Wes Hoolahan appears to relish the opportunity to showcase his wares against the best calibre opposition in the Premier League.

Norwich City's midfielder was excellent against Arsenal in last season's 3-3 draw at the Emirates and no less influential in that season-defining home win over the Gunners at Carrow Road earlier on in this current campaign which ended on such an uplifting note in Manchester.

In the hustle and bustle of regular midfield combat, Hoolahan can sometimes struggle to extricate himself from the tight confines and pressing of opponents who clearly know the threat he carries. In amongst the artists instead of the less-refined artisans, Hoolahan enjoys space to roam free.

Norwich started on the front foot at the Etihad but Hoolahan was the ace in the pack, the general directing operations. Robert Snodgrass and Grant Holt were both indebted to his cunning and weight of pass in the early skirmishes.

The first goal had more than a passing resemblance to his double act with Anthony Pilkington that had helped sink Wigan on home soil before Christmas. Hoolahan's persistence diverted the ball towards Pilkington who did the rest from 16 yards. Norwich's second owed everything to the Irishman's ability to drop a ball at the feet of Snodgrass, who picked out Holt beautifully.