Number one son and I went to the UEA to see a Swedish progressive metal band on Sunday night. They are called Opeth and were absolutely brilliant. They exceeded our expectations and went down a storm.
Opeth’s strength is light and shade. The riffs and fills were very heavy while the keyboards and vocals provided the lighter moments only for the entire band to then come back even heavier than ever.
And that reminded me of the job Manchester United did on us earlier in the day.
They were resilient, outthought us and at times [many times] picked us off like canaries on a wire.
Sure we made mistakes. Todd Cantwell and Emi Buendia lost possession in areas they shouldn’t have. Were we punished? Oh yes.
That sublime crossfield ball from Daniel James left us chasing shadows as Marcus Rashford gratefully received it and it was put away with aplomb.
Earlier Scott McTominay had seized upon another gift courtesy of Cantwell and we were climbing the Everest Daniel Farke sometimes refers to. Without the right equipment.
It’s a shame McTominay chose to celebrate in the way he did. We were under impressed.
United’s third was brilliantly created and finished. I’m sorry if I’m praising them too much but they were really very good.
Onel Hernandez’s belated response was a fine run and strike. He turned Harry Maguire like he simply wasn’t there. The first Cuban to score in the Premier League – it’s a shame for you that it counted for so little Onel.
Oh shucks, I haven’t mentioned Tim Krul, VAR and the penalties yet. My head must still be ringing from Sweden’s loudest band. We were standing close to the mixing desk and could see the decibel meter hitting 120 at times when the legal limit is 96.
Krul’s pre pen ritual is something I’ve never previously witnessed before.
Kick his left stick, twice, slowly. Go for the water bottle, take a drink he doesn’t need and spit it out. Stand on his line, do a Dutch version of the Haka and psych out both Rashford and then Anthony Martial.
My take on VAR? Referee Stuart Atwell saw nothing wrong in either case. Ben Godfrey’s collision with James was just that. A collision. Certainly no pen to me.
Cantwell had his back to the ball as it struck what appeared to be his elbow. Under the new rules that’s a maybe at best.
I sit right behind the Barclay goal and although as a City supporter I’m obviously biased I saw both incidents in real-time and truly believe both decisions were ridiculously harsh.
VAR is not working, but it does in Rugby. Strange.
There’s no shame in being beaten by a team who were very much the better side on the day, but I have a bit of a concern right now.
We tried to play our normal game but United’s relentless press was something we could not cope with at times. OK, most of the time.
I sincerely hope the lads can pick up the pieces and progress from here. We were given a harsh lesson and there’s no denying it.
Doubts over Krul and Ibrahim Amadou don’t exactly help with Brighton and Watford on the immediate horizon. We’ll have to hope both are OK but I can understand the worry over Krul as he felt what was probably more than just a twinge on his knee – the same one he had that dreadful cruciate ligament injury on, of course.
Confidence might well become an issue – or rather lack of it.
We all knew we’d get some beatings in the PL but they’re becoming a little too frequent for my liking. But Stuart Webber and Daniel Farke’s hands are tied financially. I hope this bold venture of ours [the self-sustainability bit] succeeds but I must admit I am becoming concerned. Very concerned.
If Daniel James played guitar his solos would be exquisite.
BTW folks as you all know I enjoy replying to each of your comments individually, but I won’t be able to tomorrow as I’m in for a full teeth extraction at the N&N. My part-time career as a vampire will be over. Hopefully, I’ll get back to y’all on Wednesday.
Nothing to add that hasn’t been chewed and chewed and spat out in disgust . Good luck Mr P with the teeth pulling hope it is painless as possible.
Excellent article. Couldn`t agree more. Need to step up to plate and fast.
Marty, good luck with the teeth. Talking of luck, City’s curse continues. It’ll soon be Halloween said to come from the Celtic festival ‘Samhain’ marking summer’s end and the beginning of winter, which seems to fit our situation. Still we’ve seen it all before, we’re blessed with glory days followed by the pain of defeat. I’m a 75 year old City fan and my memories are of the great times, the bad times have faded away, this season thus far I shall remember beating Man City the rest I shall forget. Roll on next season. The rugby has been worth watching.
Hi Timothy.
Fast is not wrong – we are quarter of the way through the seaon already with just two wins and a draw under our belts And that is not good,
Thank you.
Hi Cutty
I’ve heard of Sammy Clingan, but never Sammy Hain.
I’m tending to agree with your nostalgic veer into times past but there is lot of life in thir deason yet.
Cheers.
Hope you’re recovering after your hospital visit Mr P – and will done on summing up our catalogue of failures in Sunday’s game.
