It’s hard to find a new set of words to describe that one, just as it’s difficult to keep a lid on the expectation levels floating around in the wide-open spaces of my head.
But I’ll try.
In his MFW match report, James Colman used ‘boa constrictor’, ‘an irresistible force’ and ‘remorseless’ in his appraisal of City’s performance last night; each one a perfect representation of what has to be their best all-round performance of the season.
No weak links; no bad days at the office; just supreme confidence in the system, the personnel within the system, and the ability of each individual within it to deliver.
At this juncture, I’ll normally drone on a bit about the good points, drop in a few not-so-good ones to offer a semblance of balance, and maybe pick out a couple of notable performances of both extremes, but to try that approach after last night seems futile. So in a break with tradition, the whole damn lot are getting name-checked…
Krul: Not one of Tim’s most taxing days which was ideal given it was his first day back after suffering from you-know-what. Daniel Barden has been outstanding, no question, but the return of Krul’s soothing, calming presence added another layer to what was already a rock-solid defensive unit. (Can’t believe I’ve just written that). While he had not a single worthwhile save to make, his footwork was up to its usual high standard and the fact he is back and looking well was a boost in itself.
Aarons: The usual. Tenacious in defence on the odd occasion it was needed and outstanding, as ever, in the attacking third. The clean pair heels that he afforded Nahki Wells in the lead-up to the second goal were of the kind normally used by old school jinking wingers. But it wasn’t just Wells he had on toast. Dean Holden’s plan of playing a tight, compact, narrow four across his midfield only served to open up huge, gaping channels for Max and Lungi to operate in. As a younger man, I marvelled at the way the Brazilians used full-backs as extra attacking options whose first thought was to join in and how they became key figures in the team. Now we have one of our own.
Hanley: What a man. Chris Martin did his best to ruffle as many feathers as he could on the night but he picked on the wrong man when trying to use that lard arse on Grant. Big ol’ lumps of Dumfries granite don’t tend to yield to Beccles lip and there was only ever going to be one winner. The fields of Colney have been good for Hanley who is now infinitely more comfortable on the ball than when he arrived, as typified by that confident burst from defence that started the move for goal number two in Cardiff. He’s a leader, one you’d want alongside you in the trenches and, above all, he’s fit.
Gibson: That he couldn’t find a starting berth at Burnley says everything about the qualities Sean Dyche looks for in a player. Gibson’s ability to break the lines with those rapier-like passes had no place in Dyche-ball but have added another dimension to Daniel Farke’s rather more pleasant version of the game. He also adds a pleasing balance to the back four with that left foot; one that enables him to hit a range of passing unbefitting of your average Championship centre-back. He’s not your average Championship centre-back. He was as steady as a rock last night and was unmoved by any Beccles banter.
Sorensen: His best game in a City shirt by some way, helped in no small part by Holden’s plan to leave him with the whole of the left flank all to himself. It was the Dane’s footballing intelligence that enabled him to function in a position that was alien to him in the first place, and it’s now that same intelligence and sound footballing technique that’s turned him into a good left-back. The plan of opposition managers to try and expose him has ultimately failed and last night he was able to offer a similar level of threat to Max. It was good to see him have the confidence to use his left foot and occasionally go outside Jack Hunt.
Skipp: Just gets better. For one so young and relatively inexperienced his decision-making is exemplary and, along with Gibson, is why we have a defence that’s worthy of the name. It’s obvious why Jose Mourinho rates him so highly and sees him a Harry Winks plus of the future, and so we should make the most of every minute that we have him. He showed last night an athleticism that’s not always been needed, when getting the odd toe in to prevent a rare Brizzle incursion. Fair play to Stuart Webber for identifying the effect Skipp could have on this unit. I’m going to be picky though and say he could always chip in with the odd goal. I’m sure it’s coming.
McLean: Another outstanding performance in a run of several. Whether as a deep-lying defensive midfielder or an 8 or a 10, the Mayor is delivering right now, and it would have been fitting if that first-half left-foot zinger has nestled in Daniel Bentley’s top corner. He and Skipp have found a way of dovetailing when before they looked to occupy those same areas and he’s one who is always looking to make something happen in the final third. The Beast from Beccles had as much joy in rattling the Rutherglen Raider as he did our man from Dumfries, so he gave up. The Mayor has returned to first-name-on-the-teamsheet territory.
Cantwell: Another fine evening to go with a fine Saturday afternoon. The Todd (I refuse to call him ‘Toddy’ as the cool guys do) of January 2021 is a far cry from the September 2020 version. Committed, motivated, and an integral part of the group, this is the Todd we’ve all been waiting for. His clipped cross for Jordan Hugill’s first goal was footballing perfection but it was his all-round contribution, both with and without the ball, that made this one of his best games of the season. His ability to interchange with Vrancic and Buendia makes us so difficult to play against and is a key component in us being able to break down opponents at Carrow Road whose sole intention is to defend. Todd was the only one to react to the Beccles Bruiser’s banter, but we’ll let him off.
