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Another blank against the Villa as City struggle to make the most out of an afternoon of decent possession

21st September 2013 By Gary Gowers 16 Comments

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Lambert must love returning to Carrow Road. It seems that whatever happens on the pitch, whether it be good, bad or indifferent, the outcome is the same.

And to make it worse, it’s become the norm to such an extent we just accept it. Lambert turns up at his old hunting ground and wins… that’s just how it is… or at least how it seems.

Worse still, despite our fears around facing up to the pace and power of Agbonlahor and Benteke, it was City’s lack of invention and sharpness in the final third that was to be their undoing. On this particular occasion there was no specific issue with their share of possession – the BBC think we had 64 per cent – and the passing, while not perfect, was infinitely better than seven days ago.

But same result.

The attacking intention was made clear with Chris Hughton’s line-up – Bradley Johnson’s defensive capabilities making way for the more attacking intentions of Jonny Howson – and, but for a fraught opening five minutes, few could argue City didn’t play the game on the front.

That City emerged from those frantic opening exchanges with no goals conceded was thanks largely to a couple of inspired stops by John Ruddy and the intervention of an upright, but having survived them they then spurned the a perfect opportunity to get their noses ahead.

We’ll allow the Match of the Day boys to unpick whether or not Chris Foy was right to penalise Ciaran Clark for handball, but what followed was neither big nor clever. Gift horses don’t come much bigger than a penalty award on 6 minutes, in front of the Barclay, against ‘Lambert’s lot’, but for it to pass in such profligate fashion was crushing in the extreme.

We’ve all missed penalties – happens all the time – but when it’s missed by someone who you’ve never seen take a penalty before, and followed a ‘squabble’ with a proficient and costly penalty taker who clearly wanted to take it, it irks a little.

With Hughton’s current iteration clearly struggling to create chances in open play, penalties simply have to be buried. Yes, Guzan excelled himself, but having guessed right it was the perfect height to be saved.

Little did we realise however that we’d have to wait another 82 minutes to see the American make another save in anger – his tip over the bar from Gary Hooper’s effort out of the very top drawer – with the intervening hour and 22 minutes seeing him largely employed as a catcher of mis-hit or lame, hopeful crosses.

Naturally the anti-brigade have been mobilised again, Canary Call affording them a mouthpiece that was grabbed with gusto, but – on this occasion at least – it wasn’t the negative approach that came under scrutiny. Instead, his ability to get the most out of what most agree to be a decent squad has now come into the spotlight; his decision to replace Nathan Redmond with Anthony Pilkington while ignoring an out-of-sorts afternoon for Snodgrass of particular interest.

Certainly the boos that accompanied the withdrawal of Redmond told a story of their own; the City boss defending his decision afterwards in conversation with BBC Radio Norfolk’s Chris Goreham, citing that the greater threat – in his view – as coming down City’s right flank.

What is certain is that the manager is currently struggling to get the best out of Ricky van Wolfswinkel; the Dutchman joining Snodgrass in the ‘out of sorts’ camp. No lack of effort, no lack of desire, but an inability at the moment to be in the right place at the right time and to be able to live with the power and intensity of the Premier League.

Early days still of course – at least it is the overall scheme of things – and nothing that a goal won’t put right, but our most expensive signing looks to be finding life a little tough right now. He just needs a tap-in to fall his way… or a penalty. And he also needs some quality service.

Despite City enjoying the majority of possession clear cut chances were still few and far between and I lost count of the number of times City worked the ball around to create a decent crossing position only for the final ball to be either over-hit or failing to beat the first defender. Even the excellent Leroy Fer wasn’t exempt from this affliction with his superb second half interception and charge through the inside-left channel ending with a cross into open space.

A little unfair perhaps to single our Fer who was colossal from minute one and – Guzan aside – was the best player on the pitch; for him to end on the losing side was an injustice. After last week’s poor show at the Lane, Fer – above all others – showed just what he is capable of and provided Hughton with one huge positive to build on.

Alas, however hard I try and dress it up we’ve drawn a blank for the third time in our five league games and afforded Villa their first clean sheet in 26 attempts. For good measure it’s worth throwing into the mix that, despite all the promises and bluster, the Villains actually looked a fairly ordinary side today.

And that’s the bit that hurts; even more than the sight of you-know-who striding across the pitch at the end with a smug grin and a clenched fist.