With the score at 0-0, Aarons made a terrific run and cross, only for Cantwell to try and got it first time, when he had space and time to have taken a touch first!!! He has certainly had better days in yellow and green, but I fully expect him to put it behind him and move forward with the help of DF and his coaches.
You’re spot on when you say that we were taught a lesson by our visitors on Sunday and they were just so much faster to any free balls and were very effective in nullifying our infrequent forays into any threatening areas – full credit to Onel for his goal.
The manner of the defeats is causing me concern and whilst we all appreciate Aarons and Lewis making surging runs forward, they also have to defend and pretty much our entire back line had gone AWOL for United’s 2nd goal. I wouldn’t have wanted to be at Colney yesterday when DF had a ‘word’ with his players.
We can only hope that the injuries to Krul and Amadou are not serious, but I expect we won’t get an update until Friday’s presser.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!!
Hi Ed
Yes they were faster than us and and dare I say stronger. And there weren’t the positives we could take from the Liverpool or Chesea defeats either.
I’m wondering whether it might be time to give Cantwell a rest for Onel Hernandez actually.
Bournemouth don’t have United’s quality but I was suspecting we might have learned a little from the former game that we could have exhibited in the latter.
Thanks a lot.
The first change I’d make to VAR is having players ask for it be a yellow card offense.
Good luck with teeth!
Hi David
There are lots of changes I would like to make to VAR, my first being to getting an incident being looked at by it also looked at by the referee!
Thank you.
Hope you managed to avoid that crusty old Vice Chancellor at the UEA!!
Watched on tv – United did look very good.
Can’t help but wonder how much those injuries will haunt us, come the end of the season…
I don’t think VM was ever the type for progressive Death Metal so I wasn’t looking over my shoulder.
The injuries remain a salient point and will do for some considerable time in the cases of Zimbo, Hanley and Klose,
Thank you.
Silver lining in every cloud they say hopefully the tide will start turning soon …wonder if we got any young centre backs to give a go the lad from luton ? Hope your day goes well .
Hi Jim.
Famewo {originally from Luton] is a possibility. They always say if you’re good enough you’re old enough but I’ve only seem him play once in my life for the under-23s and remember nothing about him.
And for a centre back that could be a good thing, of course.
Thank you..
I’ll send Peanut brittle and a hammer for the toffee, I’m sure it wont hurt, not till after at any rate!
We will have to change our set up and close the space. Our young players are certainly experiencing a steep learning curve after last season’s relative walk in the park, it’s becoming excruciating to watch but mainly because we are still all singing from the same hymn sheet and still want to believe we can defy the odds.
Two draws and a win from the next three and we’ll all be smiling.
In the meantime, Just ask the Doc for prescription pain relief, given the area concerned up ‘Ron’ Aris may be the best alternative!!
Hi Colin
Altering the system to close the space is exactly what we need to do – and that right quick.
Heads haven’t dropped – yet – but as you suggest picking up a few points asap would come in more than handy.
Best of luck with the teeth Martin !
This season was always going to be very difficult, we all knew that. Someone at the club told me before a ball was kicked that we were 1-2 years ahead of schedule.
I think we all wanted the players who had done so brilliantly last season to be given a chance at this much higher level. And I stand by that even to this day.
What cannot be under estimated is the injury situation. We have had double the number of days players lost to injury to the second most players lost to injury in the Premier League, ironically enough Manchester United. That is an amazing statistic.
Its unbelievable to think we have lost 3 of our centre backs to long term injury, and as good as he is Ben Godfrey is still a young man learning his trade at centre back.
I think the argument put forward by people like Greg Downs, that another centre half was needed in the summer because we did concede 1.3 goals on average in the Championship has merit. But to be fair to the club they did try to sign one and it fell through at the last moment sadly.
Imagine if we had a back row of Aarons, Klose (or Hanley) Zimmerman, Lewis then Godfrey and Amadou as our holding midfielders that would allow all the attacking players a much more secure base from which to play from.
Also losing so many midfielders to injury meant Farke couldn’t change his team much at all.
Add to the fact we have already played Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd in these circumstances and got 3 points isn’t bad.
It was suggested on here that we adopt the Leicester model, a great idea but for that you need billionaire owners like Leicester have. We have to cut our cloth to suit, so unless Delia & Michael sell to such people ( and despite what some people think I know they have looked for outside investment) we have to continue with our present model.
They are not looking very far then because there are buyers out there and with due diligence we could greatly improve our chances of becoming a premiership team. If they remain in charge we all know what will happen.
Hi John
Our successes on the field last season and hopes on it for this have largely seen this question swept under the carpet.
But remains, no doubt about that.
