“We’d have taken a point before the game“. “Any point away from home is a good point” and “Astute substitutions change games“.
Three of the biggest clichés in football but they are clichés for a reason. All are bang on the money and have become well established in the language of the game because they are bl00dy well true.
A fourth cliché is “You never win anything with kids“. Without harking back to Sir Alex and his youthful crop of Giggs, Beckham, Scholes and the Neville brothers, I’m pretty sure our very own Jamal Lewis, Max Aarons, Todd Cantwell, Ben Godfrey and Emi Buendia are doing their utmost to disprove this one.
WBA away was one tough gig before we had even kicked off. In his excellent article last week MFW’s Andy Head highlighted the merits of our four centre-backs in comparison with previous recent incumbents and with Grant Hanley banned and Timm Klose carrying a bit of an iffy knee, the default combination on Saturday became Godfrey and Christoph Zimmermann.
I believe it was Zimmermann’s 26th birthday over the weekend and with the aid of Alex Tettey and Tim Krul he had to marshal a back four with an average age of 21 – including himself. Happy birthday, Christoph – and well done for Saturday and indeed throughout the season so far!
To go behind that early in a game, ride out the high press from the Baggies (which worked a treat for them I admit) and go in just the one down at half time was a real achievement. That feat was achieved by dogged determination with “luck” not really entering into the equation. We also created that Timmu Pukki header from a fine Tettey cross to remind keeper Sam Johnstone and the rest that we were still alive and kicking.
WBA flew out of the traps in the second half and Krul made a couple of excellent, crucial saves. This gave us a slightly unsteady platform from which to truly get back into the game but we weren’t really doing anything spectacular until Daniel Farke rolled his dice around the 80-minute mark.
Kenny McLean and the inevitable Jordan Rhodes were introduced for the obviously and understandably tiring Buendia and Cantwell. We all know what happened next. The nemesis that is Dwight Gayle gave away a silly foul on our right. McLean swings it in, it is cleared back to him and he puts a perfect cross over for Rhodes to poach a near-poster with a very clever finish.
The similarity between that goal and the Gayle strike was almost off an old-fashioned carbon copying machine. Spooky.
There then followed ten minutes or so of squeaky bum time and a final essential stop from Krul but we got away with it – although that’s probably harsh terminology to describe what was a gutsy and ultimately heart-warming Norwich performance.
Yesterday MFW’s Gary G alluded to some West Brom fans on social media claiming we were more or less charlatans who should not be where we are in the league table. I’m not one of the Twitterati but I did go on a couple of WBA fansites post-match as I like to know what the oppo thinks of us after each and every game.
One of these, a well-written blog called BOING, made a couple of what I thought were interesting points.
Firstly they were singing the praises of young wingback Mason Holgate and who can blame them as he looked really useful. Gayle got the opener from his intelligent cross.
More pertinently one or two of their readers were begging their Chairman, a Mr Lai, to chuck a theoretical but suggested £25million at Leicester to get Harvey Barnes back to them on a permanent.
Are our respective clubs in the same league?
So now it’s on to Birmingham and the leap-frogging Wildermen at the Carra. Big games, big opportunities.
To end with another cliché – the world is our lobster, as Del Boy Trotter might have remarked. With around dozen undefeated on the road and two on the bounce against teams in the mix at the Carra, we have every opportunity to sustain our progress.
They’re both winnable – and quite equally losable – games. That prospect is what makes the Championship as exciting as it is frustrating.
Paul Warne must be feeling a little down just now – losing to that lot?
Mind the 32-point gap.
I have to say that I was quite worried when the Baggies took the lead on Saturday and was beginning to be wary of an onslaught from Gayle and Rodriguez (who should DEFINETELY have been given a red card for his ‘studs up’ challenge on Aarons), but this squad of players aided and abetted by DF and his assistants picked themselves up, dusted themselves off and thanks to some inspired saves from Tim went on to snatch a point and so only drop one place in the table and keep WBA 3 points behind us .
