And the wins keep on coming.
At what point is it okay to start dreaming again?
Dreaming of what I’m not quite sure – because the journey is infinitely more enjoyable than the prize itself – but I’ve started to anyway.
How can you not?
Sky’s commentary team did their best to make this one sound like something resembling a contest, and I guess Harry Wilson lumping the ball onto the head of Sean Morrison did offer a goal threat for Cardiff, but that was it. Literally just that.
That Messrs Mann and Goodman were able to squeeze so much time air time out of that singular route to goal was quite the skill.
But this was teetering towards Championship masterclass territory, especially the second 45, after Neil Harris had realigned his battle plan to include a high press.
Emi Buendia and Todd Cantwell deservedly grabbed most of the headlines – both were simply outstanding – but that shouldn’t detract from what was an all-round team performance as cohesive as anything we’ve seen this season.
There was an assuredness and swagger on display that won’t have gone unnoticed by the other 23. Even in those early minutes, when the passing was measured, precise but, as a result, a bit laboured, confidence still oozed from every pore.
They knew, while no doubt respecting the threat the Bluebirds were going to offer (at set-pieces – Sky Sports™), that if they stuck to the plan, worked hard and were patient, chances would eventually come their way.
And they did. Lots of them.
We’ve all been saying for a while that someone, someday is going to get a real walloping. Well, yesterday, with a Teemu Pukki on board who’d had some sleep, could very easily have been that day.
(Congratulations to the Pukki family but the way).
As it happened, two was enough but Harris, Mann, Goodman and everyone else who happened to watch the game will know that Cardiff got away with one. And let’s not forget, these were opponents who had won five of their last six games.
With Bournemouth dropping two points at Kenilworth Road and Watford losing at Huddersfield (and subsequently sacking their manager), we were reminded of the size of the task of bouncing back from Premier League disappointment, so there is something doubly impressive about the way this group has responded to the summer overhaul and the way Farke and Stuart Webber have reinvented a squad that was on its knees as recently as July.
The technical progression has taken a few months to fully get up and running, but the cohesion I spoke of earlier has become increasingly evident over the last week. Farkeball 4.0 is now in full flow.
Such is the excellence of the coaching at Colney, it was only a matter of time before the new faces would get fully integrated into the Farke way but the really tricky bit was to overhaul the thinking; to replace a losing mentality with a winning one.
And that, for me, remains Team Farke’s greatest achievement. For the silky passing to flow and for it to produce the beautiful football we’ve come to expect, requires a positive mindset and clear heads – collectively and individually.
I’ve no idea how they managed it, but managed it they have. The pain that most of us still feel when the mind flicks to Project Restart is inevident in the Class of 2021, even those who were at the heart of that relegation campaign.
The focus is totally on what can happen rather than what has happened and the result has been the most pleasant of diversions from what’s occurring all around us.
These are tough times. Unbelievably tough. And the messages that emerged from Whitehall and Downing Street in the hours that followed yesterday’s win were sobering in the extreme.
That I woke up this morning thinking of what I could write about a football match rather than the humanitarian disaster that continues to unfold all around us, merely confirms the place this football club has in my life and in all our lives.
Let’s cling onto it. We have a football club to be proud. And they’ll help us through this.
Never Mind the Danger.
BBC Norfolk went the same route as Sky – you’d be forgiven for thinking via Chris Goreham’s commentary that for the entire 90 mins Cardiff were only moments away from planting one on that defensive monstrosity Morrison’s head, which would lead to an NCFC collapse of biblical proportions. Not to be. I know it’s been said before but the talent to attack is founded in no small part by a solid defence. Grant Hanley, in fact. People can complain that he doesn’t play the ball as much as others have but what’s the point in being a ball playing defender if you can’t defend? By defending well, we set up the foundation for attack – Hanley does the hard work first, which means a) he actually retains the ball then b) his first pass can be easy – especially to someone like Skipp who looks to collect. Ben Godfrey? Don’t miss him, however talented. And this Farke 4.0 defence will do a lot better in the Premier League next time around.
