Only a sad sack like me could have a little moan about Daniel Farke after a truly titanic performance from the lads who were available to turn out against Preston North End at Deepdale in the Good Friday fixture most of us were dreading due to multiple late returns from international duty.
Seeing the teamsheet at about five past two I thought something like: that’s okay, we can surely get a point with that team selection.
And that so nearly proved to be all three points. That was the scenario until the 95th minute when that horrible double deflection on a Brad Potts shot deceived Tim Krul to earn the Lilywhites a point they richly did not deserve.
Farke came on strong afterwards about referee Dean Whitestone’s failure to blow the whistle on the 94th minute as Tim Krul launched one long. But we all know four minutes of added time normally means five at least these days and thus we were pegged back at the very end of the game for a 1-1.
Preston did not deserve a point and seeing them piling in together to celebrate with the dugout was heartbreaking. But despite the stomach-churning denouement, a point is a point, especially after Swansea’s implosion at Birmingham was revealed on Friday night.
And then Huddersfield nicking a point from the stuttering Bees yesterday dinner time made things even sweeter. The Terriers had to work bloody hard for their point and, playing a day later than us and having to travel to Carrow Road, let’s hope they’re knackered.
I’d never normally come out with a comment like that but it’s what I can sink to when the influence of the EFL fixture committee is upon me.
The Championship table looks pretty good from where I’m sitting. 15 points clear of third or 12 if Swansea and Brentford win their games in hand. And both of these have to play Watford yet. Oh, and we’ve got goal difference sewn up on the Swans, so make them 13 behind us.
So what’s my beef with our Daniel?
A simple one really. Goalscoring hero Emi Buendia had been battered from pillar to post virtually from the kick-off. Anybody watching on iFollow would have seen him limping off at half time and looking distinctly uncomfortable when he remerged after the break. I wasn’t expecting to see him reappear to be honest.
Referee Whitestone gave Emi neither protection nor regard as Preston seemingly took it in turns to ankle tap him. Several blatant fouls were ignored, let alone yellow cards produced. This led to Farke claiming:
“I am more concerned about him [Emi] than Max [Aarons] or Dimi [Giannoulis] for Tuesday. When the referee is not prepared to protect him I have to do it. He got two hits on his ankle and it was swollen at half time and full of blood. I wanted to substitute him then.
“But he said, ‘No boss, leave me on. I want to help the team.’ Even in the second half he tried to keep going. But he got another hit and was not able to walk.”
I don’t think I’ve often been critical of Farke during his time with this club but I would question him on this topic. If he knew Emi was getting a kicking, saw swelling and bruising on his ankle and realised the referee was weak, why oh why didn’t he overrule Buendia with a “you’re a brilliant player, but I’m a kindly manager acting in your best interests by taking you off” kind of approach?
To be really pedantic, I’d like to know the reasons behind this decision and what input Chris Domogalla and his team had.
Moan over.
Grant Hanley did a superb job in marshalling a back four who had never played together as a unit before. Xavi Quintilla and particularly Bali Mumba had fine matches but I must single out Andrew Omobamidele.
The Irish centre-back didn’t look like an 18-year-old making his first Championship start. Not to me anyway.
His positioning and reading of the game looked spot on and he fills me full of confidence as we attempt to gain a successful conclusion to the season. The best centre-back at that age I’ve seen since Chris Sutton. And that’s quite a compliment.
He’s got the right attitude off the pitch as well, judging from what he told NCFC’s official website after the game:
“Sometimes in football, there’s a lot of things you can rule out. Sometimes goals are a comedy of errors and other times you think, ‘maybe if I was an inch closer to the ball’.”It’s fine margins at this level.”
And on skipper Hanley?
“He’s a top professional. Even before the game he gave me a bit of confidence and kind of walked me through the game as well, kept me composed all the time. It was very beneficial to have him beside me.”
