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Fulham 5 Norwich 0

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Fulham 5 Norwich 0: Petric leads charge as hosts dismantle Canaries

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UPDATED:

15:57 GMT, 18 August 2012

Mladen Petric announced himself as an early contender for signing of the summer as he led Fulham's blistering attack against a hapless Norwich side.

The Croatian hitman bagged two goals himself after Damien Duff's opener at Craven Cottage.

Swedish winger Alex Kacaniklic bagged a wonderful goal after a sumptuous Petric assist, before Steve Sidwell scored a late penalty.

Easy does it: Mladen Petric was in scintillating form as he took apart the Norwich defence

Easy does it: Mladen Petric was in scintillating form as he took apart the Norwich defence

MATCH FACTS

Fulham: Schwarzer, Riether, Hangeland, Hughes, Riise, Duff (Kasami 74min), Diarra, Dembele, Kacaniklic, Ruiz (Sidwell 81min), Petric (Rodallega 68min).

Subs not used: Stockdale, Kelly, Baird, Halliche.

Scorers: Duff 26, Petric 21, 54, Kacaniklic, 66, Sidwell 87 pen

Norwich: Ruddy, Russell Martin, Ryan Bennett, Turner, Tierney, Pilkington, Howson, Johnson, Surman (Morison 46min), Snodgrass (Elliott Bennett 56min), Holt (Hoolahan 77min).

Subs not used: Rudd, Vaughan, Barnett, Lappin.

Referee: Michael Oliver (Northumberland)

Attendance: 26,062

Check out all the latest, stats, facts and table from the Premier League

Celtic 0 Norwich 1: Grant Holt delivers late knockout

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Celtic 0 Norwich 1: Holt delivers late knockout as Bhoys fall flat at Parkhead

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UPDATED:

23:03 GMT, 24 July 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Neil Lennon was absent from Parkhead as he watched HJK Helsinki confirm their status as Celtic’s Champions League opponents. The phone call home would not have been a particularly cheery one.

It had seemed for long enough that Celtic would gain a degree of comfort in the first of their pre-season assignments back in Glasgow. Indeed, a clean sheet against top-flight English opposition would have been most welcome after Saturday’s comprehensive 4-0 defeat against Ajax in the Amsterdam ArenA.

It was not to be. With a couple of minutes left on the clock, Fraser Forster blocked a strike from Jonny Howson, only for Norwich forward Grant Holt to seize upon the loose ball and send the SPL champions to another reverse.

Making his point: Norwich striker Grant Holt celebrating his winning goal against Celtic

Making his point: Norwich striker Grant Holt celebrating his winning goal against Celtic

Even before that late blow, a rejigged line-up did not provide a convincing statement of intent ahead of the crucial challenges that will soon arrive. Celtic have only Saturday’s friendly against the powerful Inter Milan to fine tune plans before the Finns come calling next Wednesday in the first leg of the third-round qualifier.

MATCH FACTS

Celtic: Zaluska (Forster 44), Lustig, Wilson (Wanyama 37), Rogne, Izaguirre, McGeouch (Forrest 59), McCourt, Twardzik, Samaras (Matthews 68), Commons Bangura 68), Murphy (Hooper 59).

Norwich: Ruddy, Whittaker (R Martin 24), Ayala (Barnett 46), Ward (R Bennett 46), Tierney (Lappin 46), E Bennett (Howson 46), Crofts (Surman 46), Johnson (Hoolahan 46), Pilkington (C Martin 46), Morison (Holt 46), Vaughan (Jackson 46).

Referee: Calum Murray.

That tie carries huge significance for their season — both in terms of sporting prestige and finance — so there is precious little room for a false start. Getting it right on the night is what all the work in Germany, Holland and back home is aimed at.

So far, Celtic’s output has not shone, but making predictions based on pre-season matches can lead to embarrassment. Back in the summer of 2006, for example, Gordon Strachan’s side stumbled through games in Poland and America, scoring just one goal. They eventually went on to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.

Simply reaching the group stage is the primary aim this time around. To do so, Celtic will have to significantly hike their performance levels.

Predator: Canaries ace Holt slots in the decisive strike past a helpless Celtic defence

Predator: Canaries ace Holt slots in the decisive strike past a helpless Celtic defence

Young midfielder Filip Twardzik and Kris Commons provided two of the plus points, but there wasn’t much more to cheer the 25,000 or so inside Parkhead. True, the woodwork was a foe in the first half, but a victory over little Aalen in Germany remains the only success out of five preparation games so far. Only two goals have been netted.