Vrancic: Shut your eyes, think of Farkeball, and what do you see? Well, I see Mario, ball at his feet, head up, his brain computing in a split second the best option, and him delivering an inch-perfect, beautifully weighted pass. While he may not be the quickest or the strongest, that footballing brain makes him the perfect exponent of Daniel Farke’s take on the beautiful game. He’s not a natural 10 and I suspect a fit Kieran Dowell will reclaim the role he was bought to fulfil but such is Vrancic’s exquisite technique he’s able to make any midfield berth his own when called upon. All that’s been missing of late, and was missing again last night, is a much-deserved goal. It’s only a matter of time.
Buendia: Was brilliant again last night but such has been his brilliance of late it was just another day at the office for Emi. In addition to his obvious quality with the ball, his work-rate and hunger without it sets him apart from many who have been blessed with a natural talent for the game. The flicks and tricks are just all part and parcel of Emi being Emi and occur so regularly they’re no longer even noteworthy – that’s how good he is. It’s hard to judge when he’s still the occupant of a yellow shirt, but in the future, we’ll look back on possibly the best player ever to wear the yellow and green. The Beccles Brooder had a dabble but it was wasted as Emi’s grasp of ‘rural Suffolk’ is still being worked on.
Hugill: His best day yet. For him it’s been something of a slow-burner, mainly due to the resurrection of Teemu Pukki, but he’s now fulfilling the Jordan Rhodes role perfectly, including sharing his ‘one of the nicest blokes in football” mantle. Always with a smile on his face, Hugill is finally showing us why he was so highly rated at QPR last season and while he does it differently to Pukki – which is why he is here in the first place – he is starting to do it just as effectively. The goals will have given him a huge boost but his back-to-goal play was good last night with the ball sticking just as Farke will have demanded.
Placheta: Didn’t have long to impress but has already developed into a consistent performer down that left side who diligently carries out his defensive duties when called upon. We’re yet to see his blinding pace used to its full effect but hopefully the after-burners will kick in when they’re needed most in the coming months. Angry from Beccles had been taken off by the time PP was introduced but he’d never have caught him anyway.
Hernandez and Dowell: Neither were around long enough to pass judgment by my god it was good to see both of them back. The more options the better for Farke as we approach crunch time and these two will both have roles to play.
So, in footballing terms, one of the very good days. While the gap at the top is disguised by those below us having games in hand, there is still a small buffer emerging between us and the pack.
There’ll be some blips ahead but, as I said on Sunday, it looks like ours to blow right now. But keep that to yourself…
Never Mind the Danger
I must be psychic – I managed to write an entire article without mentioning the Beccles Bully Boy at all. Nice to see you’ve corrected my neglect.
Seriously he’s showing his age big style now and as you so rightly say I’m not sure that Hanley and Gibbo would have been in any way intimidated.
As for Emi I think Captain Grey Goose might have heard a few words of Spanish back from the Senor. *Puta* was probably amongst them.
Could this be our best defence since Worthy’s title-winning class of 2003-2004?
I find nothing to disagree with in anything you’ve written and I am strangely comfortable with the optimism I feel.
The team last night contained several summer signings-I wonder if any other team in England can say they got their recruitment as spot on as Norwich did this year. One of the best of a great bunch has been Ben Gibson; I had just about forgotten that his signing was drawn out, and a large number of fans were getting fed up and saying that he didn’t want to play for us and we should move on. It just goes to show that the best things in life are worth waiting for as he exudes class and, if we are promoted, will be a snip at the pre agreed fee which I believe is about £8m. I also hope that fans remember the outlay for him and Giannoulis, if it seems we’re not spending enough money next pre season.
Everything in the Carrow Road garden seems rosy at the moment and the players who need a rest can have one this weekend and the players who need some match fitness can get it.
Don;
Totally agree with your take on Gibson who will be a steal at the supposed price.
Lower down the money tree, but (for me anyway) just as good a buy has to be Sorensen, who has not yet played in his supposed preferred position, but is a consistent 7 or 8 out of 10.
If (as it seems) we lose Skipp (another great piece of business), he will hopefully blossom further as a DM.
O T B C
Reading today’s offering just got better and better Gary, I was beginning to well up with pride!
Bristol City are a decent side but there was not one player in their side last evening that would get a place in our team, in fact their are very few championship players who would improve our line up at present. If things continue unchanged when the men in suits sit down to decide the Championship team of the season it will just be all City!
I can’t recall ever watching a more dominant City performance over 90 mins in all my years, (65 less the first 8 or so).
Scoring goals is the Holy Grail of football and how we still convert so few chances remains the final piece of the jigsaw. However, it’s no coincidence that the oppositions keeper is generally most worthy of the ‘Man of the Match’ award and last night was no exception.
