In the circumstances there’s little doubt that yesterday’s point was one gained rather than two lost. It’s ironic therefore that despite the stirring performance City still found themselves edging that little bit closer to the danger zone – Wigan’s predictable late-season surge ensuring a nervous finish for those in the bottom half.
Even so, we still have much to be proud of.
The dignity displayed by Chris Hughton and Russell Martin in the direct aftermath of yesterday’s draw at the Stadium of Light was exemplary. Both – courtesy of some finely tuned media training and years of press-handling – handled the naturally leading questions with grace and courtesy, and gave not even a hint of the sense of injustice that surely must have prevailed.
One can only imagine Sir Alex in the same circumstances. The chewing gum wouldn’t have been alone in taking a real pasting once the referee and his assistants had been fixed in his sights. And as for the post-match press conference… there wouldn’t have been one, unless Mike Phelan had been prepared to again act as a second-rate stand-in.
Forgive me for having only the slightest modicum of sympathy for Nani, Sir Alex and co following the Real Madrid ‘incident’, but I’m fairly sure that 99 per cent of football fans outside the red half of Manchester allowed themselves a “now you know how it feels” moment as the debate raged.
And that gut-wrenching feeling that so upset poor Fergie came back to haunt us all yesterday… again.
Yet, on the same day that two players from that little club down the road appeared in court accused of violence related offences, City’s management and players emerge unscathed and reputations intact – enhanced even – following another hard-to-swallow dose of controversy.
No barn-storming on to the pitch either at half-time or the final whistle (or both) to confront the referee, his assistants, opposing players or the opposition’s coaching staff. No thinly veiled “I’d like to say what I really think, but I’ll get in trouble” comments. No sour grape refusals to speak with the media.
Instead, measured, calm and dignified responses to questioning around the three big incidents; the players clearly taking the lead from the gaffer who – despite a quiet, unassuming exterior – clearly has a burning desire to do his very best and what’s right for Norwich City Football Club. Hughton’s clenched fist salute and the reciprocal response from the travelling masses further evidence that the dissenters are now a small, albeit vocal, minority.
For his part in proceedings, Chris Foy now finds himself added to that ever growing list of those deemed to have ‘wronged’ the yellow and green. Step forward Eddie Ilderton, Andy D’Urso, Michael Oliver and Mark Clattenburg. Apologies to those I’ve missed.
Dignity and composure aside, there is also little doubt that City’s backs to the wall heroics were the upshot of problems of their own making.
If Michael Turner’s header had been sufficiently ‘beefy’ to nestle in the grateful arms of Mark Bunn, instead of dropping well short of the penalty area, there would have been no necessity for the City keeper to charge out of his box. While 24 hours later it’s still not conclusive whether the ball struck Bunn on his chest or upper arm, it is clear that the blameless Bunn’s actions gave Foy a decision to make. Whether we like it or not, 37,000 screaming, baying Mackems are hard to ignore when borderline decisions are required.
Similarly, when that ball skipped up off the Stadium of Light pitch and brushed Sebastien Bassong’s left arm referee Foy and his assistant had a decision to make… the screaming Mackems again coming into play. That Steven Fletcher looked suspiciously offside when the through ball was played is a different matter altogether – but a flag from the referee’s assistant would have negated the need for a decision on the Bassong handball.
Either way – as harsh as it is on Turner and Bassong, who both responded to the challenge magnificently – both incidents were avoidable. Take those out of the equation and eleven v eleven City looked a decent bet for only their second away win of the season; Hoolahan – his goal aside – looking far more like the Wes of old, twisting and turning his way around the cumbersome Black Cats rearguard.
Even with ten men there remained a feeling there was still a goal in it for City; a gut feel that a chance would come their way. When it arrived of course Grant Holt’s second touch was heavier than he would have liked and gave Mignolet a chance to smother the chance; the keeper’s non-reaction to Holt’s challenge possibly saving him from a fate worse than yellow.
THE incident of the second half has already been discussed to near death. That Danny Rose was inside the penalty area when he handled Martin’s cross is not in doubt; that referee Foy and his assistant screwed up the decision in front of said 37,000 Mackems is also not in doubt.
So, a point for City when three were there for the taking, but credit all-round for another gutsy effort from the boys in yellow.
Credit too for the way they handled themselves in the most trying of circumstances.
Norwich City may not be the best, the richest or the luckiest, but I can think of few occasions when I’ve been more proud to support them.
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That is why they will never coach Manchester United. They do not have eanough hunger in themselves.And i thing you are just jealous of what Sir Alex has achieved. You hate his braveness and success.
Stopped reading this crock after the 2nd paragraph. Your anti united bias has coloured your view to such an extent that its pointless.
Excellent stuff Mr Gowers, although it was Danny Rose and not Michael….
Do you realy think Norwich is Man UTD. Do you think that it is the same job coaching Norwich and coaching UTD. NO IT IS NOT. The one is the start and the one is where you end up but only if you are good, that is if you are Sir Alex.
Not sure why half-wit Manc fans are reading this article, but injustice in football doesnt matter whether you are non-league or Man Utd, refs should be unbiased.
Jealous of Man U ha ha , you really are so far up yr own ar5es, go back to reading yr manc sites and buy a satnav you may find where they play then coz i`ll bet my bottom dollar none of you ever go !!!!
Tim Dawson, you are correct about the injustice doesnt matter and I am a United fan who doesnt need a sat-nav as I am from Manchester and a season ticket holder.
However good the article or its sentiment maybe it is always an easy target to aim it at United, what about the outbursts from Benitez, the non appearance due to upset by Mancini and a long list of others. What pisses off the united fans is that when an article is written which has the basis of a good argument is that it is easy to have a pop at United
Paul i respect the fact you actually go and maybe the article does single out United, probably because you are the biggest club in the world and although i admire Fergies passion and what he has done at United, he does set himself up for a bit of stick.
I took offence at the comments of Barry ( one of yr moron fans ) the Billy big boots attitude doesnt sit well with us ( smaller clubs !)
Totally inane bunch of crap. What the hell is it with people and their hatred for us, it makes me laugh. Saddo must sit there dreaming up shit to spout about United. Great answer Paul Leighton as well… I too am from and still live in Manchester and have been going to Old Trafford since the mid 70’s. another tired cliche eh from the haters that we’re not from Manchester and never go. As for why I’m reading this crap, I use a site called Newsnow which pulls in stories from all over the web to do with United.
Fail to see where its mentioned anywhere about Man utd fans not being from Manchester, must be a sore point eh?
Tho what that has to do with anything i dont know, im not from Norwich, in fact 272 miles away but still attend 15-20 games a season.
OK guys thanks for the comments. Will make a mental note for the future… *never criticise Sir Alex and/or anyone remotely connected with Man Utd*. Not permitted.
Well at least you know people are reading your articles Gary 😉 , and for the record we dont all hate United, i for one am delighted you will win the premiership and not City……..
fine stuff indeed. The Man Utd contributors are confusing your comments about Fergie’s inability to be a classy,elegant and examplary loser with some perceived anti Manchester United FC prejudice. I am committed to Norwich city. And I love watching Manchester United for whom I have the greatest possible admiration; except that that Fergie represents them as really bad, sour losers: the sort of people you would hate to play against at darts, pool or golf. And showing the sort of lack of sportsmanship you would pray that your children would never exhibit. He sets a really bad example.
Anyway : grand piece ; no fair thinking man could really object; Thank you more please
Thanks Lindsay… much appreciated
Man U fans responding like Man U fans.Is Manchester an irony free zone?