An experimental 3-4-1-2 formation ended in bruising fashion in the Dutch capital, so it was little surprise to see a back four restored for the visit of the Carrow Road side.

Lukasz Zaluska replaced Forster in goal, while there were also places for youngsters Dylan McGeouch and Twardzik in a team shape that granted Commons licence to roam behind Daryl Murphy.

Eyes on the prize: Victor Wanyama of Celtic and Jonny Howson of Norwich battle for the ball

Eyes on the prize: Victor Wanyama of Celtic and Jonny Howson of Norwich battle for the ball

Norwich boss Chris Hughton initially named different outfield line-ups for the first and second halves, but had to make an alteration earlier than planned as the pantomime villain of the piece was forced off after just 24 minutes.

Steven Whittaker is attempting to establish himself with the Barclays Premier League club after refusing to transfer his contract to the Rangers newco under TUPE legislation.

Granted provisional clearance by FIFA to turn out for his new club last Friday, his every touch was booed by the Parkhead crowd. Ultimately, though, it was his eagerness to impress — and silence the taunts — that helped end his evening.

Catch me if you can: Emilio Izaguirre of Celtic gets away from Elliott Bennett of Norwich

Catch me if you can: Emilio Izaguirre of Celtic gets away from Elliott Bennett of Norwich

The Scotland international was dogged in hassling and then robbing Kelvin Wilson just outside the area. He fed Steve Morison, who rolled a pass across goal that would have ended in a tap-in for Anthony Pilkington but for a great piece of back-tracking by McGeouch. Once play restarted, though, it was clear Whittaker had been hurt in his endeavour and he made way for Russell Martin.

The change coincided with a period in which Celtic cast off their uncertainty. Commons began to look more menacing and launched a terrific 25-yard thump that clipped Andrew Crofts before skimming the bar. He then engineered space to deliver a cross for Mikael Lustig. Again, though, the home side were denied by the frame of the goal as the Swede connected with a header.

Taking a breather: Former Rangers ace Steve Whittaker, now of Norwich, at Parkhead

Taking a breather: Former Rangers ace Steve Whittaker, now of Norwich, at Parkhead

Pilkington responded with a near-post drive that was beaten out by Zaluska, but Twardzik matched that with a deflected strike shovelled wide by John Ruddy.

Then McGeouch broke infield from the right and measured a fine pass that sent Georgios Samaras loping into the box, but his shot squirmed across the face of goal.

Celtic were forced into their first switch eight minutes before the break when Victor Wanyama was introduced to replace Wilson alongside Thomas Rogne at the heart of the defence. And Zaluska joined him in heading up the tunnel before the break after an aerial collision with James Vaughan. Forster stepped into the breach.

On the ball: Mohamed Bangura of Celtic is outpaced by Wes Hoolahan of Norwich

On the ball: Mohamed Bangura of Celtic is outpaced by Wes Hoolahan of Norwich

A neat Celtic move ended with Twardzik — as good as anyone on the night — dinking a though-ball that Commons fired fractionally wide.

Forster was called into action shortly afterwards, blocking with his feet after Holt tried to convert Martin’s whipped cross with a back-heel flick.

Murphy had supplied negligible punch up front, so it was little surprise when Gary Hooper was summoned to try to inject a greater threat with just over half an hour left. James Forrest also replaced McGeouch.

Samaras and substitute Mohamed Bangura both went close, but it was Holt who had the final, decisive say.

Norwich sign Steven Whittaker after newco Rangers exit

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Norwich pounce on Whittaker after Scotland defender quits newco Rangers

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UPDATED:

12:52 GMT, 30 June 2012

Norwich have announced the signing of Scotland defender Steven Whittaker on a four-year deal, subject to international clearance.

The 28-year-old was a free agent having rejected the transfer of his contract to the newco Rangers and he become new manager Chris Hughton's first signing.

Striker Kyle Lafferty has also left Rangers, joining Swiss side FC Sion on a three-year deal.

Whittaker enjoyed a successful five years at Ibrox following a 2million move from Hibernian, winning Scottish Premier League titles, Scottish Cups and three Scottish League Cups.

On the move: Steven Whittaker rejected a contract offer from newco Rangers

On the move: Steven Whittaker rejected a contract offer from newco Rangers

Hughton told the club's official website: 'In Steven we have a player who is very versatile – he can play anywhere across the back four and anywhere across midfield, so there's plenty of versatility there.

'It's probably a good time for him. Sometimes it is time to move on to a different club and go there with a lot of enthusiasm and he has international experience too.

