There was more than a touch of déjà vu as the River End grew increasingly impatient in last night’s second half.
As the ball was shifted slowly and laterally from centre-back to centre-back, those who berated and seethed over that very thing in year one of Farkeball could feel it all flooding back,
“Stop messing around with it!”
“No! … not back to Krul!”
And of course the old classic, “Get it forward!”
But, to be fair, I’m talking about a minority and most appreciated that this was different. This wasn’t a return of the possession for possession’s sake but instead a measured attempt to take the sting out of a game that had already been won – even if Greg Downes didn’t spot it.
We’ve bemoaned the openness at times and commented on how vulnerable we leave ourselves by pushing both fullbacks high up the pitch, so to see them calmly see out a game that needed to be won in such fashion was both pleasing and another sign that this side is still learning and learning quickly.
The credit, of course, goes to Team Farke who identified that Birmingham’s plan was to let us have the ball and counter with the intention of exposing those vacated areas out wide, and for a team that has been criticised for lacking at times in ‘game management’, this was it at its finest.
Tim Krul was nicely protected as a result and had just a few regulation saves to make – all from distance and none that we wouldn’t expect him to make. No need for heroics this time around, with his main contribution to the second half being to ensure the calm, measured approach across the back-four didn’t lapse into complacency.
All of this was possible because of that opening 30-minute blitz when City did to Birmingham exactly what they did to Derby County in that same period. Despite there being some different personnel, the method was the same, the tempo too, and Garry Monk’s well-drilled Blues simply struggled to cope.
Buoyed by the return of Marco Stiepermann, Teemu Pukki no longer looked a lone striker with the weight of the world on his shoulders, and his predatory strike to turn in Jamal Lewis’s inch-perfect cross was him at his best. It wasn’t just about the goal though – his tireless running and closing down meant that, allied to the return of the German, City were able to again defend from the front. And they’re a better side for it.
Stiepermann, as ever, created few headlines but his worth to the team is obvious when you compare it with or without him in it. The physical presence is clear, as is the target it offers Krul on the odd occasion when he is forced to kick long, but the support he offers Pukki and the way he picks up balls in pockets of space and drives on offers a different dynamic to this side.
A few criticise him for giving the ball away and for appearing a little ungainly at times but we’re a better side with him in it.
Yet while much of Stiepermann’s good work goes under the radar, the flicks, tricks and kicks of one Emi Buendia most certainly do not. His evening’s work may have only lasted 38 minutes but in that time his value to the side was laid bare, especially with him – temporarily as it transpired – getting closer to full fitness. Hopefully, his dead leg will be one of those that wears off after two or three days.
That he was on the receiving end of some rough stuff was merely confirmation of how he is perceived by opponents, and is just something he will need to get used to. Referees can dish out yellows, as Tim Robinson did last night, but short of wrapping him up in cotton wool, this is the price to pay for having someone of Buendia’s ability in our side. But we need him next Saturday – no question.
On the opposite flank, Onel Hernandez was doing what Onel Hernandez does and with him and Buendia in tandem and firing, we carry an edge-of-the-seat dual threat that opponents are simply struggling to contain. So good was the football in that opening half hour, even the mighty Leeds would buckle under the relentlessness.
What we haven’t been able to achieve, partly because it’s a near impossibility, is sustain that level of intensity for the full 90, but if one day we do, someone is going to take a real shellacking.
Central to last night’s win, not only in that exhilarating first-half but also in the second when the tempo was deliberately controlled, were Tom Trybull and Mario Vrancic; a better Tettey/Leitner impersonation you’ll be unlikely to see.
From their use of the ball through to their ability to win it back and offer protection to Christoph Zimmermann and Ben Godfrey, both were bang on the money last night and it was fitting that both would be rewarded with a goal. We’ve missed Leitner, without doubt, and it’s impossible not to miss the energy, experience and nous of Tettey, but last night confirmed we do have alternatives in that area, even if it means the job being done slightly differently.
So, a good one, and I like to think we can consider the ship well and truly steadied. A run of three draws and a defeat had those outside the Canary Nation salivating at the prospect of us sliding down do our ‘rightful’ place in the natural order, but I’m not sure we’re ready to slink away quite yet.
This may not yet be the final straight, nor even the final bend, but as we emerge from the back straight we’re in good shape. And Chris Wilder… we’re coming for you.
The first 30 mins of last night & against Derby are best most overwhelming total footy I can remember seeing our boys play, thank you Teamm Farke.
Agree 100% with you on that Colin. I’ve been watching Norwich for nearly sixty years and these two thirty minute spells have been the most enjoyable.
There were times last year when I started to doubt Farke but I’m very happy that he has succeeded in producing the most entertaining football seen at Carrow Road.
I also agree that Stiepermanns contribution is immense. Without him we lack the physical presence to compete with the more direct teams.