Hi John & Martin
Around 6-7 years ago the club did go looking for investment and I know wealthy figures in the Horse Racing industry down the road at Newmarket, among others were sounded out. Unfortunately no interest was forthcoming.
The big question was it to replace Delia & Michael ie would they would sell their shares or was it to work alongside them. Still too many questions regarding The Turners leaving the club remain unanswered and I do wonder if Delia & Michael would be prepared to work alongside anyone ?
It does seem they are at last leaving the football decisions to football people, to appoint Gunny as manager after he took us down because he is a great chap 9which he is), was madness.
Another reason/excuse from potential investors was our isolation as it were. Again it depends if you see The Stowmarket 2 as a good thing for the club or a negative one which way you see that. Clubs like Leicester and Southampton have managed it so we will all agree that there are people out there who may be willing.
Quite honestly I really cannot make my mind up, the 2 clubs above have done well, but then what about, Coventry, Blackburn, Orient, Bolton, Bury etc the list of dreadful owners is almost endless.
I was all for them selling up and moving on for many years, now i’m getting older I actually worry when they are gone which way our beloved club will go.
Actually Tim I must say I understand and relate to your final couple of sentences much more than I would have done just five years ago!
I worry that we’ll be left with nephew Tom and even less money in a time when costs are rising.
The failures mentioned have been a consequence of poor due diligence.
We’ve sold Maddison to make ends meet, what happens after Pukki, Aarons, Lewis and Godfrey are sold?
Hi Tim
I certainly agree with you about giving last season’s crop a chance, which we have done to the nth degree, The injuries were/have been something like I can barely remember at any football club, let alone us.
I think this self sustainability concept is admirable in it way and I would love to see it succeed {it certainly enjoyed success last season but I doubt it would attract much in major terms of investment in Norwich City.
Good comment.
Thank you.
Hope the recovery goes/is going well Mr P.
Brilliant summary as usual, but when will we be rid of this injury curse?
Manure were just better than we were on the day. Given their resources and depth of squad it’s hardly surprising really, but as well as the usual things, it would be nice to get a break also from this wretched VAR system.
How could the first penalty incident be referred, a spot kick awarded, and Godfrey receive an unwarranted yellow card (don’t forget the totting up in case he gets suspended)…..when in our game at West Ham, Zimbo was completely taken out after the ball had gone – we lose him for months, but VAR doesn’t get involved. It’s that sort of thing which confuses the heck out of me, but then again, we don’t have Ashley Young on our side!
We’d also be in a better position if some of those who I thought would flourish in the Prem (Leitner; Steipermann and Buendia to name but three) could actually find a bit of form post Man Citeh.
O T B C
Hi John
In terms of lack of adaptation it is particularly Buendia and Leitner who concern me and they are the pair I thought would take to the PL like ducks to water.
So far VAR seems like a bl00dy waste of space – it’s not just us moaning about it after all.
Thank you.
Hi Martin
All the best with the nashers hope al, goes well.
VAR was show that the first pen was a foul on Godfrey, it also couldn’t confirm where the handball occurred Canwell landed a metre outside the area and was in the air so it was close to the line not clear and obvious.
In the Spurs game Henderson was claiming for a Handball that dropped on Sancho shoulder, last week Watford claimed Alli handballed when it hit his chest and the top of his arm, then Stones is on the ground the ball hits his leg then his arm not a deliberate attempt to handball, it is about time the rule was properly clarified
1) What is the area finger tips to Shoulder, Elbow or Neck
2) If the opposition kicks it at your hand and you can’t it get out of the way
3) Is the Arm in an unnatural position
All the above needs to be clarified especially No3 your are has many natural positions if you jump it is use to gain hight so why isn’t that natural, when running it moves like a pump it is natural for you to do that action in every walk of life except football,
It was good to see the clubs tributes to big Duncan.
Reading yesterday Tettey’s comments on the teams preformance I suppose it had to be said lets hope it is heeded by his team.
Silly season has started early this year for January’s papers already speculating
1) Aaron off to Spurs £7.5m + add ons (Express, Mail, Mirror and Sun)
2) Amadou back to Sevilla as they are impressed with him as CB
3) Italian papers Pukki to Juve, Milan and any number of other clubs
4) Buffon sorry Buttland to city £15m
5) Rhodes to City
6) Mathews 16year old Rochdale player who is a city fan will be signed plus another young scots winger and many more academy players.
Lastly city scouts in Portugal, Spain, France and Germany all recommending players that Spurs, United, Liverpool plus top clubs from all over Europe are interested in, maybe some of these just might look at city as a stepping stone too a bigger club, if so as long as they give their all for the shirt while at the club I have no objections, what gets me in players that know the situation when signing jump ship asap just like Fer did and has done to each club he played for that got relegated.
