Manchester City travelled to Norwich City on Saturday looking to recover from their 1-0 defeat to Sunderland on Boxing Day.
Edin Dzeko handed them a 2-0 lead inside four minutes, but Anthony Pilkington had one back for Norwich after 15 minutes.
There was to be late controversy in the opening period, meanwhile, with Samir Nasri receiving a red card for an alleged headbutt on Sebastien Bassong.
City regained their two-goal lead early in the second period, however, when Sergio Aguero chipped over the onrushing Mark Bunn.
Norwich were back in the match once more just past the hour mark when Russell Martin headed home from close range, but a blunder from Bunn saw City's two-goal lead regained moments later.
The home side were not finished there, however, as Martin added his second 15 minutes from time, but Manchester City held on for a vital three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Welcome to Carrow Road as Norwich and Manchester City both play their final matches of 2012. After a disappointing start to the season, the home side have impressed in recent weeks. However, City, who trail Manchester United by seven points, have Chelsea breathing down their necks at the top of the table. The importance of this particular match cannot be overstated.
If the league season started on November 1, then Norwich and Manchester City would both be level on 18 points from 10 matches. That tells you everything that you need to know about how each side has fared in recent weeks. As mentioned, Norwich struggled in the early part of the season as they came to terms with Chris Hughton’s style of football, but all has changed since then.
From October 20 until December 11 they incredibly had a record bettered by just Barcelona in European football. A total of 10 matches in all competitions were played throughout that period, with six wins and four draws to their name. The results included wins over Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. Long gone were the suggestions that Norwich did not have the manager nor the players to compete at this level.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Still no Grant Holt for Norwich City with Steve Morison starting in attack. Manchester City name Edin Dzeko and Carlos Tevez as their front pair. Meanwhile, Gael Clichy also returns to the City team. Full teams to follow.
NORWICH: Bunn; R Martin, Bassong, Turner, Garrido; Pilkington, Johnson, Tettey, Snodgrass, Hoolahan; Morison.
MAN CITY: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Clichy; Yaya Toure, Barry, Nasri; Silva, Aguero, Dzeko
Norwich have struggled in recent weeks with just one win in their last four matches, but that run did include a trip to West Bromwich Albion and a home clash against Chelsea. A single strike from Juan Mata was enough for the Blues last time out, but the result could have gone either way with Norwich creating more than enough chances to open their tally.
Despite their recent wobble, they have won six of their last seven matches at Carrow Road and will see the visit of Manchester City as the ideal opportunity to return to winning ways. But if the last two meetings are anything to go by, then the omens do not read well for the Canaries having shipped 11 goals in the process of two defeats.
City, meanwhile, may be struggling this season, but their recent record against Norwich is impressive. They have won five and lost none of the last six meetings between the two sides. Meanwhile, Sergio Aguero has scored three goals in his last two games against the Canaries. That said, they have won just three of their last seven league games.
Manchester City’s recent run of form is certainly not much of a return for possibly the most expensive team assembled in English football. They certainly cannot be ruled out of the title race, but cannot afford to slip further behind. It isn’t as if they are playing badly, but their ability to hit the back of the net, the hardest thing in football, has suffered this season.
Sergio Aguero has just eight goals this season, compared to 15 at this stage in his first campaign in English football. Meanwhile, Edin Dzeko has seven compared with 13 last season, Mario Balotelli three compared to 11 and David Silva one compared to six. Carlos Tevez has bettered his tally from last season, but there is no doubt that the Premier League champions are struggling.
The turning point for many supporters was the decision to start Balotelli alongside Aguero for the Manchester derby – where they were defeated 3-2. The Italian huffed and puffed his way around the pitch for 60 minutes before being replaced by the energetic Tevez, but the Argentine simply did not have enough time to turn the tide. Tevez and Aguero have been paired in recent weeks, but the results have not improved.
They needed a late header from Gareth Barry to pick up victory over then basement club Reading in their final match before Christmas before struggling to a defeat at Sunderland. Their summer signings, the likes of Scott Sinclair and Javi Garcia, have not been successful. Meanwhile, Roberto Mancini’s failure to put his trust in Joleon Lescott appears another mystery, with the defender expected to depart in January.