We now have a whole three days rest to properly evaluate the squad to face Huddersfield on Tuesday evening. I would expect to see Max, Dimi and Ollie Skipp reinstated in the starting lineup and if Emi isn’t fit maybe we might well play Todd Cantwell, the Stieperdude and Kieran Dowell behind Teemu [I was tired so I’ve got a justifiable excuse for not putting the game to bed despite three excellent chances] Pukki.
And I hope I’ve seen the last of that wretched petrol blue kit. It’s invariably been a harbinger of doom and I’m prepared to wager the Ancient Mariner wore the 18th-century version of it when he disrespected that albatross all those years ago.
I doubt that any of the players have ever heard it but this would have had the right message in the dressing room afterwards:
Good morning Martin on the only relatively mild day until next weekend!!
I watched MB’s match review and he was pretty scathing about the referee, as I’m sure we all were. Once he’d let a robust challenge on Buendia go unpunished without the offender being given as much as a talking to, it became ‘open season’ on him and he might as well have had a ‘target’ painted on his back. We all know that had Emi been the perpetrator of some of those challenges rather than the victim, he would’ve surely been sent off!!
I’d LOVE to hear his explanation as to why he let play continue beyond the 4 minutes, as I saw no delays after 90 minutes and Krul kicked the out quickly after catching it.
Up until 93 minutes, PNE had had no goal attempts in the 2nd half.
I had the misfortune to read McAvoy’s post-match report where he claims that the ONLY chance we had, was the one we scored from. What planet is he on?? On another day, had Pukki not been tired from his international exploits, he could’ve had a hat trick. We also had 7 blocked shots!!
Moving on.
What stunning debuts from both Omobamidele and Mumba. I sincerely hope that we see them playing in Yellow and Green (no more petrol blue please!!) for many years to come.
Hats off to both Brum and Huddersfield Friday evening and yesterday by making the 2 automatic promotion places almost a ‘2 horse race’.
As Gary said yesterday, it would be fantastic to go up as Champions, but Watford are pushing us all the way.
Their last 2 games are away to Brentford and home to Swansea. Our last game is away to Barnsley!! Last season, they beat Brentford in their last game to ensure survival and deny Brentford automatic promotion!!
PS – A text I sent to a fellow fan on Saturday morning -I wonder if DF will give Omo(damibele) a start today, as we’re playing the Lilywhites?? 🤣
Sorry!! I’ll get my coat.
PPS – I know you’re not on Twitter, but I think you might appreciate this from Sharon Bowles. Football karma. He who lives by the dubious injury time penalty dies by the dubious injury time penalty. 🤣
Watford may be pushing us all the way, but they got lucky on Friday. It took an own goal from the Owls to win it for them, and that should have been disallowed for offside. The linesman flagged for it, but the ref over-ruled him. Apparently, although the player the cross was intended for was in an offside position when the ball was crossed, he wasn’t interfering with play. If his presence in an offside position wasn’t interfering, why would the defender make a desperate attempt to cut it out? That’s the most ridiculous interpretation of the offside law I’ve seen in a long while. Presumably the defender should have just let it go, and hope the offside was given if the Watford player scored? Crazy!
I must admit I was confused as you over that incident – still am really.
Exactly right – as a defender you act according to the players you think are onside. You would not risk an own goal if you thought a player was actually offside. The game has gone!
Totally agree – ‘play to the whistle’ seems to be a thing of the past!
Morning Ed
We’ve had a few poor officials this season and Mr Whitestone was certainly one of them. I see they’re *planning to improve VAR* over the summer but I’m not getting too excited about that prospect tbh.
I think Funtime Frankie was so ecstatic to get a point he’d have said anything!
Omobamidele and Mumba were indeed excellent and when Max inevitably departs he might well prove to be his successor.
I guess Sharon B’s comment was about Swansea at Birmingham – quite right too.
Here’s hoping both your and Emi’s ankles are doing well.
Cheers
I agree with your points, Martin. Close to three points, which were deserved. Shame Pukki didn’t convert any of the chances he had. I was surprised Hugill didn’t get a start to give Pukki a rest. Looks like we have two good defenders in Mumba and Omobamidele, although it was hard to judge them against a poor Preston team. Sorensen had a decent game in his preferred position. So there were lots of plus points including all the results that went our way. Watford are looking strong and are on a good run so the game against them is going to be crucial to determine which team ends up as Champions.
