Chelsea, who were fourth going into this fixture, will have targeted three points knowing that the teams around them at the top of the table are all in action on Sunday – against each other – however, it was not to be for the travelling Blues, as Norwich continued their strong home form to shut out their illustrious guests.
Despite dominating possession – nearly 60% to 40% – and hitting 19 shots to Norwich’s 5, Chelsea failed to hit the back of the net on a frustrating afternoon, in what is becoming something of a habit this season.
Chelsea will have been buoyed by the return of Michael Essien, who came on as a 79th minute substitute, though, by this time, the visitors were beginning to resort to long range efforts on a day which would usually have seen them gather three points, given that they hit 9 shots on target, and 10 wayward efforts throughout the 90 minutes.
Ruddy, in Norwich’s goal, again had a strong performance, but the Canaries set about and stuck to their task well on a day which they will see as a point won.
Following this result, and the completion of most of Saturday’s fixtures, Chelsea remain fourth, five points adrift of Spurs, who face leaders Man City on Sunday, and five ahead of Arsenal, who host Manchester United tomorrow.
Norwich are ninth in the table, one more point towards their sure season’s goal of staying in the Barclays Premier League.