'He has of course been used to playing at a very high level when he was at Rangers and in a lot of big games with a passionate crowd behind him.

'So the stage of the Premier League is certainly one that won't faze him with his experience.'

Whittaker, who also appeared in Rangers' 2008 UEFA Cup final defeat by Zenit St Petersburg, said: “All of my experience to date has been in Scotland so I am really looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Premier League, I'm very excited about it.

'When I spoke to Chris Hughton I was very impressed with his plans to progress Norwich City and everyone I've spoken to in the game has had nothing but praise for the club and the city of Norwich.

'I know (midfielder) Simon Lappin from a few years back and of course I know (defender) Russell Martin from Scotland and I am looking forward to meeting up with the squad and the staff.'

Arsenal 3 Norwich 3 – match report

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Arsenal 3 Norwich 3: Action-packed afternoon hits Gunners' Champions League hopes

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UPDATED:

14:03 GMT, 5 May 2012

Arsenal's hopes of automatic Champions League qualification were severely dented as Norwich earned a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners' afternoon had started so well with a goal from Yossi Benayoun after just 65 seconds. However, the Canaries, already guaranteed their top-flight status for next season, rallied and were level after Wojciech Szczesny spilled Wes Hoolahan's shot before Grant Holt's deflected effort gave the visitors a deserved half-time lead.

Three's a crowd: Steve Morison struck with five minutes remaining to snatch a draw

Three's a crowd: Steve Morison struck with five minutes remaining to snatch a draw

MATCH FACTS

ARSENAL: Szczesny, Sagna (Coquelin 33), Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Ramsey (Oxlade-Chamberlain 63), Song, Gervinho, Rosicky, Benayoun (Chamakh 69), van Persie. Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Park, Andre Santos, Djourou.

Booked: Ramsey, Vermaelen.

Goals: Benayoun 2, van Persie 72, 80.

NORWICH: Ruddy, Naughton, Ryan Bennett, Martin, Lappin, Johnson, Howson, Elliott Bennett, Hoolahan (Pilkington 74), Jackson (Morison 69), Holt (Wilbraham 81). Subs Not Used: Steer, Surman, Fox, Ward.

Booked: Jackson, Hoolahan, Wilbraham.

Goals: Hoolahan 12, Holt 27, Morison 85.

Attendance: 60,092

Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire).

Arsenal rallied after the break as a
brace from Robin van Persie in the space of eight minutes put the home
side back in charge, only for Norwich substitute Steve Morison to grab a
deserved point.

There was still time for referee
Anthony Taylor to miss a clear shove by Kyle Naughton in the back of Van
Persie as he looked to tap in a winner at the far post before Canaries
goalkeeper John Ruddy made a couple of important blocks.

Arsenal have a slender two-point lead
in third place and now must hope Tottenham and Newcastle fail to make
up ground tomorrow as the race for Champions League qualification is set
to go to the wire.

A win looked a very safe bet indeed when Benayoun marked his 32nd birthday with the opening goal
after a minute's play. He picked the ball up on the left side of the
Norwich penalty area, cut inside and curled a sublime effort up over
Ruddy into the far corner.

That should have settled any nerves, but instead, the Canaries were galvanised.

Perfect start: Yossi Benayoun gave Arsenal the perfect start with a beautiful curled effort

Perfect start: Yossi Benayoun gave Arsenal the perfect start with a beautiful curled effort

Bradley Johnson's chipped free-kick
was headed goalwards by diminutive Canada frontman Simeon Jackson, and
the equaliser came in the 12th minute.

Full-back Naughton, on loan from
Tottenham, raced forward down the left and played the ball through to
Hoolahan on the penalty spot. The Republic of Ireland midfielder did not
really connect properly with his shot but it was enough to squirm past
Szczesny and across the line.

Now it was Arsenal whose resolve was tested, as the atmosphere grew decidedly edgy.

Norwich continued to ask questions of
the home defence and went ahead in the 27th minute. A quick break saw
Hoolahan release Holt at the edge of the Arsenal area. As former Norwich
loanee Kieran Gibbs backed off, the 31-year-old's shot caught the
defender's boot and looped over Szczesny and in.

Happy birthday: Benayoun, probably playing in his last home match for the club, was celebrating his birthday

Happy birthday: Benayoun, probably playing in his last home match for the club, was celebrating his birthday

Just like against Wigan, the Gunners
were shell-shocked and their afternoon took another turn for the worse
in the 33rd minute when full-back Bacary Sagna pulled up with a calf
injury and had to be replaced by Francis Coquelin.