I was proud of the team. Playing for Norwich clearly means a lot to them as they put their bodies on the line. That was embodied in Buendia’s willingness to put himself in danger in the second half. He clearly knew he would be kicked again and the referee would do nothing.
Morning Colin
I agree with you about Sorensen who I thought was really good until he seemed to fade a bit towards the end.
Yes the passion is undeniably there for all to see. Personally I’m not too bothered about the title as long as we go up, but it looks like Farke and the whole squad might disagree with me 🙂
Cheers
I can understand why Daniel gave Emi the benefit of the doubt at half time, however, what surprised me most was that he left it as late as the 82nd minute to remove him from the firing line of the persistent fouls he was receiving.
Hi Gary
I think my problem with Farke’s half-time decision is simply that once a swelling starts it’s not going to do anything but increase when the same area is repeatedly targetted and DF must have known that would be the case.
Cheers
What more can one say Martin?
As always, an excellent summary of what (with the other weekend results) has definitely become a point gained rather than 2 lost.
Oh; and as a bonus, it seems we have another excellent youngster off the Colney production line. Which I guess the club shop will love as his surname is surely the most expensive amongst the current squad to have on the back of your shirt!!
Before the weekend started I thought that 2 more wins would do it. With the way the others (Watford excepted) are stuttering, 3 points on Tuesday with a more complete squad to pick from will I think pretty much seal the deal!
Onwards and upwards.
O T B C
Hi John
Nice to hear your optimism – I’m in a pretty good place too right now.
I’ve never actually had a player name or number on any of my many shirts so I don’t know how much NCFC charge per letter, but I guess Omobamidele would set you back a tidy sum and I can’t right now think of a City player with a longer surname except Tom Dickson-Peters, but he cheats as his is one of these new-fangled hyphenated ones 🙂
How many more points will crack the promotion nut? Nine for me to be certain.
Cheers
Hi Martin. I didn’t watch the game, and as I said to Gary yesterday, I take the blame for checking the score before the game was over. Late goals for the opposition happen every time I do that!
All in all though, I’ll take that point as a bonus. Deepdale can be an unhappy hunting ground for us, and given all the problems caused by the internationals, it’s more than I expected. Everything I’ve read about the game highlights how cr4p the referee was, and he must have been bad for Farke to come out in public and say so.
(Since he’s Irish, shouldn’t our young centre back be called O’ Mobamidele? Just a thought).
Morning Jim
I’m certainly not blaming you – I have so many pre-match rituals it’s bordering on the absurd, including patting a cuddly orang-utan with his City scarf on and convincing myself a certain pigeon in the plane tree on the street outside is cooing *come on City*.
I’m not so bad at Carrow Road, but I find watching us on iFollow or Sky quite tourtuous. Yes I know, medical help is available should I choose seek it out!
Cheers
Marty, the football Gods are having a laugh again. Just a little snigger with that late Preston goal and fortunately for us they seem to be concentrating on tormenting the Swans. I agree with you on Danny’s strange decision with EMI, he was obviously going to get more of the same in the 2nd half, had we been 2 up he might have decided differently. Just goes to show how little decisions can have big consequences, who’d be a football manager?
Guten morgen mein Herr
Be a football manager? Yes I’d cope with it financially, but probably not the rest of it.
Those football Gods are malevolent beasts indeed but if they wish to visit their wrath upon a certain section of South Wales that’s just fine by me.
Maybe they should turn their attentions to Hertfordshire for a while as well?
Danke and all that.
Definitely think Buendia should have come off at half time. Think maybe under the circumstances Emi was wanting to lead and carry the team and be even more responsible. If he is out for Tuesday still think we have more than enough. Hopefully he will be ok.
If it comes to it, I prefer Dowell on the right cutting in and Stieperman’s physicality at 10. Neither quite what we need starting at 10 in the Prem however.