As if we expected otherwise, but there is still trouble in the camp. Dzeko must have been wondering what he had to do to get a start this season. Take a year out to play golf in Argentina? Stomp down the tunnel or set off a firework in his own house? It is all very well sitting on the sidelines when your team is winning matches, but they are now under the most pressure that they have ever faced. However, the Bosnian does start this afternoon.
However, the omens are good for Manchester City. On the last nine occasions that they have lost a Premier League match, they have bounced straight back with three points. They haven’t lost two in a row since October 2010 when they were beaten by Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Manchester United host West Bromwich Albion this afternoon and therefore defeat for City could see them drop 10 points off the pace.
In terms of their form compared to last season, they have six points fewer than they did after 19 games in their title-winning season. However, they have lost the same number of games (two). Meanwhile, Norwich are three points better off than they were at this stage last season, although they are one place lower in the league.
Norwich’s recent success has been built on a tight back four of Russell Martin, Michael Turner, Sebastien Bassong and Javier Garrido – who will line up against his former club this afternoon. Grant Holt has hardly set the world alight in terms of goals, but his unselfishness on the pitch has allowed Wes Hoolahan to prosper in the number 10 position. Behind them they have a midfield that is prepared to run for the entire 90 minutes.
Here are some pre-match thoughts from Chris Hughton on Eurosport: "If you had offered 25 points by January 1 to me at the start of the season then certainly I would have taken it. You only have to look at this Premier League week in, week out and see some of the results and I think that emphasises the good run we went on. What we have to do is make sure we are right in it. If we are right in it, it gives us a chance."
Meanwhile, Manchester City assistant David Platt had some words on possible business this January. He told Eurosport: “The kind of players you would want to improve a squad like Manchester City are invariably already playing for the top teams that are involved in chasing honours. I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't do any business."
Right, we are just about eight minutes from kickoff on this mild afternoon in Norwich. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. The Canaries have had some impressive home results this season, against Arsenal and Manchester United, and I am backing them to pick up something from this game. I cannot see City losing, however, which is why I am backing a score draw.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. Quick update from today's early start in the Premier League. Tottenham Hotspur picked up a 2-1 win over Sunderland to move into third spot in the table. You just get the feeling that Manchester City simply cannot afford to lose this match.
Handshakes? Check. Flags exchanged? Check. We are just about two minutes from kickoff. A quick reminder on the team news. Morison comes in to lead the attack for Norwich, who aside from Grant Holt name an unchanged side from the defeat to Chelsea. Meanwhile, Manchester City name Aguero and Dzeko in attack with Tevez on the bench.
Here we go then. Manchester City will remain in second position regardless of their result in this match, but could fall 10 points behind Manchester United if they lose and Sir Alex Ferguson's side beat West Bromwich Albion. Meanwhile, Norwich could move as high as eighth with three points. The home side get the action underway.
Impressive start from City with David Silva immediately looking for the run of Aguero inside the penalty area, but Turner comes across to make the clearance. The home side attempt to launch a counter of their own with Morison feeding Hoolahan, but the danger is cleared.
GOAL! Norwich City 0-1 Manchester City (Dzeko)
Manchester City take the lead with barely two minutes on the clock as Yaya Toure finds Dzeko in the penalty area and the striker takes one touch before firing his effort past Mark Bunn. That's some start from the defending champions.
GOAL! Norwich City 0-2 Manchester City (Dzeko)
Oh my word. City extend their lead to 2-0 inside the opening five minutes as Aguero drives to the goal-line before finding Dzeko, who is on hand to turn the effort into the back of the net from close range. What an incredible start to this match. How do Norwich recover?
Chris Hughton looks on from the sidelines pondering what move to make in the early stages. In truth, Norwich have hardly touched the ball thus far. City have started with the look of a side keen to silence their doubters. Possession is with the away side with six minutes on the clock.
Again it's good work from City as Silva drives into the penalty box before gaining a corner. However, the delivery from the Spaniard is poor and Turner beats Dzeko to the ball. The home side attempt to break as Pilkington fires a long pass towards Morison, but Hart comes out to collect with ease.
City continue to dominate the possession with Barry and Toure enjoying touches of the ball in midfield. Another break almost brings a third as Aguero turns Bassong before feeding Dzeko, but Garrido comes across to make the clearance. The home supporters have been silenced here and it is the away fans making the noise. They have blown Norwich away in the opening 10 minutes of this football match.