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Comments

  1. robstone says

    21st September 2013 at 6:29 pm

    Watching NCFC today was a frustrating experience.We showed no passion,lacked ideas when we had the ball,and to top it we missed a penalty even then Snodgrass was’nt down to take it.I am an armchair NCFC fan supported the canaries for 25 years,seen the ups seen the downs,but unfortunately if Hughton continues to be our manager for the next 3 months we will go down.So if i was Mr Mcnally and Dame Delia i would say thanks for your effort Mr Hughton,you are fired.Who we get as a replacement i don’t know…..

    Reply
  2. Paul says

    21st September 2013 at 7:17 pm

    The only thing consistent about City this year is we are playing badly, especially in front of goal. What is so frustrating is our players are better than this, but, and it’s a big but, everyone seems to be of one mind that for Hughton attack is a dirty word.
    Today BBC said we had one shot in target, I reckon it was two but either way that is very standard for us. Maybe Howson played more offensively, but we never hit the target more than once or twice a game. That’s why I worry dreadfully for Norwich this year. If you never shoot you will never win. Both home and away Norwich have to learn that attacking is a necessary evil. Don’t pretend we attacked today because the stats show very clearly we didn’t, we simply held the ball a little better, that’s all.

    Reply
  3. Russell S, says

    21st September 2013 at 8:16 pm

    DON’T PANIC! Of course, I’m as frustrated by the style (or lack of) we’ve shown up to now as everyone else but just to say get rid of CH and have no suggestions for who you think may do a better job (comment 1) is feeble.
    In terms of cold, hard points, we have 1 more than last year after 5 games and just 1 less than when under PL. Our results against S’ton and Everton look better and better with their wins today.
    Win at Stoke (unlikely I know) and we’d shoot up about 10 places e.g. it’s too early to start calling for changes at the top. If only we could play Sunderland at home.

    Reply
  4. Norwich fan says

    21st September 2013 at 8:25 pm

    Can’t agree that RVW is ‘out of sorts’. Watching his play closely since the Everton game, he is very often ghosting – superbly – into unmarked positions around ten yards from goal when our players are attacking inside left and right. But without exception they fail to spot him and either drive the ball at the keeper or cross high rather than cut the ball back five or ten yards to RVW.

    We have to play players who will match and compliment his movement. Hoolahan is one of these. Pilkington another. Snodgrass keeps possession well but his delivery is consistently poor. We will never know about Howson until he’s played in his proper position. Hughton has the players at his disposal but rarely picks the best XI.

    Reply
  5. Keith B says

    21st September 2013 at 9:08 pm

    I think today was the day that a lot of fans may have realised that things aren’t what they thought.

    Before today our problems were supposedly all about Hughton’s negative tactics. Today they weren’t negative; we had far more of the play than Villa. But they scored, we didn’t.

    And then there was the Hooper situation. “Hooper is on the bench, so he must be fit, so he should be starting” that was the logic. Because Hooper is the greatest thing since sliced bread, or at least since Ricky Van W. And obviously he is a match winner.

    So obviously when Hooper finally comes on everything would change for the better. Really?

    No, what today showed was that we may have spent a lot of money by our standards, we may even have spent it well, we’ll see. But many of our rivals spent as much, if not more, but they probably spent it better.

    There are two things that leap out from today’s game that worry me more than anything else. Both revolve around the missed penalty.

    Incredible as it seems the penalty taker had not been decided in advance. Hughton “expected” RvW to take it. But clearly it wasn’t a firm instruction. It should have been. Hughton has a reputation as a nice guy; there’s nothing wrong with being a nice manager as long as you don’t sacrifice being assertive. There should have been no question as to who would take it.

    And then there’s Snodgrass apparently usurping RvW. Snodgrass had a great season last year. The trouble is he seems to believe his own publicity. He’s taken to falling over, demanding dubious free kicks, as if he’s a Messi or Suarez. He seems to see himself as Mr infallible Dead Ball – but as the R5 Live commentators pointed out his delivery was poor.

    He also likes a bit of aggro. Well, with the opposition or even the ref that may be fine. But once it starts with team mates you are in big trouble.

    Somehow Hughton needs to rediscover his assertive side – and I’m sure he has one – and get young Snodgrass back on track. And sooner rather than later.