Think our love for Pukki has got him off lightly from criticism.
Hi Richard
I totally agree with you about Pukki – I didn’t have the heart to lambast him because as you say, he’s done so much for us and we all love him!
Dowell looks at his best on the right, but as a replacement for Emi it would make us a little more narrow than usual I would think. There’s always Onel or even Josh Martin who can both play there of course.
Thanks
Morning Martin, I had the I follow with Preston’s commentary on it, not a bad coverage. They thought pne were outplayed, and called the equaliser with 10 mins to go simply on the basis of Norwich have missed so many chances and, yes we have all seen that last minute oops moment in so many games.
21 points to play for and promotion confirmed next weekend.
Hi Bernie
Being on iFollow I had the gift of Chris Goreham and Mark Rivers, and funnily enough Rivo said almost exactly the same thing at the same time as your Preston guy.
It won’t be confirmed next weekend mate. Not mathematically anyway 🙂
Cheers
Great article Martin.
I share your sentiments entirely, Preston got really lucky, on another day Teemu could have 2-3 goals. The equalizer took a wicked deflection and we were without at least a third of our strongest team.
Like you at 3.00pm I would have been thrilled with a point, by 4.57pm I wasn’t to say the least.
But with Swansea and Brentford both failing to capitalize it was a precious point.
On Emi I like Gary I can see why Farke gave him the benefit of the doubt at half-time but 82 minutes before he came off was too risky.
But I also think it wrong that a player of Emi’s ability is not getting enough protection from god awful referee’s.
Surely the club have some redress on this, as soon as Emi over reacts (debatable considering what he is subjected to) the refs cannot wait to get out the red card. But where is his protection, Michael Bailey on his podcast was furious about this and Michael is very considered and polite in all his city assessments.
It is time for these refs to be called to account, why should we have to substitute our best player because he is getting kicked from pillar to post. And as soon as he was withdrawn I will bet the PNE bench thought, job done.
They must have meetings where “passing on” is talked about which is player A fouls the oppositions best player then Player B and so on ? Dear Chris is a master of this. But refs wake up as it is spoiling the game by depriving matches of the best players.
I am about as optimistic as The Grinch when it comes to my team but I really believe if we beat Huddersfield we will be up. That will put us on 87 points and Swansea and Brentford will have to win 5 and draw 3 of their last games to get to that number.
A tall order to say the least.
Hi Tim
Agreed on all points.
We have had some $hit awful officials this season and I would imagine the relatively few footballing sides in this division will all be feeling the same, as in done over.
Brentford, Swansea, Huddersfield, Barnsley and even Watford to a certain extent.
I haven’t heard the MB podcast because I don’t subscribe to the Athletic, but considered and polite are two words that sum the guy up perfectly so I’ll take your word for it.
Redress? Sadly, you’re joking mate 🙁
Thanks – great comment.
Martin. You can watch Michael Bailey on YouTube.
Ta Colin – I didn’t realise!
Yes the refereeing was not up to standard, yes we played an extra minute, yes some players had had a tough week but that is not why we dropped valuable points!
1. Hanley and McLean were the best players on the pitch.
2. The replacement players all played really well..
3 Krul is experienced enough to waste the last few seconds.
We have done this so often this season- failing to kill off the game and allowing poor opponents the chance to get chances at the end.
You are right to criticise Farke for allowing Emi to continue and I would criticise replacing Dowell with Stiepermann. Like replacing Njinsky with the coalman’s cart horse. He did a good job in the last promotion but nothing since.
Sure we should be ok but like in individual games, as we have learned to our detriment in the last two, it is never over till it’s over!
Hi Cyprus
Yes I agree with you – of course I do – but just a couple of wry observations if I may.
Kieran Dowell has more in common with Nijinsky the Russian dancer than the horse that was named after him – as in highly skilled but no speed merchant. No, I’ve never seen Nijinsky or any other ballet dancer come to that as classical disciplines aren’t my flagon of cider, but hopefully you’ll get my meaning 🙂
I have no problem with your description of the Stieperdude – one of his ancestors quite likely played Hercules, the carthorse in Steptoe & Son.