Norwich remain camped inside their own half with their midfield attempting to squeeze the ball at every opportunity. Another half-chance for the away side as Aguero collects possession on the edge of the box, but his effort is high and wide of the post. Still nothing from Norwich as an attacking threat thus far. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could decide this match.
It's better from Norwich as Snodgrass collects possession on the right before firing a high cross into the penalty area, but Pilkington cannot make contact with Zabaleta in close proximity. A half-chance does fall as Kompany fells Snodgrass outside the box. It appears that the former Leeds man will take it.
GOAL! Norwich City 1-2 Manchester City (Pilkington)
Snodgrass leaves the set piece to Pilkington and the former Manchester United man strikes a powerful effort past Hart, albeit via a huge deflection off Clichy. What a moment in this match. Suddenly we have a contest on our hands once more. Game on at Carrow Road.
City attempt to regain their two-goal lead as Clichy advances down the left and whips a low cross into the penalty box, but Turner is on hand to make the clearance. It really is an end-to-end contest at the moment with both teams attacking in numbers. This is as good a Premier League match as I have seen this season. And the crowd are right up for it.
First booking of the match goes to Clichy as the Frenchman is penalised for a late challenge on Snodgrass. The former Leeds man whips the resulting free kick into the box, but Kompany jumps highest to clear the danger. It comes back into the box from Morison, but his searching cross clears the far post.
City continue to pass and probe around the edge of the Norwich penalty area with Silva and Aguero both taking up advanced positions. But the early fluidity to their play has just been broken and Norwich look the team more dangerous on the counter attack. Meanwhile, Wes Hoolahan is starting to have more of an influence as he begins to pick up possession between the City midfield and defence.
Still City attempt to pick holes in the Norwich defence as they pass from side to side. Eventually the cross does come in from Zabaleta, but Dzeko jumps too early and the danger is cleared by Bassong. You just get the feeling that the home side need to absorb this spell of pressure and attempt to counter whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Slightly bitty period of the match in the past couple of minutes with both sides giving away possession in midfield. A City attack does end in a shooting chance, however, as Aguero pounces in the box, but his effort is pushed over the crossbar by Bunn. Meanwhile, the resulting corner is headed clear by Bassong.
Desperate defending from the Norwich defence as Nasri dances past Garrido before firing a cross into the penalty area, but Martin heads clear of the box. The home side attempt to counter as Tettey drives past Toure in midfield, but the Ivorian fells the Norwich midfielder. Little under 30 minutes of football played at Carrow Road and City lead 2-1.
Decent period of possession for the home side as they begin to pass and probe outside the Manchester City penalty area. However, they have been unable to find that final pass thus far. Hoolahan continues to cause problems as he drops into the space, but Morison has cut an isolated figure in the opening 29 minutes of football.
Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the past few moments. Both sides are enjoying possession of the ball, but the early tempo has just dropped somewhat. Norwich will have been disappointed with their start to the match, but they have impressed in clawing their way back into the match. A half-chance falls for the home side as Tetty bursts into the box, but he cannot sort out his feet and the danger is cleared.
Norwich continue to frustrate the away side as yet another attack breaks down. The home supporters are attempting to raise their side and Norwich are responding. You just get the feeling that this match is far from over. Suddenly it's Tettey and Bradley Johnson that have taken control of the midfield.
City continue to pass and probe in and around the Norwich box with Toure and Silva enjoying possession of the ball. It falls to Dzeko as the striker attempts to drive into the box, but Martin makes a fine diving challenge. The home side cannot clear, however, and Garrido just prevents Dzeko from heading home inside the box.
Untidy couple of minutes with both teams giving away a host of free kicks in and around the centre circle. Norwich attempt to break with Morison, but the striker is felled by Zabaleta. Eventually the away side regain possession, but a high cross is again headed clear by Bassong. Little under 10 minutes of the half remaining.
Another City attack breaks down as Silva attempts to thread a pass to Nasri, but Bassong steps across to clear the danger. Not much of an atmosphere inside the stadium as we approach the interval. The little noise that can be heard is coming from the away end. Not too much to get excited about on the pitch in the past few minutes.
CHANCE! Manchester City come within a whisker of extending their lead as Toure picks up possession outside the box before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moves past the post. You just get the feeling that Norwich need to stay in this match until the interval.