    Reply
  6. CyprusCanary says

    21st September 2013 at 11:22 pm

    I can’t help but yet again be frustrated after today’s performance. As already stated we seriously lack threat and creativity in the final third. Despite long spells of possession and easy passing we failed to break down a average side who haven’t kept a clean sheet in 26 games. I know its early in the season but the warning signs are already there. We fail to take our few chances and really need points against Stoke before we play Chelsea and Arsenal or bottom 3 reckons. Hope Bassong isn’t out for long and really hope Wolfswinkel finds form soon. Despite encouraging summer signings today showed we have a long season ahead. OTBC

    Reply
  7. peter divey says

    22nd September 2013 at 12:23 am

    prepare for the championship,worse team than last year,couldn’t hit a barn door.

    Reply
  8. KPG24UK says

    22nd September 2013 at 6:35 am

    I’m afraid, very afraid….
    To the above writer who is listing the improved points gained, i of course agree that we can look at it this way. Another way is that at home, Played 3 against Everton, Soton and Villa, Won 1, drawn won, lost 1. Away, well nil points. Hardly a ringing endorsement. The fanfare that followed our early summer transfers and the assumption that all would be fine has quickly gone. Cautious Chris is quickly learning that spending large sums brings responsibility. I for one, was always worried about the lack of chance creation. Last year we had Holty to bully defences whilst he went for an aimless cross. RVW and Hooper are not Holty, they need to have throughballs and quick crosses in space to succeed. Unfortunately, in my humble view, we failed to address the central attacking midfield. that different player that is not all about running hard for 90 mins. Alas i fear CH doesn’t see the game as i do. Managers have their levels and if we survive it will again be skin of teeth. Much as i like CH, a lovely guy etc, the confidence in them is disappearing quickly.
    A quick note on Snoddy, last 2 games he has hogged the limelight and had two arguments with his own players. I for one would drop him as frustration is growing for him and around him. Until he learns that by him running with the ball is slowing everything down, and him diving for a free kick suggests that set pieces are worked on far more than open play creativity, drop/rest him and give others a chance to be a star.

    Reply
  9. Lucky77 says

    22nd September 2013 at 8:01 am

    Couldn’t agree more Keith B – was very surprised to see Snodgrass step up for the pen, and it should have been an ideal opportunity for RvW to put us ahead and build his own confidence. No excuses for the players squabbling about it on the pitch.

    I’ve got a lot of time for Pilks, but he also showed his visible frustration with Garrido on two or three occasions after coming on.

    I feel there’s enough talent in the squad to keep us up, but there are worrying signs of a team where people aren’t pulling in the same direction – and that seems to be translated into a lack of coherence on the pitch. We’re benefited in recent seasons of being much more than the sum of our parts, but so far this season, it looks like we’ve upgraded the parts, but built a Robin Reliant rather than a Roller. We look like a team with three wheels, and Hughton needs to bang a few heads together if we have any hope of clicking into gear before we become entrenched at the bottom.

    Reply
  10. Pp says

    22nd September 2013 at 8:41 am

    KPG – spot on. We don’t create enough chances, because we don’t have enough bodies in and around the box so we never get good offensive possession. We did get down the flanks yesterday, but the passing was so laboured to get there, that hopeful crosses were easily cut out.

    RVW would thrive with the right service, but the team is not set up for that without people breaking from midfield – think shelvey’s assist on Monday. The 2 centre mids, whichever personnel they are, never run ahead of the ball. We aren’t good enough or adventurous enough to play with our full backs high up the pitch, so the wide men stay wide, and RVW is isolated. To have gone into the season without a proper target man to hit when plan A isn’t working, who might get the ball to stick in offensive areas, looks foolhardy in the extreme. Sort it out Mr Hughton, fast.

    Reply
  11. KPG24UK says

    22nd September 2013 at 3:23 pm

    Agree with most on here.
    Not questioning the desire or commitment, just the tactics and methodology behind the 4-4-1-1 with elmander behind the striker and the obvious rigid tactics.
    When all of the first 5 games have been a struggle and you can’t create chances in open play you have to ask questions, don’t you??? or are we meant to be happy being told “we’ll be ok in the end”
    please Mr Hughton, let the players PLAY!

    Reply
  12. Andy W says

    22nd September 2013 at 3:34 pm

    First things first; why wasn’t the penalty taker clearly nominated? This isn’t pub football, where the mouthiest guy gets to take it. Chris Hughton has been given a lot of money to spend and this amateur approach is alarming.