That comment gave me a laugh anyway –
Thanks
Hi Martin
Well another good read on a fine sunny morning in Blackpool and a balmy 10c.
How did Rhodes miss the only chance he had to equalise on Friday against Watford and some commentary gave said Sheff Wed were the better team on the day.
Poor old Emi just can’t win stay on his feet and take all the fouls or go down and risk getting booked for simulation but at least he didn’t retaliate and get booked.
Could anyone see why Onel got booked was it the Ref trying to make things equal or hacked off as he couldn’t book or send off Emi no one will ever know.
I think Frank’s is trying to justify Brentford as such a poor display recently he came out with stats provi g how much better than last season they are so has he accepted the playoffs already.
Huddersfield got a goal then tried to defend it let’s hope they are a little more open come Tuesday evening and city just might get a hat full and Pukki could get his long awaited hattrick.
Maybe Xavi might get another chance to prove he could have a future at city or has that ship sailed of into the spainish sunset 🌇.
Famewo must have looked at A O performance and think that’s my chance gone unless he gets his chance next season and A O insert out on loan only time will tell.
Onwards and upwards
OTBC
Stay Healthy and Stay safe 🙏
Hi Alex
I only saw two minutes of the Huddersfield first half and then the last 25+ and although they defended well, they carried a bit of luck and I’m not sure about Ryan Schofield in goal.
Lewis O’Brien and Jonathan Hogg were outstanding for them from what I saw but we’ll find out more about the Terriers in our MFW preview tomorrow. Not from me, I’m off duty.
I reckon Thomas Frank and Steve Cooper will still think they can reel in Watford, but if either implodes in that quest it can only benefit us.
And how sweet it is that Watford still have to play both of them. And indeed ourselves, but that will surely be for a different prize altogether.
Touching distance is the phrase as of now.
Cheers mate
Hi Guys, happy Easter to you all,
An enjoyable read and comments! If my maths is right we need 2 wins and 1 draw to guarantee promotion to the Prem, but I won’t worry because this Canary squad is about the best I’ve ever watched, and they are gutsy, talented and committed enough to want to go up as champs!
PNE never even tried to play football on Friday, it was a very grubby performance from them full of cynicism but I guess their mission is to win a couple more games to secure their Championship survival and McAvoy’s job. I hope Emi Buendia is not too badly damaged, he is playing incredibly well, his goal was smashing! If Emi is out I think Cantwell can easily drop into that position.
Teemu was really unlucky with his crossbar strike, had that gone in it would’ve been his best goal for us, and a world-beater as well. Despite probably being knackered though, he more than played his part.
I thought Quintilla looked very good at LB, hope both our LBs get taken up they will be a real bonus back in the Prem. Hanley and Omi looked solid, and Mumba was very impressive.standing in for Maxi,
I agree, DF should’ve taken Emi off after 60 minuets, but he’s the boss I don’t think he ever gets much wrong so in Farke we trust.
All in all a good performance from the Canaries, a point against a bunch of cloggers was good enough so definitely glass half full here, looking forward to the game against Huddersfield.
We will be champs soon, best wishes all!
COYY !!
Hi Kev
*Gutsy, talented and committed* – you’re spot on there.
I suggested Onel or Josh for Emi but of course Cantwell switches sides a lot and could certainly play on the right. Let’s hope he’s fit but it doesn’t look too hopeful to me.
A *bunch of cloggers* is an expression I’ve not heard in a log while – but very appropriate for a desperately poor Preston outfit!
Thanks
I don’t usually get angry about football or referees, but I was yesterday. Not because they equalised just after the stated added on time had expired-the time is always given as a minimum and the ref’s the one with the watch. My wrath was for the abysmal lack of protection given to Emi who was repeatedly kicked and stamped on by a succession of Preston’s finest. The ref only saw fit to book one of their hatchet men, but couldn’t wait to book Onel when he came on. McAvoy’s coaching manual seems to have been written by the Wimbledon team of the 80s; I half expected Vinnie Jones to be brought on.