I thought it was typical of how DF has adapted to the challenges provided by the Championship when he brought on Rhodes and McLean (I’m hoping we may see more of him in future games). Whereas last season, many of his substitutions were ‘like for like’; this season, he often changes tactics/formation, as he did on Saturday with scintillating results.
We are entering a run of some VERY tough games and all of the other teams in the top 6 play each other before the end of March and that’s the time when I feel we’ll get a better feeling if we are going to go up automatically, or if we have to endure the play-offs and culminating in a possible day out at Wembley on May 27th.
Can’t grumble at a very good point away from home at a side still sounding like a premiership one with players that match. Perhaps a few of their supporters were little bit miffed at dropping the points, by not forcing their advantage over some young charlatans, who clearly do not have the same level of experience. But make that up with guts, determination and no less skill.
I have found over the years that reading the sites of opponents very seldom rewards with a balanced view something I tried to write on my old site. But I am sure we have many of the same amongst those of the yellow and green troupe.
Nobody can say Farke doesn’t go all out for getting something out of a game with his subs, he certainly does not defend a deficeit, I was pleased for Rhodes to get in on the act, the guys attitude has been awesome for a loan player who isn’t getting that much pitch time.
I think that as Pukki looks to be having a dip, Rhodes is ready to take the lead, that goal was a scorer’s touch, like what many noticed very much like Gayle’s effort. a Scorer’s touch and reading.
Mr Krul again proved what an excellent keeper he is, the saves he pulled off were top top draw, the kicking a little more training ground time needed there. But that was down to the high press making the usual play from the back difficult, was great to see we found a way,
The excellent Mark Walton yet again highlighted the game brilliantly, he is worth the tune in alone, providing you get to the off button quickly after the game hahaha. He spots the technical things better than any other pundit Radio Norfolk gets , mind I do like Greg Downs .
We do have a tough run, but in truth there are no easy games- certainly from now on in, as long as we shut the gob of a certain manager from the old steel town I do not mind , the game needs good charecters but he does not fit into that catagory at all, Nasty piece of work, I do not know of many supporters who would be happy with him, but from my experience of visting that side of the town they deserve each other.
An exciting end to the season in store ..makes a nice change
Hi Lad
I should have added “there are no easy games” to my list of clichés and of course you are quite right to mention it:-)
I feel that when Leitner is back it can only profit us as he has that instinctive knack of being able to counteract the high press with a single astute pass – and Klose is no mug when it comes to playing it out from the back, sometimes carrying it himself into the second third which we have all seen.
I have good friends who are Wednesday fans and they highlight Dave “Dirty Bertie” Basset, Colin and now Wilder as some sort of Unholy Trinity of obnoxious Sheff Utd managers. Bassett was hard but ultimately fair and Colin has a certain off-pitch charm, but Wilder? He’s not my cup of Yorkshire tea either.
Totally agree on Mark Walton as I’ve said before. Rivo is my second favourite. Deployment of the off button at 1700 precisely is compulsory in my house too.
Yes it is hard to give a balanced view when you’re writing about something you love, but if a team plays fairly and well against us – win or lose – I think MFW will acknowledge that.
I doubt that concept will apply to my post-Blades article!
Thanks as ever.
Hi Ed
I think your prediction of no-one being able to predict our precise prospects until the end of March is spot on.
There is no denying our next four fixtures can only be described as “tasty” and while I would dearly love nine points from them seven would not be too disappointing.
And after Ipswich Mo Leitner should surely be back and the fixtures theoretically get easier, with only Boro left to play amongst the current top teams (and that’s at The Carra). We’ll see!
Thank you.
15 mins into the match I was feeling rather fearful. By the end I was feeling much more positive after the resilient performance after that early concession and the late comeback. No little part of my positivity was the thought of seeing more of Maclean on the pitch in coming games, and of having a bit more experience back again at the back, with Klose/ Hanley I hope available again. Nevertheless this is really a run where it would be lovely to have Mo back on the pitch. When he does return, hope that this time he is not kicked off it again the first game. We need him between now and the end of the season if we are to maintain a push for the top two. We actually haven’t won that many games since he’s been gone.
