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Law of averages said that one aerial bomb would fall Potters' way. In the end, it was two…

2nd December 2007 By theexpert Leave a Comment

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I had warned beforehand that it wasn't exactly the wisest of ideas to think that as a result of back-to-back victories over Coventry and Blackpool last week that City were now the finished article.

Granted, no-one could deny that the Canaries had looked a completely different outfit in those particular games to the one that had puzzlingly failed to deliver in the vast majority of their previous matches this season.

But with the greatest of respects to the two aforementioned teams, neither is really an ideal yardstick with which to judge whether or not City has got what it takes to turn this season around from what was fast developing into a nailed-on relegation battle into more of an enjoyable ride in mid-table.

Stoke, away from home, though is a different story.

Again, not a side that you would expect to be contesting one of the automatic promotion places next May, but nevertheless a considerably different proposition than Blackpool were in mid-week and a team that plays a very direct game, is very physical and one that has genuine chances of finishing in the play-offs this season.

As it transpired though, much like at Blackpool in mid-week Norwich were very much on top in the first-half, with Glenn Roeder's readjusted 4-5-1 formation paying dividends.

The Canaries' three central midfielders ? Russell, Pattison and Fotheringham ?completely out-played the two-men Stoke boss Tony Pulis had deployed to contest the midfield battle, and with Huckerby continuing where he left off at Blackpool and looking back to his most threatening best once again, and Dion Dublin using every once of his experience to bring his team-mates into the game when City were attacking, it meant that another away win for the Canaries was certainly within their grasp.

After the half-time break though – and, no-doubt, a verbal lashing for the Stoke players from Pulis to the effect of pulling their fingers out and playing more to their strengths ? it became a different ball game.

Now it was Norwich who were on the ropes and having to defend an aerial bombardment from the home side who had abandoned the idea of trying to outplay Norwich on the floor, and resorted instead to attempting to do what they do best by sticking the ball in the box, in the air – and at every opportunity.

And it ultimately paid off.

To their credit, the Canaries looked up for the challenge, but unfortunately the sheer number of occasions when they were forced to contest aerial deliveries eventually took its toll.

The 6ft 5in giant Mamady Sidibe became the focal point of Stoke's attacks, and although the Canaries coped quite well with his considerable presence, they didn't do likewise with some of his team-mates.

And with very little now coming back at them, it allowed the home side to pile on the pressure.

Both Stoke's goals came from set-pieces and Norwich not marking effectively enough.

?Sloppy? goals, so to speak ? and bitterly disappointing too after such an encouraging first-half.

It's obviously not ideal for the Canaries to have come away empty-handed on Saturday from a game that they should have had something to show for their efforts.

But if they can continue from now on in the sort of form they have produced in these last three matches, then we can rest assured that more victories won't be too far away.

Ultimately disappointing, but plenty of encouraging signs too it has to be said.


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