All the players who came in were excellent. Mumba looks classy and I concur with everything you’ve written about Omobamidele-surely the first Norwich player with a 6 syllable surname. What a couple of prospects they are.
Love the song, Bryan Ferry was so cool. His son, however, was a complete…..
Hi Don
We will both remember seeing the original Wimbledon in the flesh, as it were, and you certainly draw a good comparison with Preston.
You’re right about Omobamidele and Mumba too – prospects indeed.
The son of Floyd’s Dave Gilmour is on a par with the Ferry lad…
Cheers mate
Another interesting read Mr P, I was surprised as heck to see Pukki starting, for me Hugill should have started, when he tired put Pukki on. Have to agree on Emi, swelling at half time can and should only lead to being relieved of duties for the day, plus it would have helped getting the ice on early. Probably because of that, We will be missing his craft and vision for a couple of games, hopefully no more.
Who is the manager? I know players have a say but surely Farke knows these boys will run through no man’s land minefield for him.
I am not that concerned by not having the full 3, had we not have had such a gap it would be a different matter. When a team like Preston had no chances or even threatened Krul’s goal, then get a fluke. I can see even clearer how taking the chances even more vital. Mark Rivers seemed lost for words at the end.
We won’t be the last team to get caught like that, but I hope it is the last time we will.
Hi Lad
Rivo actually said he was lost for words – and went on to prove it!
None of us wants to criticise Daniel F but as you say he made a wrong decision with Emi which is why I’d like to know what Chris Domogalla thought at the time.
Preston were, indeed, poor.
Cheers
Well Martin The only swelling i can see is our Bank balance when we go up decent performance by The new lads like to see what they can do against a decent Team .mystic kev predicts 20 against The terriers moon is in The right place and won £90 0n lotto last note so confident of good result 😊
Greetings O Mystic One
Anything won on the lottery is a big bonus I guess but at least we look nailed on to avoid the Championship lotto that is the play-offs
I’ll trust in your scrying glass and expect a 2-0 win against the Terriers then 🙂
Cheers mate
A great read Martin, as usual not much to argue with.
Barring the freak incident in time added on to time added on by the latest whistle blowing prat we encountered, I thought we were superb.
Pukki, obviously dulled by his grand European tour and three games in six days can be forgiven for essentially costing us two points. On another day a hat trick would have been the outcome.
McLean and Hanley dug in admirably after stupidly being utilised by Scotland against the Faroe Islands and not even given an early bath. Aarons, gianoulis and skipp all understandably sat it out and of course two front line centre halves are now cracked until August and potentially beyond. Add to that the injuries to rupp and idah, the two teenage debutants and a crap referee and a point is a decent haul.
Credit must go to omobamidele, Mumba, Sorensen and quintilla for the seamless way they stepped into the breech. Excellent frpm all four I thought. Having seen a little bit of academy football made available on YouTube, it’s easy to see that Mumba and omobamidele are the cream of the current crop.
As for Preston, apparently known to nobody but themselves as “proud Preston” 😂😂😂😂 suffice to say that one of the bigges pluses of any promotion is that we wouldn’t have to play them again. Insignificant and unsporting.
Was that macavoy guy really employed by us? Good grief. Perhaps, buoyed by their totally unwarranted point against us they will appoint him permanently. Then in all likelihood he will take them down.
Hi Chris
Agree with all your points on the players, particularly Omobamidele and Mumba.
Around five years ago I remember sitting in the Ribs with some mates and one of us posed the question: *So what does Frankie McAvoy actually do?”
We never found an answer until Good Friday.
And now we know what he does, we don’t like it.
Cheers
I suppose the simple answer is that we win when Buendia is on the pitch and don’t when he isn’t. Everyone would have been moaning if he had been subbed at half-time and we then went on to draw or lose.
Hi Tony
I understand your point about Emi but I’m still disappointed Farke sent him out for more punishment after the break.
Preston’s approach was crystal clear to everybody barring the ref.
Thanks