Hi Michael
Blackburn did for both Mo Leitner and Marco Stiepermann in the same match, of which I’m sure you’re aware.
Deliberate? It’s hard to prove so I won’t attempt to, especially as I wasn’t there but Tony Mowbray was never a shrinking violet as a player and I’m sure he’s instilled that up ‘n’ at ’em attitude into his squad. But we won that game with a classic move so it was a case of “up yours.”.
I’m looking forward to their forthcoming visit to the Carra and pray for a decent referee. There could be a little bad blood floating around although I am sure Farke will do everything he can at our end to diffuse that situation.
I like the look of McLean too, but like the rest of us I’ve seen so little of him for obvious reasons. From what I have seen he seems to be able to do anything from playing alongside Tettey to fulfilling the number 10 role.
Thanks as always.
I think Stieps pulled up at Brentford mate … Emi and Mo fell at Blackburn 🙂 But … it happens.
Ha!
At least they didn’t fall at Bannockburn.
A sure sign of advancing years – or lack of time or will to properly research issues.
What else do you expect from a UEA history grad?
Ha! Easy mistake… blame the eye for detail on once being an accountant! 😀
Saturday was a huge test which we came through well. Both teams were 100% ‘at it’ and the draw was the least either side deserved.
Another football cliché is ‘if you can’t win a game, don’t lose it’ and DF’s in game changes ensure that we’ve always got a chance. Kenny McLean looks like he will be a real asset and I look forward to him finding a place in the starting line up (don’t ask me who he’ll replace!). The next few weeks are going to be interesting, perhaps even exhilarating-the crowd are back in love with the team and vice-versa which makes match days something to look forward to-even if, like me, you don’t get to most of the games.
Onwards and upwards!
Hi Don
Totally agree. What happens when you have the option of accommodating McLean and Klose, who I understand not to be seriously injured and will hopefully be fully fit for Birmingham? And Grant Hanley is now available again, of course.
In this situation Cantwell and Godfrey are the most vulnerable (on paper) to benching. But neither of them deserve that fate. Timmu Pukki’s a bit off colour at the moment but we’ve got Jordan Rhodes. And I guess Dennis Srbeny is no bad option either.
That’s why I don’t give a stuff if there are no January incomings. Having said that, left back cover would be appreciated but if Daniel Farke is confident enough to let Ivo Pinto go he must be happy with things the way they are.
It’s not “total football” but we do have quite a few versatile players in the squad which can only be of benefit.
btw I’ve missed one at home this season (circumstances) but the atmosphere is so ramped up from last term it’s really quite something
.
Cheers
Cheers
I’ll be at Sheff Utd, Barclay Upper block C. Beer at half time?
That’s a no-brainer Don.
Come into the bar in D block (sounds like something from prisoner Cell Block H) and our lot will be standing underneath the telly as usual. I’ll happily buy. Easy access from areas C to D.
Glad you’re coming to what might be a crucial and potentially “emotional” match!
Cheers pal – see you then.
The problem I fear is the enigma that is Tim Krul. He has made some vital saves in recent games but is still capable of the horrendous error or two. It could cost us points at a crucial time. Now we are getting players back from Matron’s clinic I hope Farke will begin to rotate his players. Pukki could do with a rest as could Cantwell and Tettey after all Man City regularly rest Aguero and other stars. This was a good result if from a rather shaky performance.
Interesting comment Cyprus.
West Brom narrowed Krul’s kicking options quite literally. I can’t remember the last obvious howler he has made and he’s certainly value for money in geeing up the Barclay. Shades of KK and Gunny, I would suggest.
We have the option of a little bit of squad rotation but not to the extent of Man City!
I guess quite a few of us would agree with you that Pukki seems to be off the boil just now and might need some downtime. But Rhodes (although a different type of striker) is a very viable alternative.
Especially with Kenny McLean back and Stiepermann soon to follow I concur with you that Cantwell also could use a break.
As for Tettey I’d say so far, so good. And Louis Thompson is back of course.
Thank you.