Once again the Ref was awful. All season they have failed to protect gifted players against players who’s only ability is one of violent intent.
I disagree about the ref – I thought he did well. Buendia was fouled plenty but earned plenty of free kicks, & players were booked when needed. There may have been a sniff of a red on one of those challenges but I didn’t think there were any glaring errors.
You missed the stomping incident and the kick off the ball.
The ref allowed too many fouls to go without cards early on which is why Buendia is back on the physio table.
I do want to see the stamp again – at the time, I wasn’t sure on that one. Not sure about the off the ball. It’s difficult to criticise refs for those, as they can’t see everything. That’s why I’m in favour of retrospective punishment. As I say, I thought he did his job with the other fouls.
Wow. Too many thugs in blue for my liking & not enough from ref. Farke quite rightly animated at times as a result.
Wow. Too many thugs in blue for my liking & not enough from ref. Farke quite rightly animated at times as a result.
Expecting the Blades to play proper nasty next week. Steipi and Buendia will be crucial in the battle. How good would it be to see Wilder lose against this team. As well as being a bad loser, I’m convinced he can’t stand anyone who isn’t born and bred in Britain.
How nice it was to see us take the sting out of the game in the second half. That’s what teams who want promotion have to do. As a consequence little opportunity for the Brum to get back in the game. Frustrating though that some were beginning to get on players’ backs to hoof it forward. I suppose you can’t have it all. A great win and fingers crossed for a good result for the Swans and Potters.
You’re right Tim. On reflection we were amazing in 2nd half. Showing we can manage our play in this way bodes we’ll for sure.
Anyone reckon Max Aaron’s could do a Gareth Bale transformation? I see similarities.
Execellent summary Gary, We played well last night and were street wise too Birmingham got increasingly frustrated and resorted to some petulant fouls. Hope the ref’ is up to it next week because United will be strong physically and won’t miss an opportunity to put the boot in. At times we played some exquisite stuff, and Buendia and Stepiermann showed thier value to the team. Onward team Farke.
Although I didn’t like Birmingham’s tactics of trying to kick us out of the game, I fear that will be repeated and ramped up a notch by next weeks opponents so if Emi recovers in time he can expect more of the same. We could really do with a strong PL ref who’s more likely to get the cards out which would allow us to play our game although in fairness to Mr Robinson I thought he kept a lid on it pretty well last night. I may just have a cheeky fiver on a Sheff Utd red card on Saturday.
Shellacking is a great word Gary, does it mean to dismantle tractors? If so, that would be nice.
Shellacking definition is – a decisive defeat : drubbing. 🙂
Thanks Ed, I’m well aware of the definition. It was my attempt at humour with the tractor reference but it clearly passed you by ??
We looked very potent last night but the most pleasing aspect was the ability to kill off the game.
Also a shout out to Krul for a fantastic reflex save from that horrible deflection early in the game.
It’d be nice if those getting chippy about Cantwell would think about how they respond to criticism when trying to perform under pressure, whilst still learning their trade. The lad has undoubted quality and he’s trying stuff way beyond his experience. He should be applauded for having the guts to give things a go, something I doubt the moaners have ever had.
Couldn’t agree more. Out of all these positives, the one negative to somehow have emerged is the less-than-warm approach of some toward Todd Cantwell. He’s young, will occasionally make mistakes, but has transformed into someone as adept at Farkeball as anyone in the squad. I’d hate for him to suffer the same fate as the Murphy bros.
Hi Gary
Great read and what a first haf last night.
Missed the first 2 goals and could believe city lost concentration straight after scoring the opener Farke must have been livid at his defence.
But the following 2 goals sealed the points it was a pity that Pukki couldn’t squeeze it that forth goal but how close was it.
Second half as you say was all about game management and for once the Ref stood firm when under pressure for the Birmingham players 4 bookings should show them trying to win a game by kicking the opposition doesn’t work, and the city players didn’t get into the nasty stuff so no booking.
I will possibly be the only one but for the Sheffield game I would like to see Hanley back in defence for his experience of big games Godfrey may just be a little green for this one.
Were people genuinely complaining about the second half?! It absolutely astounds me. There was no requirement for us to force the play at that time & getting through a game with the minimum effort required was just what we needed with our injury list & upcoming games.
At the match it looked like Birmingham were generally fouling all of our players but watching a re-run on TV it is clear that in doing that they also specifically targeted Buendia, they were out to injure him
Birmingham’s main offensive tactic seemed to be to try and pressure Godfrey in the air but we soon got wise to that. Most of the 2nd half was played out in our half with the backline passing it to each other.. and Birmingham didn’t press or look vaguely interested in coming after the ball.. after Buendia went off we lost our way offensively but didnt need to push…. Hernandez was Moreorless out of the game for most of the 2nd half Birmingham were poor and even when we got sloppy they couldn’t really take advantage Cant imagine Sheff Utd will be so generous