Nice comments, Gary. I think we should also have a special mention of McGovern. While he’s never going to play out from the back with the assurance we expect from Tim Krul, he’s proved more than competent when it comes to shot stopping and quick reaction saves. I’m sure he’s caused a lot of us to re-evaluate our opinions of him. Yet another example of Daniel knows best!
While Pukki may understandably not been at his sharpest, his contribution was still significant, in the way that Cardiff could never be sure that he wasn’t going to get one right. Welcome to the world, Ella Pukki, you should be very proud of your dad.
Great performances all over the pitch, and I hope they enjoy their seven day break from playing before taking on Watford, where rumour has it Nigel Pearson may be getting a recall. However, it doesn’t sound like they are a very happy ship at the moment, so hopefully that will continue into Boxing Day.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
When the injury crisis kicked in most people said we needed to try to keep in touch with the play-off positions until we didn’t have to rely on kids to fill the bench. There are still 6 or 7 potential first team players unavailable and we are now 10 points off sixth place but in the opposite direction. I bet most fans are absolutely delighted with where we are now. The utmost credit must be given to Farke and the squad.
Excellent analysis Gary. While Buendia and Cantwell rightly receive the plaudits for probably our best performance since the Manchester City game mention should be made of McGovern for an outstanding save that ensured we maintained our confident display. For some reason a number of so called fans unjustly criticise his performances. Personally I think he’s been a brilliant stand in for the best keeper in this league which is borne out by our results.
I also thought Hanley was outstanding yesterday with another assured performance.
If Farke isn’t manager of the month and Buendia player of the month next time I think we can start a few conspiracy theories.
Great piece for a bleak Sunday with lots of plans shattered.
I totally agree with you that the way that many of the players that suffered through Project Restart have responded mentally to that trauma is remarkable. It may explain too those that were frozen out did not have the mental resilience. Whoever, gives the advice to the players on mental strength, is a genius.
That was a complete team performance yesterday. The only failing was not taking more chances.
I’ve only picked up this morning that Watford have sacked their manager. The new manager will be their 14th in 8 years. The gossip is that the manager left Deeney on the bench after a bust up. Rather than back the manager they sacked him. Many clubs would have sacked Farke after last season but we have a plan and Farke and Webber are the best people to deliver that plan. I think the Board understand that and I hope that they try to get Webber and Farke to stay well beyond the next couple of years. Get the wrong people in and all the good work that has been done in the last 4 years could be cast aside in a trice.
I lost my enthusiasm for football after the first lockdown but this team and management have helped me rekindle my love of the game. I only wish I could be at Carrow Road with a full house to get the adrenaline buzz of a game like yesterday’s.
Let’s hope the vaccine gets rolled out quickly and that it does it’s job so 2021 becomes a year of optimism and promotion.
Long live Norwich City and its band of die hard supporters.
Stay safe one and all. Have a safe Christmas.
OTBC
Cardiff may have been missing their leading scorer, Kieffer Moore, but, for a team with apparent playoff aspirations, they looked distinctly like a one trick pony, set pieces and long throw ins being their only real threat.
As for City, it was great to see the significant role played by Todd Cantwell. His previous involvements from the bench had primarily been about game management. Yesterday’s performance looked like a player wanting to be a big part of everything City were doing, both in and out of possession. Long may that continue, hopefully well beyond January.
Hi Gary
I was asked a question by my daughter yesterday who lives in South Wales, when the principality is in lockdown with no one allowed in or out how come football clubs can still travel to other parts of the UK and I had no answer that made sense in this pandemic era.
Football was entertaining yesterday not only for cities win and how that was achieved but as you mentioned both Bournemouth and Watford dropping points.
Watford will now be scrapping around for manager number ??? the Puzzo family might have to give it to Deeney as he was the so called reason they kicked the ladt one into touch.
Bournemouth under Tindal have shown they can compete but in reality it is Howes team just not in name, if the wheels start to wobble has Tindal got the skills to get them back on track and with Solanke and others arguing on the field does it show unrest in the team that like city has promotion potential only time will tell.