Hi Martin
A good read as usual.
Breaking news Martin O’Neill expect to be next Forest Manager, Russell Martin leaves Walsal due to the time he is spending away from his family this is strange he spent more time away at Rangers last season, Fraser Forster to Leeds.
WBA their supports should look at where Stoke are in the league and say but for the graces that could have been us but Moore has proved to be an inspirational appointment as manager he has also adapted to the hurly burly of the championship very well.
City have a record this season of being slow starters and that is being recognised by other teams but so far the conditioning Farke has put the team through is getting them to compete for the full duration of the game.
With the 3 games coming up it is a little daunting to hope for 9 points but us city supporters always live in hope
Birmingham could be 3 but they are provung a hard side to beat.
Sheff United this is another tough ask but stop them scoring early is the way to beat them
Leeds not sure how to read this very good but still a dirty side but beatable if city scores first, Farke must get the parimiter patrol dogs out to stop spygate.
Hi Alex
Darren Moore was always a VERY hard player and I didn’t particularly like it when we played against him. But he is such a nice bloke (since he retired!) and I can’t help but like him as a manager.
What he said after the game was just as gracious as Daniel Farke’s reciprocal comments and the game needs more folks like him. Are you listening Mr Wilder?
I find the Bielsa spygate thing as funny as feck. If that lot reckon they’re James Bond or the Man from Uncle let ’em do it! Should I get the .22 rifle out and try to shoot their camera drones out of the skies above Colney?
Pathetic – especially to proffer “culture” as an excuse.
I could always deploy the Patterdale and Russell in to “interview” their ground force. They’d be back up the motorway before they could take any notes.
Thanks for the laugh!
Hello Martin.
Many good points raised and also in the comments to follow.
With the red card hastily flourished in Hanleys direction last time out still irksome, yet again it seems consistency in refereeing only works one way. Once more we are the victims of violent tackling, designed to induce injury and are let down by the officials. Indeed, immediately following one studs up assault, the clown in question showed a card to Buendia for complaining. It makes one wonder.
Krul, as I alluded to under other excellent match report, had little choice but to float the ball out to his full back. He had no out ball.
This issue highlights another topic which could be a point for discussion. Having watched Aberdeens fixtures, whenever televised last season, the answer to this conundrum was seemingly obvious. Kenny McLean was used as an out ball by Aberdeen, with his back to goal, quite capable of a flick on, adept at winning free kicks and clever with it, possessing all the heighT and strength demanded by the situation.
The drop off in Todd Cantwells form is understandable given his tender years and I’m not alone in thinking he could do with a breather.
It would make perfect sense for McLean to come in for Cantwell on Friday night, particularly given his impact on Saturday. I suspect however that Cantwell will be retained and McLean will inhabit the bench, only to be brought on later when sorely needed.
The feeling is that Farke, either by preference or instruction will persist with a younger player at the expense of a potentially better choice in terms of form, fitness and type of opponent. Friday night will I feel, tell us a lot about how serious our charge for automatic promotion is being treated in the corridors of power. Will the development of a young player be put before potentially picking the strongest team available to the manager? One win in seven is proof that returning experienced heads are needed pronto in order to maintain our position.
if this is the case, then the personal development of individual assets should not come before the relentless persuit of results by using every tool available to us at this crucial time.
It’s time to refocus and to redouble our efforts. The prize is still in sight.
Hi Chris
Yeah a very fair comment and some sound observations.
Krul rarely had anyone to distribute to – that’s how well WBA had done their homework and it paid off for them, particularly in the first half.
As for the “clown in the black” I can only return to Blackburn as I replied to Michael above – btw it was Buendia and Leitner in that match who were kicked off the park in that particular game as editor Gary recently reminded me!
“Will the development of a young player be put before potentially picking the strongest team available to the manager?”
No, even with our recent history (eg pre-Webber/Farke) I do not think so.
I’ll return to the political aspects at the end of the season – wherever we might be!
Thanks for a great comment.
Excellent Martin, thank you.
