into life it was with purpose and precision.

Tested Seny Dieng with a smart strike at 1-1, and found Marcondes with an accurate centre on his weaker right foot. Defensive efforts could have been better and would have helped Fisher if so, and he started the second half poorly before being replaced by Forson. 6

Borja Sainz

Another superb performance from the Spaniard, for whom pundits, fans and coaches alike are running out of superlatives.

Not only did he smash home from distance like it was nothing, he topped that strike late on when he hauled his team back into things from the corner of a crowded box. The first touch for that goal was a thing to behold in itself, let alone the inch-perfect finish.

Did very little else in the match aside from grazing the post with an improvised shot, but who needs more when you score two goal of the season contenders? 9

Josh Sargent

Starved of service and not for the first time in recent weeks, but when he got on the ball his touch was loose and he didn't often retain it.

Felt that Sainz should have found him multiple times when he made what turned out to be decoy runs, and will hope to be back on the scoresheet soon. 5

Josh Sargent was barely involved (Image: PA)

SUBSTITUTES

Oscar Schwartau (on for Slimane, 64)

One of his best performances yet in a Norwich shirt, changing the dynamic and bringing the technical quality to go with his usual good running.

Could have scored a beautiful goal when he started and rounded off a move, but his volley wasn’t quite as good as the nutmeg that preceded it. A step in the right direction. 7

Amankwah Forson (on for Crnac, 64)

Helped Fisher defensively and took up some good positions, but when he got into them his technical quality faltered. Looks low on confidence. 5

Jack Stacey (on for Marcondes, 84) N/A

Jacob Sorensen (on for Sainz, 90+1) N/A

Kaide Gordon (on for Sargent, 90+1) N/A