Wow. Where to start, other than to say this really this is the ultimate test of not too high, not too low.
So forget that. 99.9 per cent of City fans will need scraping off the ceiling this morning after, arguably, the most exhilarating 93 minutes of NCFC football in all of our lifetimes.
As I write, my dad and I are yet to debrief but I’m awaiting some Dick Gowers superlatives along the lines of “the best all-round performance I’ve seen in 75 years”. He’s a notoriously hard man to please but even he, like the rest of us, will be scratching around for some fresh adjectives to use this morning.
This wasn’t City edging to promotion. There was no edging about it. This wasn’t even bursting through the Premier League door to let off a few party poppers and pop a couple of corks. This was full-on smashing the door down but not before offering a two-fingered salute to Watford, Brentford and Swansea.
Not that Daniel Farke would approve of such bravado of course but for the Canary Nation these are special times and should be lauded as such. Bravado et al.
The head coach remains the epitome of class and if we weren’t bursting with pride enough, to hear him speak post-match in such measured and respectful tones towards an opposing manager who he had just shellacked, was quite something. And this after he’d spent a few minutes explaining to Andrew Omobamidele, with celebrating players all around, why he’d taken up a wrong position from a throw-in with City 7-0 up.
A five-minute snapshot of why we are where we are.
We’re well run, we have good players, but at the heart of it all is a man who has an acute understanding of football and how he wants it played but who also, crucially, has tapped into what makes Norwich and Norfolk tick.
Throw into a hat all the qualities we like to see in our manager, mix them up, and out pops Daniel Farke.
Plays attractive football ☑
Is calm and measured ☑
Is humble ☑
Is proud to be the head coach of our club ☑
Understands us ☑
That in doing so he has put together one of the best sides in the club’s history, and surely the best second-tier side in the club’s history, is the biggest, juiciest bonus imaginable.
Some coaches pride themselves in making the technical area a warzone. Daniel keeps his own counsel and winks.
Some coaches shout, bawl, gesticulate and probably confuse. Daniel observes, studies and, if necessary, has a quiet word.
Some coaches spend 90 minutes berating the fourth official while in a near-permanent state of apoplexy. Daniel occasionally makes his feelings known minus the bulging neck veins.
And some coaches have little to boast about but squeeze every last drop out of what they do. Daniel has plenty to boast about but wouldn’t dream of it.
So while the players rightly take the plaudits for the demolition job to end all demolition jobs and Stuart Webber gets (quite rightly) lauded for the best four years of work in the history of football, we happen to have a brilliant head coach who fits us like a glove.
There’s nothing really I can add regarding the sheer technical brilliance of last night’s performance that hasn’t already been said, so I’ll leave that to others, but the honesty and lack of ego in this group is something really quite special.
A cliché it may be, but they appear to genuinely revel in each other’s successes and triumphs and not just their own; a trait beautifully illustrated by the double one-two between Kieran Dowell and Emi Buendia that ended with the former scoring his second goal of the campaign.
Unselfishness and humility are rare qualities in professional football but this group have both at their very core. It doesn’t happen by luck though. Webber’s no dickh**d policy has paid handsome dividends, with technical excellence only being one element in the decision to recruit or not recruit.
And is why characters like Jordan Hugill, who has only really been a bit-part striker this season after excelling at QPR a year ago, remains an integral part of the group; in his own way every bit as important as those who grab the headlines week in week out. His goal was well deserved and warranted its celebration, especially as it involved Max Aarons popping up as a bona fide left-winger.
So one of the great ones. One that will go down in the record books.
These really are magical times, being overseen by a special sporting director, managed by a special head coach and played out by a special group of players.
That we’re not there to see it unfold and show our appreciation is a tragedy. But let that not detract from what an outstanding achievement is just four points away.
Never Mind the Danger…
***
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Gary
Hi Gary. That was worth waiting for! I can’t add to the superlatives here and elsewhere describing that performance, from players and coach alike. Even the BBC sat up and took notice!
We’ve threatened to do that to some poor team for a while now, and Huddersfield were just unlucky it was them. I saw a comment somewhere that said “Buendia un fuego intenso” and even my limited Spanish could work that one out. His pass for the second goal was something Messi would have been proud of, and his unselfishness in setting up Dowell when he could have gone for another goal for himself was incredible.
Farke was superb post-match, in both his humbleness and the little coaching cameo with Omobamidele. He and the players make me proud to be a Canary.
Well that was definitely worth the wait and the Twitter cajoling. A perfect summary. And you have honed in on the one thing that has actually made me proud of supporting this club… humility. We have it in spades. Others may laud it and look down on us but I will take the Webber/Farke/Smith/Wynn-Jones approach any day of the week,
A perfect example. Todd Cantwell.
I feared we had seen the last of him at the start of the season. Toys had departed the pram with indecent haste. But our “Führer’ (don’t go all mawkish on me here, it just means leader ffs) handled him like a strict but caring father, patted him on the head after letting him out of his room at last, and has created a fantastic, modern footballer that can go to the very top. Last night I thought he was totally unplayable. The same goes for Buendia. And credit to both those lads for getting their heads straight. I hope we get at least another season out of them.
