Norwich will be wondering how many more minutes they can get from Youssouf Mulumbu, who ha been a rock for the Canaries. The former West Brom man is just back from injury.

Image source, PA

Chris Bevan
BBC Sport at Etihad Stadium

There were a few howls of frustration from the home fans when Manchester City went through a spell of about five misplaced passes in a row, but the tone is still more encouraging than critical as they watch their team try to break Norwich down.

For example, a booming voice behind me keeps shouting "wakey wakey City" but, so far, the players have not responded. It seems they are waiting for someone to make something happen - will Raheem Sterling be that man?

Robbie Brady gets on the front foot for Norwich and forces Fernandinho into some indecision. He panics a tad and bangs it out for a corner.

Man City counter though, with Raheem Sterling carrying the ball, and it ends with a looping, wide effort from Yaya Toure.

A goal for Man City is even more pressing, with Arsenal a goal up at Swansea and now top of the league.

Raheem Sterling makes his first mark in the game, clipping in a cross from the left, but it's an easy take for John Ruddy,

Time for the introduction of this man, as Man City look for something to unlock this Norwich organisation.

Raheem Sterling comes on for Kelechi Iheanacho.

Image source, Reuters

An opening for Man City. Wilfried Bony is about to pull the trigger but Seb Bassong flies in with a superb challenge. Kevin De Bruyne picks up the scraps but whacks it wide.

Norwich have actually had a slice of the possession this half, and Robbie Brady has a chance to get in a good cross. But it's the opposite of a good cross and straight at Joe Hart.

I might just start making up stuff there's so little happening. Would you believe me if I said there was a unicorn the pitch?

It's testament to Norwich's resilience though.

It's Norwich who make the brighter start as Nathan Redmond bursts down the middle. But he just fails to put in Alex Tettey.

Second half is underway. Can we expect goals. I bloomin hope so.

Norwich have made a change - Matt Jarvis, who picked up a knock, is replaced by Nathan Redmond.

Image source, Reuters

Norwich's Youssouf Mulumbu made six tackles in that first half - twice as many as anyone else on the pitch.

Chris Bevan
BBC Sport at Etihad Stadium

The cheers from the Norwich fans when Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany put a simple pass straight out of play just before half-time aptly sum up the first 45 minutes, which have been extremely frustrating from the home side's point of view - they have had almost all of the ball, but have done very little with it thanks to the Canaries' defensive discipline.

Alex Neil gave a little leap in the air in anger when Cameron Jerome failed to react when Joe Hart played the ball short from a goal kick but, other than that, his side have followed his instructions to the letter.

This graphic gives you an idea how that first half looked. Only two Man City players have spent most of their time in their own half. Only two Norwich players have spent most of their time in the opposition half.

Image source, Opta

Not too much to see here folks. A couple of decent chances for Wilfried Bony. But Matty Jarvis came close for Norwich too, who have earned their 45-minute clean sheet.

If you were to describe Norwich as parking the bus - and that would be a bit harsh - it would be a bus with leather seats, a luxury on-board bathroom and TVs in the back of the headrests. It's a classy bus.

You know what this game lacks? Urgency.

Well, it lacks goals, obviously. But also urgency.

From the corner Vincent Kompany comes close. He connects with a falling-over-stooping header that squirms wide.

Odd chance for Man City as Kevin De Bruyne is all on his own six yards out to get a header to a dinked Yaya Toure through ball. He can only loop it upwards though, and when Wilfried Bony nods it back to him, the Belgian is offside.

Image source, Reuters

Other than that show of respect, the crowd have been pretty muted. It's almost like they expect to bulldoze this Norwich side. The Canaries have been organised. Very organised.

Image source, Getty Images

Chris Sutton
Former Norwich striker on Final Score

"It's interesting the way Norwich have set up with Brady, a left footer, at right back, probably to try and counter the threat of De Bruyne. Importantly they got through the first 15 minutes without conceding, now they're getting a little bit of confidence and occasionally posing a threat."