Arsenal's tempers were frayed, and
Benayoun was fortunate not to be punished when he kicked out at Simon
Lappin after a tussle with the Norwich defender.

Dodgy keeper: Norwich got back on level terms thanks to Wesley Hoolahan... and Wojciech Szczesny

Dodgy keeper: Norwich got back on level terms thanks to Wesley Hoolahan… and Wojciech Szczesny

The visitors remained composed and
felt they should have been awarded a penalty when Coquelin up-ended
Hoolahan following another quick break down the right channel.

Referee Taylor and his assistants
were in the thick of the action again a few minutes later when Russell
Martin had his shirt pulled by Laurent Koscielny at a corner, but again
the officials gave nothing – much to the frustration of the Norwich
bench.

battling away: Arsenal were well short of the usual best, and had to fight for the right to play with Norwich

battling away: Arsenal were well short of the usual best, and had to fight for the right to play with Norwich

It could have been 3-1 in first-half
stoppage time but for a perfectly-timed sliding challenge by Koscielny
to block Holt's close-range effort.

There was more purpose about Arsenal
in the second half, Van Persie rolling the ball across the face of goal
following a sustained period of pressure.

Lucky strike: The Canaries took the lead when Grant Holt's strike looped in off Kieran Gibbs

Lucky strike: The Canaries took the lead when Grant Holt's strike looped in off Kieran Gibbs

Norwich, however, also looked to be
positive and Jackson broke clear of Thomas Vermaelen and skipped into
the Arsenal area, but his shot was straight at Szczesny when he probably
should have squared for Holt to tap in.

As the hour mark passed, Van Persie
failed to beat Ruddy with a tame strike from 12 yards before Aaron
Ramsey dragged his shot wide. The Wales midfielder was replaced in the
63rd minute by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as Wenger looked to inject some
much-needed impetus into his side.

Concerns: Bacary Sagna was taken off on a stretcher after appearing to turn his ankle without anybody near him

Concerns: Bacary Sagna was taken off on a stretcher after appearing to turn his ankle without anybody near him

It was captain Van Persie who made
the breakthrough though, as he volleyed home Alex Song's excellent
angled ball through the penalty area.

Arsenal maintained their momentum as
Norwich fought hard to disrupt it as much as possible, with Gunners boss
Arsene Wenger exchanging a few heated words with Canaries counterpart
Paul Lambert across the technical area.

Back in it: Robin van Persie came to the rescue with two goals in the final 18 minutes

Back in it: Robin van Persie came to the rescue with two goals in the final 18 minutes

Main man: The second of his goals was Van Persie's 30th of his best ever season

Main man: The second of his goals was Van Persie's 30th of his best ever season

There was elation, though, when the
ball ricocheted into the path of Van Persie, who reacted quickest to
lash his shot under Ruddy.

However, the Canaries were not to be
denied a famous result as with Arsenal pressing forwards, they were
caught out by a ball over the top and Morison ran on to slot past
Szczesny.

There was still time for Ruddy to
deny Van Persie with a fine close-range block before a clear push by
Naughton in the back of the Arsenal captain as he looked to tap in at
the far post went unpunished – and the Gunners' Champions League destiny
was again taken out of their hands.

Contrasting emotions: Morison was delighted with his late impact, while Benayoun's early strike was long forgotten by the time full-time came around

Contrasting emotions: Morison was delighted with his late impact, while Benayoun's early strike was long forgotten by the time full-time came around

Contrasting emotions: Morison was delighted with his late impact, while Benayoun's early strike was long forgotten by the time the final whistle was blown

Arsenal v Norwich live

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PREMIER LEAGUE LIVE: Arsenal v Norwich – follow the action as it happens

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UPDATED:

11:00 GMT, 5 May 2012

Follow the action as Arsenal continue their chase for third place in the Barclays Premier League and the automatic qualification place for next season's Champions League. The Canaries have secured their berth in the top flight for next season but haven't enjoyed success on Gunners' soil since the first ever day of the Premier League way back in August 1992.

Arsenal v Norwich (12.45)

Teams to follow…

12.06: Norwich starting XI:

Ruddy, R. Martin, Johnson, Holt, Jackson, Hoolahan, Elliott Bennett, Lappin, Howson, Naughton, Ryan Bennett

12.03: Arsenal starting XI:

Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Gibbs, Song, Ramsey, Rosicky, Gervinho, Benayoun, Van Persie.

12.00: If you told Arsenal fans their side would be playing on FA Cup final day, they probably didn't expect it to be a home Premier League clash with Norwich.