Controversy here as Nasri and Bassong clash following a challenge on the Frenchman. The referee comes across and hands the defender a yellow card, but the action is not finished there. RED CARD: Nasri is dismissed for a reported headbutt on Bassong. Incredible scenes at Carrow Road.
Replays have shown that the Frenchman did indeed put his head into Bassong following the challenge. The Manchester City players usher Nasri away from the pitch. In truth, Bassong could have also been given his marching orders in the same incident. Where do the away side go from here?
Meanwhile, change for the home side as Harry Kane replaces Morison. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time at the end of the half. Suddenly it is Manchester City that want the break to come in order to regroup.
Meanwhile, change for the home side as Harry Kane replaces Morison. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time at the end of the half. Suddenly it is Manchester City that want the break to come in order to regroup.
Not a great deal to report in the three minutes of added time. Manchester City have enjoyed much of the possession since the Nasri incident and will enter the break with their lead intact. There is a worry that this match could boil over in the second period with both sides making a host of tasty challenges.
Norwich City 1-2 Manchester City
So there we have it. Dzeko handed Manchester City a two-goal lead inside the opening four minutes, but a free kick from Pilkington after 15 minutes cut the score to 2-1. City ended the half with 10 men, meanwhile, having lost Nasri in the latter stages of the opening period.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Manchester City have dominated the possession with 65%, while they have had four attempts to Norwich's one. In truth, the home side are lucky to still be in this match. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period.
It would not be a surprise to see Carlos Tevez introduced in the second period. Manchester City will need his energy around the pitch to make up for the loss of Nasri. Aguero has struggled to get into the match and could be the player replaced. Norwich, meanwhile, introduced Kane just before the interval.
Let me bring you up-to-date with the other half-time scores in the Premier League: Aston Villa 0-1 Wigan, Fulham 0-1 Swansea, Manchester United 1-0 West Brom, Reading 1-0 West Ham, Stoke 1-3 Southampton. Just a reminder that Arsenal vs. Newcastle is the late kickoff this evening. Be sure to remain with me for that one from 5pm on Sports Mole.
Here we go then. No changes for either side at the interval. The match is so delicately poised with the away side leading 2-1, but down to 10 men. Manchester City kick us off in the second period. You just get the feeling that the next goal in this match - if there indeed is one - could have a huge effect on the overall result.
Early panic inside the Norwich defence as Turner attempts to head towards his own goalkeeper, but he gets it all wrong with Aguero on his shoulder. The defender does manage to clear for a corner, however, which is headed away by Bassong. Decent start to the second period from the Premier League champions.
You just get the feeling that Norwich need to exploit the wide areas in order to have a chance of levelling in this match. They do indeed sweep the ball wide to Snodgrass, but his cross is headed clear by Kompany. The away side attempt to break, but Toure fells Kane in the process and Norwich are awarded a free kick.
Norwich City 1-3 Manchester City (Aguero)
Manchester City regain their two-goal lead as Toure finds the run of Aguero in the penalty area and the little Argentine pounces on the ball before chipping over the onrushing Bunn. That is finishing of the highest order from Aguero. What a moment to score.
Norwich attempt to respond as Pilkington fires a long pass towards Johnson, but the midfielder cannot collect and the danger is cleared. The home supporters have lowered their voice and it is affecting their team on the pitch. Another low cross comes in from Snodgrass, but Hart comes to collect.
Half-chance for City to add a fourth as Silva finds Toure outside the penalty area, but the powerful midfielder can only chip his effort over the crossbar. It appeared to take a slight deflection off a defender and the resulting corner is taken by Silva, but once more Bassong clears the danger.
Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the past few moments. Norwich are enjoying more of the possession, but cannot fashion a shooting chance. Meanwhile, change for the away side as Silva is replaced by the ever willing James Milner. It appears that the home side are also readying a change.
Norwich do indeed make their second change of the match as Jonny Howson replaces Tettey, who has struggled with the power of the City midfield in this second period. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in this match and City are in complete control of proceedings.
Aguero continues to run the channels for the home side as he collects a pass from Milner before hitting the deck under the challenge of Bassong. The away supporters continue to make the noise as their side struggle to cope with the quick passing style from their visitors. But one goal could change the entire feel of this match.