    I realise that a lot of people will be calling for Hughton’s head but I do think the signs are very bad for us. Yes, Hughton is a nice guy in what can sometimes be a nasty game, but he never seems able to get the team to take control of games. We are always playing catch up, seemingly more concerned about the quality of the opposition that our own approach to a game.

    At some stage this season Hughton is going to have to take responsibility for his approach and very likely our poor league position. The question is, how long does he have? This is the big boys league and for much of 2013, we have not looked like we really believe that we belong there.

    Reply
  13. sgncfc says

    22nd September 2013 at 3:45 pm

    I beg to differ about the service RVW is getting. True that away from home it’s been poor, but in the last two home games he has had several chances and missed them all. He had two very decent chances yesterday and didn’t get either on target – that isn’t what we paid £8.5m for. This isn’t Portugal or Holland – defences and goalkeepers are much, much better and unless he improves his chance conversion, he will be on the bench very soon. Hooper had one chance and brought a great save from Guzan. For me, Hooper is already the better striker and suits the way er play much better.

    Reply
  14. davidd says

    22nd September 2013 at 6:14 pm

    It’s about time CH learnt some man management and laid the law down on at least one player, who seems to think he’s a cut above the others, when in truth he’s a good Championship player, full stop, Snodgrass. I would have put 5 players in front of him to take the penalty and if reports are correct and RVW was the nominated taker, Snodgrass should be dropped next week, and where was the captain???
    In most games some of the players body language is awful, there it was again yesterday, my friend Snodgrass, part timer Pilkington having ago at Garrido, when if he looked in a mirror at some of the rubbish balls he plays, he might keep his mouth shut.
    My friend Snoddy and taking corners!! what the hell is the righthand salute he give before each one? Perhaps a different signal would mean each corner might be different, but of course he couldn’t give a different signal, because all the corners are the same.
    As for the balance of the team, CH must look closely at this, basically 2 wingers (not midfielders)are a luxury we can’t afford as the gap between front and back is massive. Most fans are right in wanting more attacking, ( the old saying is still the best, attack is the best form of defense )but we must have players who work their b……s off like Fey and Howson, when they go forward and the balls lost they get back, not like Snodgrass and Pilkington who’s heads drop and they amble back.
    Why follow the pack, if we can’t hold our own against a lot of these teams, change it a bit, give them something to think about, play 3.5.1.1.
    those 5 would need to be Fey, Tettey, Johnson, Howson and play Olson on the left, then you have 5 strong running tacklers who will cover a lot of ground during 90 mins, 3 of the 5 back at a time a 2 attacking with the 2 up front. Push the back 3 up, giving less space for the opposition to play in. This give a defense of 6, not 4 with perhaps 1 midfielder as now. The 2 up front would be RVW and either Redmond or Hooper, with 2 of the 5 midfielders joining them.
    The most important thing is balance, we don’t have it in any shape or form. Villa’s goal was a fine example, nobody on the right of midfield, watch a replay and note my mate Snoddy!!!

    Reply
  15. Dick van Dogsdick says

    24th September 2013 at 12:02 am

    Mostly fair comments above. I’ve been a defender of Mr. H for a long while, and felt he justified my efforts with the 11th place. However, with just 5 wins in the last 26 PL games, and just one goal in the last 4, even my patience is starting to wear thin.
    Why didn’t the wingers swap over once the 18th consecutive cross again swung perfectly into Guzman’s gloves? Why does Snod take every corner, when every corner he takes is gash? (agree with the raised arm thing btw, totally pointless, concentrate on your feet instead.)
    And please don’t let me hear “Stoke are a hard team to break down at home” next week. Every game is hard, this is the Premier League. Cope with it or quit.
    I still think Hughton deserves, and will get, enough time to make this revamped squad work. I believe he has the players too, and credit to him for that. Whether he has the managerial talent for this level is still in doubt.

    Reply
  16. Dick van Dogsdick says

    24th September 2013 at 12:32 am

    One point not made here, nor, shamefully, by MOTD, is that the penalty clearly should have been retaken. Guzan is 2 yards off his line when the ball is (admittedly lamely) struck. Terrible from the officials, as well as from Snodgrass, who l believe must be dropped for the Stoke game.
    Poor performances and tame corners aside, the supreme arrogance of grabbing the ball away from your ‘star’ striker at such a crucial moment is enough on its own to warrant a stint on the bench, especially when you fluff it.
    And I was his biggest fan last season.

    Reply

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