You'd think a home game against a side who were in the Premiership last season would be a big occasion. Instead, there seemed a lot of apathy around. We played well today. When we had the ball, admittedly not often enough, we used it well and put together some great moves. It was a game of few chances on both sides, and despite Norwich's possession, they rarely threatened.
The big complaint was about City 'Sitting back' (again). While it was true, it was understandable. Norwich had 4 potent strikers on the pitch and the pace of Earnshaw. We defended deep to counter the threat of pace and it worked. Our wingers worked hard to counter the threat of the Norwich wide men and that worked too. Safri had too much time on the ball, but it was generally in deep positions and we kept a good shape. It was a very strong away type performance. Jon Parkin should have scored to make it 2-0 which would have sealed the game. As it was, we lost the 3 points at the end with what looked like a Stuart Elliott own goal after a scramble in the box. We didn't sit back that much. We were working hard to stop supply to the strikers and it was only at the end when Norwich forced 3 corners that we looked in trouble. PT's 11-men back tactic divides fans. It didn't really work today because the ball was coming back too quickly. However, after the 2 disasters from corners at Norwich, this was a big improvement.
Bo was safe as houses as usual, and had no chance with the goal. France was quick and dealt admirably with Huckerby after a shaky start. Huckerby resorted to diving and fouling after France and Ellison snuffed him out. Delaney was reliable, but Norwich rarely attacked down our left. Cort was a rock again and scored a great goal. He really needs to use the ball better at times. Collins was stupid. He was pulled up several times for climbing on people. A couple of them, once in the first half which was blatant and one on Earnshaw (3ft 2" tall) were very silly.
Andrews is an old fashioned schemer. His set piece delivery was terrific and he spots passes that no-one else would. Welsh worked hard, shimmied, swerved and tackled hard. As a pair they were forced further and further back as we lost control of the ball. It suits neither of them and led to them disappearing from the game. Both are strong in possession; they aren't at their best when they are chasing. Ellison and Elliott were asked to do a job going backwards and they did it well. Not the prettiest going forward, but an effective performance. Up front, Duffy ran himself into the ground but snatched at his pair of chances, while Parkin held the ball up brilliantly before he tired.
Norwich are a quality side. Like Southampton and Wolves, they are nowhere near the position they should be in the table. They play nice football, never panic, threaten on the ground, in the air, through the middle and out wide. A lot of people are underestimating these sides because they are languishing in mid-table. It puts unnecessary pressure on the boys and creates unrealistic expectation. Today was a good point ahead of a tough week. It matched what Crewe did and put another point between us and Millwall and Brighton. We'll be just fine, but we are nowhere near a team who can outplay a Norwich side that cost millions and millions of pounds to put together. Today, we played to our strengths and played a sensible game. Only a good save stopped it being a dream result.
Ratings: Bo 7, France 7, Delaney 7, Cort 7, Collins 6, Ellison 7, Elliott 7, Andrews 7, Welsh 8, Duffy 6 (Fagan), Parkin 7.