Norwich City and Middlesbrough play out a goalless draw after Norwich fail to register a shot on target for the first time this season. 

Emi Buendia was sent off after 66 minutes for a second bookable offense but Neil Warnock's men couldn't capitalise even with an extra man. 

• Story of the match

Norwich started the game in their usual fast style and it didn't take them long to threaten the Boro goal. The Canaries created their best opportunity of the half just seven minutes in when space opened up for Mario Vrancic after some lovely footwork, but his right-footed shot was dragged wide of the target from 15 yards out.

For the next 20 minutes, Norwich settled into the game and started moving the ball quickly, getting into some very positive attacking positions. 

Teemu Pukki, Todd Cantwell and Emi Buendia combined well on several occasions but their final ball lacked quality and never caused Middlesbrough any real threat.

As the half went on, Neil Warnock's men started growing into the game, looking dangerous on the counter-attack and they started winning the ball much higher up the pitch. 

Whilst neither goalkeeper had any strenuous work to do, Norwich's Lukas Rupp came close with a header after 25 minutes but aside from that, resolute defending from both sides prevented any clear cut chances for either side in the first half. 

Middlesbrough ended the half the stronger of the two teams after a quick start from the Canaries. Warnock's side looked much more comfortable in possession and were a real threat from set-pieces, forcing Norwich to defend in numbers as the half came to a close. 

The second half started in a similar fashion to the first. Norwich came out of the blocks quickly and looked to attack at pace, but again, they lacked quality in the final third. 

Around the hour mark, the game became surprisingly open and end to end for a five minute period as both teams looked dangerous in attacks where they overloaded each other.

In the 66th minute, Norwich's midfield maestro, Buendia was shown a red card after a second yellow. A late challenge towards the end of the first half put him on a knife-edge, then another needless slide tackle saw him collide with Boro's George Saville and Keith Stroud gave him his marching orders. 

After the sending off the tide had turned in the game as Middlesbrough tried to make use of their extra number and they began to pile the pressure on Norwich. 

Middlesbrough captain Jonny Howson had a header from a corner that was easily saved and a curling effort from 20 yards that went straight over. Marc Bola had a long-range drive, but apart from that, Boro, too, did not have anything clear cut, credit to some strong Canaries defending.  

In the closing stages, Boro looked the more likely as Norwich boss, Daniel Farke made three defensive changes but despite their best efforts, Warnock's men could not break the deadlock.

Next up for the Canaries is a trip to London as they face Millwall. Middlesbrough welcome Brentford to the Riverside as both sides will be hoping to go one better in their next fixture. 

• Stand out player

Jonny Howson - Middlesbrough

Howson, had an excellent game this afternoon, he was the catalyst to getting Middlesbrough higher up the pitch. His reading of the game was top drawer and on a number of occasions, Howson winning back possession started some dangerous Boro counter attacks.

He also attended to his defensive duties, as Norwich failed to register a shot on target all game. He and his defensive unit today were a real stand out. 

• Takeaways from the match

Middlesbrough are excellent defensively 

Middlesbrough have now kept 10 clean sheets so far this season after today's game. Centre-halves, Dael Fry and Patrick McNair have struck a resounding partnership which has proved difficult for many teams to break down. 

Norwich were not their usual selves

For the first time this season, Norwich failed to have a shot on target and they lacked their usual creative spark. Cantwell and Pukki were quiet and Buendia's sending off meant they were lost for idea's in the attacking department this afternoon. They will hope this is just a blip and not something that will last. 

Buendia must be more disciplined

The Argentine now has three yellow and two red cards so far this season. His ability is undeniable and his importance to this Norwich team has proved significant so far this season. Missing games because of needless sending off's could affect Norwich's pursuit of promotion and it is vital that he remains available for as many fixtures as possible.