Elliott Bennett appears the exception to the general rule right now. Whether you accept the premise or not, Norwich City's displays since beating Tottenham on Easter Monday have carried little of the vibrancy which has marked out the refreshing way they attacked the job of staying in the Premier League.

Manchester City proved too strong after being held at bay for large periods. Blackburn were able to cruise to Ewood Park victory, courtesy of defensive charity and a lacklustre response to adversity. Here was more of the same. Liverpool toyed with the Canaries for the majority. Steven Gerrard dominated midfield. Luis Suarez harangued a City defence which has suffered more than most in recent weeks.

Elliott Bennett's form is one of the few positive themes from the same period. The ex-Brighton man is finishing the season stronger than most of his team mates. Again in a losing cause and with City on the back foot throughout he tried to threaten. Bennett started nominally down the right but a sign perhaps of his growing confidence and maturity was his willingness to move inside looking for meaningful work.

Pepe Reina's only significant save of note came early in the second period to beat away his long range hit. Bennett's radar was off when he tried to repeat the trick before returning to the flank to tee up a late chance for James Vaughan to strike Jamie Carragher.