No trophies are going to the Emirates Stadium again but this is a huge game for the Gunners, who are still trying to secure a Champions League spot for next season. Team news to follow.

Staying power: The Gunners are hoping Van Persie will sign a new deal

Staying power: The Gunners are hoping Van Persie will sign a new deal

West Brom 1 Norwich 2: Jackson strikes late to send Canaries into fifth round

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West Brom 1 Norwich 2: Jackson strikes late to send Canaries into fifth round

Substitute Simeon Jackson scored a late winner as Norwich won at the Hawthorns to secure an FA Cup fifth-round spot for the first time in five years.

Jackson took advantage of an error by West Brom defender Craig Dawson after Marc-Antoine Fortune had brought the hosts back on level terms.

Norwich captain Grant Holt's ninth goal of the campaign had separated the sides at half-time.

Winner: Simeon Jackson celebrates scoring for Norwich against West Brom

Winner: Simeon Jackson celebrates scoring for Norwich against West Brom

MATCH FACTS

West Brom: Foster, Jara Reyes (McAuley 46), Dawson,Tamas, Mattock,
Morrison, Mulumbu, Dorrans,Thomas (Tchoyi 71), Fortune (Long 79), Cox.

Subs Not Used: Fulop, Olsson, Odemwingie, Thorne.

Booked: Thomas.

Goals: Fortune 54.

Norwich: Steer, Martin, Whitbread, Ayala, Drury, Bennett, Crofts, Fox, Pilkington (Lappin 75),Hoolahan (Jackson 65), Holt (Wilbraham 65).

Subs Not Used: Ruddy, Johnson, Barnett, Tierney.

Booked: Holt, Martin, Ayala.

Goals: Holt 35, Jackson 85.

Att: 17,434

Ref: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).

But the real Norwich hero was 19-year-old debutant goalkeeper Jed Steer who made several fine saves.

His efforts enabled Norwich to complete a quickfire double after their Barclays Premier League win by the same scoreline at the Hawthorns a fortnight ago.

West Brom did the initial pressing in this contest but it was 21 minutes before the first meaningful action of the game.

Steer did well to turn a fierce half-volley from Jerome Thomas against the bar from a Gonzalo Jara Reyes centre.

James Morrison linked up well with Graham Dorrans on the edge of the Norwich box but the home captain dragged his eventual shot wide.

West Brom were looking the more likely to break the deadlock and Fortune was just too high with a near post glancing header from a Dorrans corner.

Thomas continued to pose a threat but was yellow-carded after half an hour for a mistimed challenge on Russell Martin.

In a rare Norwich attack, Dawson produced a fine tackle on Grant Holt inside the box as he prepared to shoot.

But after 35 minutes Holt put the Canaries in front from a rapid counter-attack.

Wes Hoolahan played in Elliott Bennett who lost marker Joe Mattock down the right, and his low centre was turned home at close range by the alert Holt.

The visitors took confidence from the breakthrough and Ben Foster had to deal with Whitbread's downward header from a David Fox corner.

Hodgson opted for a half-time switch, with central defender Gareth McAuley replacing Jara Reyes.
He also moved Cox into a central attacking role alongside Fortune.

In front: Grant Holt scores the opening goal against West Brom

In front: Grant Holt scores the opening goal against West Brom

The pair quickly linked up, with Cox having a shot deflected over the bar from Fortune's low centre.
Then after 54 minutes Fortune brought Albion level.

Thomas was the creator, skipping past the challenge of Russell Martin before getting to the byline and picking out the unmarked Fortune who drilled his shot past Steer.

Holt became the first Norwich player to be booked, for a challenge on Youssouf Mulumbu after an hour.

Level pegging: Marc Antoine Fortune scored the equaliser for the home side

Level pegging: Marc Antoine Fortune scored the equaliser for the home side

Martin followed him into referee Martin Oliver's notebook for bringing down Fortune.

West Brom continued to dominate and Dawson's shot was only just too high from a quickly-taken Dorrans free-kick.

Foster had to be alert to deal with a deflected Fox drive in a rare Norwich attack.

Delight: Jackson scores to send Norwich into the fifth round

Delight: Jackson scores to send Norwich into the fifth round

West Brom substitute Shane Long was instantly brought down by Daniel Ayala who was booked for the challenge.

With five minutes left a mistake by Dawson presented Jackson with the winner.

Dawson was dispossessed inside his own box and Jackson needed no second invitation to drill a low shot past Foster into the far corner of the net.

Steer turned aside a Long header to prevent an equaliser with a minute remaining. Then in injury-time he repeated his heroics to block a shot from Mattock.