It wasn’t one for the footballing purist – that’s for sure – but the majority inside what had been a twitchy Carrow Road cared not one jot. A day not for artistic impression but for three points.
Back in August, who wouldn’t have taken 20 points at the half-way stage?
Of course there is a lot of hard work ahead and, yes, we desperately need some quality reinforcements in the January window but to end what has been a thrilling 2015 on a high was something to be celebrated.
And there was something heart-warming about watching those in claret and blue slink away, heads bowed after all the pain they’ve inflicted on us since you know who fell for their ‘courting’ back in 2012.
Thankfully as said gent departed Villa Park so to did the hoodoo. And a hat-tip to the Barclay and Snake Pit for offering the Villa faithful some of their own medicine.
Amidst 95 minutes of grit, commitment, endeavour and, let’s be honest, banality there was still the odd flash of quality, two of which were sufficient to win the game.
City’s only truly cohesive attack of the opening 45 was the cue for the opener and, for all the intricacy of the build up, it took a thumping volley from the ‘wrong’ foot of Jonny Howson to finally test Brad Guzan, who failed at his first attempt.
From thereon in it was a case of doing nothing silly and, a few nervous moments aside, City just about succeeded.
The second half was attritional at best but throughout the defence, with Ryan Bennett looking every inch a Premier League centre-back, coped with all that Villa could throw at them, which in truth was actually not very much.
While decent in the defensive and middle third, the Villans offered precious little where it mattered and that Declan Rudd’s first significant piece of second-half action came in injury time tells the story, although he did show a great command of his area throughout.
His is one of the success stories and is a classic example of taking your opportunity when offered it. He no longer has the aura of a ‘number two’ keeper.
The clincher, when it finally arrived, came courtesy of a fine dink from Wes – who had one of his quieter days – and a magnificent, thumping header from Dieumerci Mbokani, who by contrast enjoyed his best day in the yellow and green.
The Congolese striker definitely falls into the ‘has a little something about him’ category and I suspect we’ll be seeing quite a bit of him between now and May.
Whether Alex Neil’s plan was for City to invite Villa on to quite the extent they did is a moot point and I suspect with better ball retention some of the second-half angst – particularly from a gent who sits directly to my left and shares my surname – could have been avoided, but ultimately it was a job well done.
And with Newcastle and Bournemouth losing, and Swansea and Chelsea 🙂 only drawing it was fine day and a fitting way to sign off.
Much will still hinge on City’s success – or otherwise – in the pending transfer window and, as the regular reader of the column will know, I have my concerns over the club’s ability to attract players of the required quality.
But, with David McNally and the manager both bullishly optimistic, perhaps this time we’ll emerge stronger and better equipped. And if so, then there is no reason why City can’t acquire 20+ points in the second half of the season and occasionally entertain us along the way.
With Southampton, Saturday’s visitors, only four points ahead of us in 12th place there is no reason why the gaze can’t be northward instead of over the shoulder.
But for now let’s savour the win. Every win at this level should be lauded; they are bloody hard to come by.
A Happy New Year to one and all and thanks, as ever, for reading MyFootballWriter,
City were definitely worthy winners but more because of the inadequacy of Villa rather than City’s great play. That said, the goals represented two moments of rare quality. Jonny Howson has the calmness, balance and skill to make goals seem easy. Remember the goals at Charlton and in the match at Ipswich.
Wes illuminated an otherwise poor performance with a perfect cross and Mbokani’s header looks better every time I see it.
What has become clear in recent weeks is that a number of players are beginning to show the effort, concentration and skill required to keep City in the premiership. Rudd, Bennett Tettey and O’Neill have done well. If they and the more celebrated City players like Hoolahan and Redmond keep up the standard the next 20 points may be earned sooner rather than later. OTBC
Summed it up a treat Gary, I feel we’re in safe hands with David McNally and Alex Neil steering the ship and recent history (Boro last season) would suggest that when it really matters AN and his team might lose the odd battle but ultimately win the war which is what counts. Whilst it may sometimes be a struggle in the PL to amass the required number of points I’m delighted that at least we still try to play with a certain amount of style to achieve that aim. A couple of additions in the window and as the man said “We’ll be fine”.