Norwich attempt to fashion a shooting opportunity as Snodgrass whips a searching cross into the box, but Kompany rises highest to clear the danger. It appears that Norwich have just lost some belief in this match. There is still 30 minutes to play and they are capable of testing this City defence.
GOAL! Norwich City 2-3 Manchester City (Martin)
Indeed they are capable of testing this City defence. Snodgrass whips a fine corner towards Bassong and the defender finds the head of Martin in the penalty area, who cannot miss from close range. Suddenly we have a real match on our hands.
It is certainly a cliché, but goals change games. It really is as simple as that. Suddenly Norwich have that extra yard as they chase every ball. We have 25 minutes of football to play in this match and City lead by just the singular goal once more. It would not surprise me if City made another change in the next few minutes.
GOAL! Norwich City 2-4 Manchester City (Dzeko)
It's horror goalkeeping from Bunn as the Norwich keeper allows a tame Dzeko effort to crawl past him at his near post. The striker looked offside when he burst onto a pass from Zabaelta, but the flag stayed down and the Bosnian scored his third of the afternoon.
That goal is an absolute killer for the home side. They had a spring in their step following their second of the afternoon, but that Dzeko strike has just changed the entire feel of the match. Another half-chance comes to City as Aguero strikes an effort from close range, but it was just high of the crossbar.
Half-chance for the home side as they force a couple of corners in quick succession. The second from Snodgrass is met by Bassong, but his header is just high of the crossbar. The pressure remains as Norwich whip a host of high balls into the Manchester City box, but the danger is cleared.
Little under 15 minutes of football remaining in this match and City lead 4-2. The pressure remains from the home side as they continue to whip long balls into the City penalty area, but to no avail. Meanwhile, the home side make their third change of the match as Hoolahan is replaced by Simeon Jackson.
GOAL! Norwich City 3-4 Manchester City (Martin)
Oh my word! Norwich are back in this match once more as Martin pounces on a loose ball inside the penalty area to tap home from close range. Hart flapped at a cross from Snodgrass and the opportunity presented itself to Martin, who could not miss.
Can City hold on in this match? We have little over 10 minutes of football to play and Norwich have another free kick outside the penalty area. Snodgrass again stands over the free kick, but this time Kompany is on hand to make the clearance. What a final 10 minutes we could be in for at Carrow Road.
End-to-end football at the moment as City desperately attempt to defend their own penalty area with clearance after clearance. Snodgrass is again the creator as he fires a high cross into the penalty area, but once more Kompany clears the danger. What a vital 10 minutes in the context of Manchester City's season.
City make their second change of the match as Dzeko is replaced by Joleon Lescott. All hands to the pump in the final moments of this match. It appears that Lescott will go straight into defence, rather than in attack as was the case last week against Sunderland.
CHANCE! City come close to adding their fifth of the afternoon as Aguero strikes a powerful effort from close range, but Bunn makes a wonderful save to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by Milner, but the whistle is blown for a Norwich free kick.
Half-chance for the home side as Snodgrass forces another free kick outside the penalty area, but his effort is straight into the wall. Manchester City attempt to break with Toure, but he cannot keep hold of possession and the home side are on the attack once more.
Another half-chance for Norwich as Bassong pounces a loose pass inside the penalty area, but his effort is wide of the post. Make no mistake about it, Manchester City are hanging on here. But hang on they must with Manchester United currently leading West Bromwich Albion.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional five minutes of football at the end of this match. Manchester City currently have a player down with Nastastic receiving some treatment. Will we have late drama at Carrow Road?
Nastastic eventually returns to the field following a period of treatment. Norwich continue to fire high balls into the penalty area, but Kompany once more is on hand to clear the danger. Eventually it falls to Bassong inside the box, but he can only fire wide.
Half-chance for Aguero to wrap up all three points as Aguero launches a mazy run on the counter, but the danger is quelled at the vital moment with Martin making the clearance. Meanwhile, City make their final change of the match as Aguero is replaced by Javi Garcia.
Still Norwich desperately attempt to secure an equaliser as Manchester City drop deeper and deeper into their own penalty area, but Bassong cannot make proper contact with a header and Hart clears. Little under 30 seconds of added time remaining in this match.
Norwich City 3-4 Manchester City
So there we have it. Manchester City hold on to secure a vital three points against Norwich City. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and stay with us for Arsenal versus Newcastle United. Until then!