We now go to play Watford in tier4 on Saturday hopefully unlike many new dads Puuki enjoys some good night sleeps 💤 and can put a couple of chances away.
Emi as I understand will soon be in the same boat with a new addition to his family so let’s hope that there is a couple of days between arrival and the next game.
All attention will soon erupt on possible departures and some papers have already started rumours that Godfrey is enticing Aaron’s to join him at Everton for £30m, a good fee but can the Smiths and SW fend that off or fold to the pressure of agents.
Emi to Arsenal again a similar fee and Todd to who knows but is life always greener elsewhere at city all 3 could add another promotion to their CV.
Leaving now could see city stumble or not and they just might have a difficult time settling in to a new club and system so tough decision all round, let’s hope the right ones for both club abd players are made.
With no manager I can see a city win again by the odd goal I was hoping for 5 points out of the 3 games for far we have 6 can we hope for a full house.
Onwards and upwards
OTBC
Stay Safe and Stay Healthy 🙏
Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 to all MFW writers and Commenters and a Happy New year 🎉 with an end to lockdowns
Compared to 2018/2019 the younger players have really matured over the last 2 years of experience and high level coaching.. Cantwell is much stronger and more assured than the role he played as Emi’s callow understudy, Aaron,‘s has grown from a swash buckling wing back adding a nous as a defender able to start for a top club. Whilst Emi was unplayable yesterday- it was like having an extra player he was both playmaker extraordinaire and had the stamina and work rate to protect his fullback and win the ball back – it was a performance to treasure like the iconic game from Huckerby 17 years ago when he roasted another Cardiff team 4-1 in the final game of his loan spell
The squad is much better than 2 years ago both deeper in terms of individual quality and with the exception of full back in terms coverage but even here Farke has shown a Midas touch converting a centre midfielder to accomplished left back stop gap..
Final thoughts on Micky McGovern who I and my sons need to apologise to. At Stoke he was thrown into the deep end by Krull’s injury and looked like a rabbit in the headlights. In the next couple of games his footwork and handling were worrying but much like Krull at the start of the 2018 season it was just ring rust and over the last few games he has shown himself to be an excellent keeper in his own right.
Wishing everyone a happy and safe festive period.
Gary, yet again another excellent piece of prose with just the right amount of emotion. Such a joy that our Football Club has become such a shining star in these dark times. Everyone from players to owners demand our respect; if only you could bottle team Farke we could all drink in the positivity and creativity that emanates from Carra Road.
Do we dare to dream? – I think we can allow ourselves to be in that “happy place”.
May I wish you and yours Gary and all Canary supporters everywhere a truly happy Christmas and a healthier New Year.
Norwich was way better than Cardiff, level difference was kind of surprising. Still in football its possible to even loose game like that, Cardiff only attacking threat is set pieces which is also pathetic. Buendia was clearly man of the match, he surely has been urge to shoot more and develop his shooting accuracy. Norwich missed some scoring chances and should have won probably by 3 goals. At the same time Liverpool had 7 shoots on goal and scored 7, in next game Liverpool can shoot 17 shots on goal and score 0. Pukkis mind was surely not 100% in game, often players does not play in situation like that. He should have scored 1, but was not only one who missed scoring chances and Norwich also missed scoring chances because of bad last passes. It does not matter, Norwich won.
There seems to be rumors that Buendia would leave in january, there is no logic on that. Norwich are playing next season in premier league. He has huge role in team and Norwich playing system fits to him well.
One thing more, Norwich have proved that they can win without Krul. Krul is surely nr 1 keeper but they have managed that period well and likely because of that they let Krul time to heal fully.
Always enjoy your comments 1×2. Am I right in thinking you are Finnish, and that Pukki is your prime interest in Norwich? Whatever, you seem to have been converted to the cause!
