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Be interesting to see how City fare when they do discover third and fourth gear

24th August 2007 By theexpert Leave a Comment

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Just prior to kick-off on the opening day of the season two weeks ago, I think that had any of us been offered a situation whereby the Canaries were still unbeaten with four points in the bank from their opening two league games and having cruised through the first round of the Carling Cup, we'd have taken it like a shot.

It's an excellent start to the campaign for City, without a doubt.

A resolute draw away from home at Preston and back-to-back home wins in the league and the cup is certainly not to be scoffed at, but the most encouraging thing of all is that there is still plenty of room for improvement.

City haven't hit top gear yet by any stretch of the imagination, having only really played on the front foot and by taking the game to the opposition for about an hour by my reckoning ? 30 minutes against Barnet and likewise against Southampton.

Of course, it is only fair to highlight that City no longer look a soft touch at the back and likely to concede with every opposition attack in the manner that saw them ship no less than 15 goals in the last eight games last season. But looking at things at the other end of the pitch you would certainly hope that there's more to come.

When Darren Huckerby eventually returns to the starting line-up, City's attacking dynamics will alter considerably.

We all know what he's capable of, and he alone will add points to the board, but until his return the team must be looking to show that they can get by without him by chalking up more victories.

It will be interesting to see how the Canaries approach the game at Hull tomorrow.

While it was understandable why Peter Grant opted for a more solid and defensive line-up on the opening day of the season at Preston – quite rightly tailoring his side not to get off to the worst possible start by being adventurous yet ultimately being beaten ? will his thinking alter now that things are moving along nicely?

City don't have to throw caution to the wind trying to chase victory tomorrow ? indeed another goalless draw would rightly have to be viewed as a successful afternoon's work ? but there's certainly scope for improving the attacking impetus evident at Preston while still maintaining the defensive capabilities of the side.

Lee Croft caught the eye with his energy and running against Southampton last week although he needs to target delivering more quality into the box at the end of a run or dribble – much in the manner he did when providing Jamie Cureton with the ammunition to grab his second goal against the Saints.

His partnership with the ever-willing Jon Otsemobor seems to be developing nicely, and if the two can continue to progress their understanding they could be a powerful force down that right side of the team.

As for Cureton himself, well, even the most cautious of City fans that might have had reservations about his arrival in the summer must surely have had those doubts removed after his scoring exploits in these last two home games?

Just like his first touch, a player never lose his finishing ability even when the legs and lungs start to waiver, but considering that the new darling of the Barclay never had pace or stamina in abundance in the first place, I'd suggest that even though he's now into his 30s, his technique and goalscoring ability is just as good as at any time during his career.

Cureton wasn't present at Deepdale two weeks ago, but he should be tomorrow, so let's hope to see an increase in City's attacking momentum in order to see him being regularly involved in the action.


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loodofsquit Kris G @loodofsquit ·
57m

Granted I no longer go to #ncfc matches, and I’m all for atmosphere at the football. However, what’s with the term ‘elite’? Alluding to one group of fans being better than the other! I’m sure it’s not meant like that but it is what it is

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norwichcityfc Norwich City FC @norwichcityfc ·
1h

🇮🇪 Andy O starts for the Republic of Ireland tonight 👇

#NCFC

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champchatpod24 The Championship Chat Podcast @champchatpod24 ·
1h

Norwich City stumbled their way to the international break, picking up just two points from their last three matches. 😬

Despite that, the Canaries are only three points behind sixth-placed Millwall. 👀

Canaries fans, will you finish inside the play-off places? 🤔

#CCP | #NCFC

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neilhall Neil @neilhall ·
1h

Sad to see #socceram getting axed after 30 years. It was fun to be a part of it with #ncfc in 2007.

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loodofsquit Kris G @loodofsquit ·
1h

With us suspending our strike action, it now means it’ll be easier for #ncfc fans to attend the Sheffield United game. Sorry 😉

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