Enought moans
Onwards and upwards
OTBC
Excellent stuff Martin. I particularly enjoyed the description of Krul’s antics prior to the penalty. He is a proper character.
The beatings are indeed regular and depressing. I can’t see that changing any time soon. I feel we have gone in totally undercooked and look soft and weak.
I agree that mctominays bizarre need to celebrate in front of home supporters was irksome. Given that 2000 souls from Essex, Kent, Surrey, Scotland and Yarmouth were across the way who would have enjoyed the sight of his stupid gurning rictus and his chest pumping and aggressive mouthing of obscenities towards supporters whose only “crime” was to support their local team. The behaviour of that vile creature young too was less than admirable. From then on the atmosphere became toxic.
Contrast that with the sporting and dignified response by Manchester city’s manager, players and supporters to what must have been a gut wrenching defeat. The sight of guarding a marching onto the pitch to offer his congratulations to each and every city player at the whistle impressed me greatly.
Manchester Uniteds arrogance and sheer unpleasantness grows year on year.
Talk at half time varied from anger at mctominays antics, apoplexy at the VAR farce, sheer frustration at the individual performance of several of our players and the general unhappiness at the “self funding” carry on.
I don’t care what anyone says, we needed another centre half, a ten million pound one at that in the summer. The options to play three at the back and release Lewis and Aarons to wing back, push Amadou into the position he was brought in to play would have tightened us up and increased the effectiveness of the three players aforementioned.
Even that modest expenditure was eschewed in favour of a high risk strategy which has blow up in our faces.
Contrary to the belief of some, many of us do not see this season as a free hit. We see it as an opportunity to progress and grow the club, and we are desperate to stay at the top table. The last two home displays do little to promote the view that enough is being done to make that happen.
What makes it all the more galling is the fact that modest Sheffield United are prospering after an entirely realistic appraisal of their playing squad moved them to strengthen surgically.
I’m now at a loss to see where it is all heading.
PS. Good luck with the teeth mate,
Hi Alex
We’ve already pretty much done the game to death so I thought I’d look at your transfer rumours. After all the dreaded window will be on us sooner than we think.
Max Aarons off to Spurs for £7.5m + add ons (Express, Mail, Mirror and Sun). Well they must be amazing add-ons, that’s all I can say. £10m for a senior England cap?
2) Amadou back to Sevilla as they are impressed with him as CB. If he’s $9m and we’re in the Championship that won’t be much of an issue now will it?
3) Italian papers Pukki to Juve, Milan and any number of other clubs. Possible
4) Buffon sorry Buttland to city £15m. And my granny’s stainless steel toast rack is worth the same.
5) Rhodes to City. I thought all Rhodes lead to Roma.
6) Mathews 16year old Rochdale player who is a city fan will be signed plus another young scots winger and many more academy players.
I wonder why number 6 is Alex’s most creditable rumour?
No, I don’t really.
Thanks mate.
Chris;
In all honesty I do think that Sheffield Utd had rather more cash to splash than NCFC did, or were ever likely to. How many times did they break their transfer record during the summer?? There is quite a large difference in the supposed wealth of their owners compared to ours.
O T B C
They had to owners one is a Saudi Arabian businessman who admitted in court that he has links to the Bin Laden family and they helped him buy his 50% stake in Sheff U and still helps financialy and will continue to help him finance the club.
Hi Chris for some reason the replies have been a bit er scrambled this morning – probably due to the fact that the anaesthetic may not have totally cleared from my system.
But certainly the difference in class between Citeh and United was there for all to see. And we saw it all right.
You make some very interesting points in there and the on-pitch ones I certainly agree with. I’d like go give the off-field thoughts a little while longer as nothing disastrous has happened so far.
Thank you.
Sorry to hear that your gob is going to be as toothless as our midfield on Sunday-I hope both make a quick recovery!
You mention light and shade; the light after the shade was Onel’s goal. I was really glad to see that go in and I feel it may have given the team a small branch of confidence-not much but something.
Martin. I still think that any points against the top 6 are a bonus. Then think all we have to do is come 11th out of the other 14 . apart from villa at home we are not too far of where we should be .
Next Two games are big though.
Suggest you do an article Wednesday just for a tooth update, save you replying to umpteen well wishers
In response to Bernie Owen [above]. I’d just like to make a formal thanks for all the kind wishes I’ve had from many regular MFW readers on this article.
It means a lot, believable me, and I can’t wait to get my new gnashers. Three month of jelly and ice cream? You would be too.
Cheers folks!