I wasn’t there as I very rarely get to away games, and have heard/read so much about the “challenge” on Aarons. How bad was it, as it wasn’t mentioned on QUEST although in truth not a great deal was. And why does Dean Ashton find it so hard to have any sort of praise for us nowadays?
I think it goes to show just how far we have come, and what a fantastic job everyone at the club is doing, when Darren Moore’s post match comments were all about their plan on how to stop us playing, and how well they executed it. This from a club who were in the Prem last season, and who (by the sounds of it) have a budget which we can only dream about….
A great team performance (again), and bearing in mind we’re still missing 2 of our best performers in Leitner and Stiepermann, and with Klose on the bench it’s definitely a point gained rather than two lost. And despite his distribution, a match saving display from Tim Krul.
Now all we have to do is get 6 points from the next 3 games!
O T B C
6 points from the next 3 games means loosing one – make it 7 points, and I’ll be happy!!!
It’s a funny old world Jim.
Somewhere in this thread I’ve said exactly the same as you!
I base my theory on beating Birmingham, having to accept the unacceptable draw with the Wildermen, losing at Dirty spying Leeds and stuffing 1p5wich by any margin you like.
There’s my seven points anyway!
Crazy thing is that overall we might be better off taking only 5 from the next 3 games rather than the 6….at least that way none of our direct rivals would get further away from us, so I guess it’s 9, or 7 or 5 but not 6!!!
(P.S. This doesn’t include the game against 1p5wich!!!)
O T B C
I’d settle for that Martin, but I’d rather have 9 – I know, I’m just greedy!
Hi Martin,
I agree with your points on Saturday’s game and referring to your list of best footballing chiche’s the one that sums up it up for me is if you can’t win the game make sure you don’t lose it……spot on!
With regard to Pukki, I think his form has suffered a bit from the absence of Stiepermann, to use another football cliche ‘he occupies defenders’,
I think the biggest complement we received on Saturday was from Darren Moore who said their whole game plan was based around stopping us from playing!
Finally, as I may have mentioned before I’m a fully paid up member of the Tim Krul fan club, now showing why he was worth taking a punt on when he came to the club. Notwithstanding, his kicking needs a bit of polish!!!
Cheers
Hi John
I’m in the Tim Krul fan club too but when you think about it we’ve been spoiled with keepers for years. KK, both the Gunnys, Fraser Forster, Chris Woods, Rob Green and even David Marshall, who played for us a time that we were going nowhere..
My “senior” mate Keith waxes lyrical about Sandy Kennon and Ken Nethercott but I am not advanced enough in years to have seen either of them play.
Okay we’ve also had Careless Hansbury, Mark Bunn, Andy Marshall and the clueless Aussie import Michael Theoklitos that Gunny snr. thought fit to acquire.
Stiepermann, along with Mo Leitner, is sorely missed. But hopefully both will be back soon.
But by and large we’ve done very well in that respect. Keelan remains my favourite.
Krul, Leitner and Trybull were classy signings and all seem currently fittish-plus for duty.
Three hecks of a gamble to take!
Thank you.
Martin, I’ll see your “senior” mate’s keepers, and raise him Ken Oxford, who once jumped high enough to knock himself out on the cross-bar!
I’ll ask Keith about him on Friday- he’s in the “I know the name but nothing about him” category I’m afraid.
What a list of goalkeeper’s! Yes, Kevin Keelan the best of the bunch for me too, not the tallest (under 6ft. I believe??) but what a keeper! What an irony that Gunny Snr. brought in Theoklitos!!
Does John Ruddy make the cut for your list of top city keepers? I say at his best (ie when on the fringe of the England squad) he would be on my list although he did loose his way for a while.
Yes, as you rightly say we are missing Mo & Stiepermann. Although I wouldn’t mind seeing Kenny McLean given a go.
Cheers
Hi John
No I don’t think I would add Ruddy to the list, although he was a good servant to the club and quite capable to be sure.
His Achilles heel was always a low shot towards the corner of the goal – sometimes he dived like a sack of spuds and hit the ground long after the ball was kissing the back of the net!