Good report Gary and some fair points from Douglas. Firstly, City look more robust defensively – Bennett grows with stature with every game and seems to bring the best out of Bassong; Martin seems to have settled at full-back and Rudd really looks the part, commanding, decisive and quick off his line.
As things stand, I get the impression that City have finally worked out the balance needed to win points in the Premier League. However, for this to continue it will require players to maintain performance, keep the mistakes down and key individuals to stay injury free. I’m also quietly impressed by Vadis. He looked good against Spurs and the few opportunities he’s had – a good engine, first-touch and movement, can’t help thinking he offers an different alternative to Wes.
I also share Gary’s concerns about the transfer window and attracting the right calibre of player. Stand-out players in the Championship are going to be expensive and are probably not going to want to swap a crack at promotion for a relegation dog-fight. As for overseas players, until Norwich get through this season, I still fear that players will be wary about joining a team that could potentially be in the Championship next season. To me the only realistic chance of strengthening is picking-up a fringe overseas player who has hopes of making the Euros and sees a loan spell as the chance to catch the eye.
There’s been a lot of comment & concern about our centre backs but I don’t buy it. Looking at all games goals are conceded because of defensive errors but that is the game. Everton were por at the back yesterday and Stones in particular. Defenders can no longer tackle as they used to do the laws have changed and impact on defenders most of all. Rudd & Bennett have made a tremendous impact and I would like to see AN bring in younger, hungry players not road weary old timers. We could do with a play maker to replace Wes.
Love our Board make up including: Delia, Stephen Fry, Ed Balls. Now Duke Cambridge lives in Norfolk may be we can tempt him to don the yellow and green bearing in mind his Villa team have disappeared down a black hole. H.N.Y.
@Notts_Jon, in your final sentence you could be describing Lafferty.☺
Nice to see the positivity from fans today. But we know it’s fragile – the mood was similarly upbeat after Arsenal, in the doldrums a week later after Watford.
Our greatest reason for hope, perhaps, is that Alex Neil and David McNally have more mental strength and composure than some of our fans.
OTBC
Well put as usual Gary, one of those games where it’s all about the result and less about the performance. My take on the BPL this season is that it is essential to take each game as it comes; I know that sounds like a cliche,but a quick look at all the results bears that out. Twenty points at half distance puts us on target however players need to look forward and not back and ensure that they put in the highest level of performance every time they cross the white line. I also support your view on the transfer window and the need for quality players who can do their jobs week in and week out rather than occasionally. Judging by the rumour mill it does seem that AN is trying his best to secure the best he can. So maybe there are good reasons to be quietly confident as we go into 2016. May it be a good new year for all NCFC supporters and followers.
(1) The players can’t “keep City in the premiership” because we aren’t in the premiership. That’s in Scotland.
Got to add to the praise that Ryan Bennett has received. I was sat in the Jarrold level with our back line in the first half. The way he read the game and dealt with every threat was a joy to watch. Beautiful crossfield pass too. Great asset for the club at just 25. Those 10 years as an Ipsw*ch youth player didn’t harm him too much.
With all the grapevine rattle about possible incoming center backs, I was pleased for Bassong for his part in yet another (ok, second) clean sheet of the season. He’s come in for some flack after being roasted by Vardy, Ighalo, Lukaku and Kane!
The EPL may not be the best quality this year but flipping heck, no defender in the land (master Stones included) has lived with that on fire quartet this season. I say, well played Seb along with Ryan B.
Whoever we manage to tease to Norfolk in January, they will have to seriously up their game to handle that quality of striker.
Great comments on here as ever.I was so pleased that we managed to get that vital first goal. as so often stated by the manager “that is so vital X” Now we are looking to have a fairly
decent back 4,all getting to know each other with every passing game! Giving “Olly”(M.OLSEN)a break knowing he had every confidence in Robbie was a master class in man management.Olly hasn’t played “full on ” football with the exception of his International role since recovering from his summer surgery,slowly getting “his eye back on the ball” & match fitness back.
That is one thing “match fitness” that has impressed me so much with Ryan Bennett & Dec Rudd