Enjoy it while it lasts.
I watched only first half, Bristol City looked like a team what Norwich was often in premier league. Not much believing its chances to win or get a point. Norwich midfield playing was superb compared to Bristol Citys, even Buendia was not some reason at his best at all. Hugill scored 2 goals which is important now that Pukki is out. He might be out much longer than anyone believes. Headed goal was very good, overall he was not involved to Norwich game style much all and he had very good close range scoring chance before his goal which he might should been able to score. Why he does not fit to Norwich passing game style is lack of overall quality to be able to play more technical passing game and understand it. Same way for example Andy Carroll would have similar problems so they are player types you dont much see in higher level outside britain.
I can easily understand that Norwich fans enjoy this season, still overall level of championship is not very high. Its honestly surprise how well for example Sorensen is playing in championship right away and also in position he has not played at least in senior level. Remember that player comes from team which got relegated in danish 1st league. Now Norwich seems to have loaned player from Greece, who has played also in their national team. About Greece national team I know that there has been played large amount of players in last years. I cant remember right figure, but if I remember right it was about 60 players which is incredible high figure. Surely he should have no problem to shine in Championship right away, he can very well be right away even best left back in championship. I have a feeling that its not much about scouting, championship level just is lower so as long as other clubs does not understand that or they are not able to get players abroad situation stays like that. Norwich has likely most foreign players in championhip, but premier league will be completely different task again. There teams already has several foreign players and until its not proven differently with better quality. There Sorensen must get to Vestergaard level and Pukki must get to Cavanis level, at least about that level regularly. That is the problem and if more and more players does not get there, then more surely Norwich will be again get relegated. Norwich must not believe that they can survive if they play with same team as in championship. So, that much spoken about at least 100 million investment to new players is must when trying to compete in premier league. Norwich surely plays next season in premier league, so there is time to find more quality to team and especially quality who can do well in premier league not just that they are better than player who now starts.
City are looking remarkably solid. Only the loss at Luton this season was a really under par performance. I hope the team does not get disrupted when our new left back is introduced. The quality of playing out from the back is so much better with Gibson in the team. Skipp is simply top class. He is happy to receive the ball under pressure and obviously he is helped by the mobility and reliability of Maclean.
What impresses me is the way in which Farke has improved good players like Cantwell and Maclean. I am sure he would like another crack at the Premier league and with Gibson and hopefully a new left back we may already have a better chance of success than last season.
Absolutely brilliant pen pictures Gary. Hard to argue with any of your points. Credit where it’s due, this run of exceptional results has dragged me Through the post Christmas grimness of Covid beautifully. I first thought my under par Boxing Day demeanour was down to our performance at Watford. I soon learned otherwise!
Honestly everyone, don’t catch the damned thing. It’s truly vile.
I can only find one issue with your piece Gary, I could have sworn that Mcleans zinger was a right footed effort but I may have been mistaken as still in recovery mode.
Hi Chris
It was indeed the right – Hucks called it his *weaker foot* 🙂 🙂
Hope you’re okay buddy.
Much better thanks Martin!
Listening to the commentary on Talk Sport last night (another pair of neutrals who were very impressed by us) they mentioned that we had 4 points from our first 4 games. I knew it wasn’t many, but I’d forgotten we failed to win games 2, 3 and 4.
Prompted by that I had a read through both Gary and Martin’s articles on 4th/5th October (immediately after the Derby game) and the considerable number of comments they provoked. Boy, were folks miserable. Not surprising really.
Fortunately most of the predictions that people came up with (Farke to walk out, last we’ve seen of Todd and Emi, looks like we’ll be 16th and Derby will be in the promotion mix etc. etc.) haven’t come to pass – well not yet anyway.
Hi Gary
An excellent summary of the player performance last night.
I just wonder if the Spurs head of recruitment was looking at Skipps overall player or taking notes of any particular city player Emi, Todd, Max then how was his journey classes under this lockdown???
Maybe Jose M could decide to loan us Skipp for our returning season back in the premiership to gain him more experience but that is wishful thinking on my part.
Would a defeat this Saturday be a bad think I am not so sure a little know manager of the sixties Bill Nicholson once said never change a winning side( the season he did the double) and when winning play as many games as possible to keep the run going.
DF has a difficult choice to make come the weekend stick or twist but a couple of the team might get a well earned rest.
Onwards and upwards
OTBC
Stay Safe and Stay Healthy 🙏
Nice to see Beccles get a mention Gary! Another great performance last night and we seem to be getting stronger as the season goes on. I absolutely love the way the team can interchange virtually all the players and yet the style of play and outcome remains the same. Daniel Farke and all the staff from top to bottom deserve so much credit for all the hard work that has been put in over the past 4 seasons. You can see the rewards of this culture change at the club and the players they have brought through, its fantastic to see and be a part of. #OTBC