Hi Jim, you are 100% right. Surely still I would have watched Norwich playing many times last season, because it was premier league even without Pukki playing there. 2018-19 Pukki was reason to watch and following more closely. Norwich played attracting football, now its more balanced but still attacking is creative. Tactically Norwich is now even way better than it was in 2018-19 season. I of course hope that things go well for Norwich, if Norwich gets good results its good for Pukki too and that way to Finland national team.
I ment to say for once Sky got the pundity right both ex players of city and Cardiff and Grant Holt was a good summariser of both team
To bring in new players in the numbers that SW has done in the summer was risky and I’m certain that the majority of ‘Canary Nation’ had never heard of most of them, but in only a few short months, they have come to believe that ‘Farkeball’ is THE way to play football and being one of the lucky 2,000 yesterday was an absolute joy to watch.
I’m certain that had the new Dad had a full night’s sleep on Friday night, then he would have walked off with the Match Ball. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him spurn so many chances to score.
Managerless Watford in front of the Sky cameras on Boxing Day and I’m sure that they are not relishing teh prospect of facing us in the form and how the score wasn’t at least 4 or 5 nil remains a mystery.
Merry Xmas to all MFW contributors/posters/readers. 😀
Blimey, you’ve bought a tear to my eye with your final paragraphs.
We are experiencing something extraordinary once again and you are right about its impact given the chaos.
This Christmastime is a sad and difficult period for many of us, what is happening at City is a blessed distraction.
We support a remarkable football club for that I’m most grateful.
Super column Gary.
I spent a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon with my offspring for company in prime seats. Again, may I reiterate how safe and secure the whole set up feels. The experience, although different is intimate and feels special. Given the current circumstances, the chance to attend carrow road is a rare luxury. Thus, I’ve purchased tickets for the Barnsley game, which coincides with my birthday.
I was baffled by the profligacy displayed by pukki, who had he continued in the vein of his Blackburn form would have had a hat trick. Teemu juniors arrival soon dispelled concerns that he’d mislaid his shooting boots.
Cardiff were truly awful. They offer absolutely no threat whatsoever from open play, playing the percentages and edging towards the range from which they can launch a free kick or throw in into the box. Harris makes Pulis look like a purist.
Credit must go to McGovern, who has grown into the role and despite fears that card offs aerial bombardment would cause him difficulty, made light of his days work.
Buendia and cantwell stole the show, the movement, quick feet, switches in play and the devastating finishing were a class above the oppositions level. Farke appears to have worked some magic on them after the well publicised trails earlier this season. Again, credit where it is due to all concerned.
The prospect of several players becoming available for selection is mouth watering, as it raises the prospect of some game changing options for farke to use.
For now though, I’m just enjoying the opportunity to enjoy family time and watch some good football, close up. That, and the winning feeling which really does raise the spirits.
I really do think Gary in years to come we will look back at the Farke era as a golden period in the clubs history.
How he has got the whole Project Crapstart feeling out of the players is quite remarkable, especially the worse injury list that I can ever remember in over 50 years.
Some interesting stats were given by Sky yesterday, most of them we are 1st (Take note Tim Sherwood) but one that caught my eye was the one where we were 20th. And that’s in the home chances conversion rate. Which is 6.5%.
Which is taking just over 1 in every 20 chances.
Now to be top of the league with that kind of ratio to chances to goals at home is remarkable, that will improve and someone will get a thumping very soon.
Also by 16th January we will have played all the 11 clubs directly below us in the table bar Swansea away from home. And look at the results we have got against those sides. Again amazing.
Here’s another thought, what would you as a supporter accept for Emi at the moment ?
To me it would be a minimum £50 million but I can understand if fellow supporters feel it should be higher.
For once I am pleased there is no mid-week game, I did worry that the really heavy Reading pitch may affect the players for the Cardiff game.
Finally another McGovern super save, as Daniel Farke predicted he has let no one down.
That was a great display against a team that could well make the playoffs.
But Watford eh , must be a comedian of an owner. Sack the manager , get a new guy in , he thinks its Christmas.
Then on boxing day Norwich rock up and he’s there thinking one game one defeat , this isn’t as easy as I thought.