I can’t find the words that would do justice to the team effort… save it is epitomised by Granite Hanley. Whoever thought you’d see him calling forth the ghost of Beckenbauer with his surges upfield. Our coach has made a cracking footballer out of him. He makes cracking footballers out of any that he works with (ok, we can forget Jimmy Husband and Marley Watkins… but you get the point!).
I hope that as supporters we can keep our heads next season as it will be as tough as they come. The togetherness at NCFC extends beyond the playing staff. Us supporters have a huge role to play. Optimism trumps pessimism every day of the week. I hope we can find a way to imbue that in the years to come.
Hi Gary
Brilliant summary of how Canary supporters must feel at this moment. It is as proud as I have been in my 62 supporting years and ranks in that alongside Bayern Munich and the play off final. I never dreamt I would watch our team play as they are. Is calling it Total football an exaggeration? Not for me at times. When any sport just makes you sit up and go WOW then it has to be special. This is special and made all the better by the fact it is all being served up by a manager who is above all else a decent person and by players, sporting director, staff and owners who deserve all the praise and thanks we can give them.
I think you could see that all 10 outfield players were smarting from the late equaliser conceded on Good Friday and the determination to expunge that disappointment was evident from the first whistle.
I saw a tweet from Michael Bailey where he said the Sky commentator said after our 2nd goal – :You put the Mic down and applaud that skill’ – Buendia:s pass from inside his own half was in a different class..
Every goal was a team goal and I don’t think even De Gea could have stopped many of them.
Roll on Derby and then matches against both Bournemouth and Watford.
As stupid as this sounds, that could not have been easy to write. Where the hell do you begin after witnessing a master class like that ? It is one of the very best if not the best I have witnessed in 55 years, my only grumble we could not be in there raising the roof and floodlights off carra.
A caller said we would beat any premier team, Holt in his experience tried to bring him down a little, I would not say we would beat any, but sure as eggs are eggs, several of the lower half teams would have had a right struggle living with that football. Yep Huddersfield were poor, but how much of that was down to a rampant City, giving a Masterclassin pure football. Just to add insult to the already injured the subs got in on the act, with Hugill scoring while the other fitted in perfectly.
Any doubts anyone had after 2 draws, were a bit silly but this sure must put them to bed. Just for the rest oif the week I am enjoying this and not even thinking of anything else
Morning Gary, you’ve said it all really and i agree with you entirely. I’ve been going to CR since 1962 and this really is some of the best football I can remember. Bondy started it all off years ago with his brand of football straight from the West Ham academy and most of our managers have tried to keep that theme going over the years. It’s hard to think of anyone who’s done it better than Daniel Farke. I think the modern parlance to describe both him and Stuart would be to say that they really ‘get us’.
I could ramble on for ages but I won’t, I’ll just end by saying that I think they’ve finally put to bed that age old question from Canary Call – what are they doing in training Neil?
Well said Gary. I’ve been watching City for nearly sixty years and I can’t remember a better performance. It was the beautiful game at its best regardless of division.
I bet Pep will enjoy it!
Everything I watch, read, hear and think about NCFC gives me goose bumps. I don’t have the superlatives to do the whole set up justice, but I can tell you this-there are no supporters of any team in the world who should feel better about football now than Norwich supporters.
I agree with Andy Larkin’s comments in every respect except one. I am not going to show any humility about this-I am going to get on the nerves of plenty of people.
I should imagine that Colin from Middlesbrough and Ryan from Preston were shouting at Huddersfield to ‘kick ’em, thats what we did and it worked’ Unfortunately you have to be able to get close enough .
Fantastic performance! Pukki and Buendia just plays in league which is not their own level and also Cantwell has important abilities to be able to play together with them. There were 2 very good assists to Teemus goals, first Cantwell did fantastic job and later Buendia made fine long pass. Because yesterday there came same time very interesting games, I watched 2 games same time and there Vinicius Juniors first goal against Liverpool was fantastic. Today again same thing, so many good games basically same time. Buendia was my man of the match, but I can understand why Teemu was selected as man of the match.
In youtube there seems to be live watchalong called talknorwichcity. Other guy of them was singing Bella Ciao song for Teemu. Im 99% sure that its just coincidence, but actually in historical perspective its perfect. Shortly, Finland got suddenly independent 1917 very much because of russian revolution. 1919 started very brutal finnish civil war. Same year was founded labor sports union, so in Finland there is still 2 sports union. Teemus club KTP belongs to labor sports union. Relations between those 2 unions are not anymore so full of hate as they have been, in history sportspeople who have represented clubs which have belonged to labor sports union have not been selected to represent Finland. Civil war is like achilleus heel in Finland, its issue which is basically impossible to discuss because it always gets way too heated and biased. Majority of sports people are just involved because of sports, but there is people who could never represent club which belongs to opposite sports union and their kids could not do that either. This issue just havent never been able to solve and likely never will. And yes I have been (forced) to listen very extreme speeches how this is not only sport from both sides. As older finn you ever meet as stronger opinions about that they likely have.
I don’t want to believe that Finnish people are anything other than peaceful, clever and lovely, but thanks for the information. This is the game that would normally have been designated as Global Canaries day, so it’s great that you comment.
Well, every area has its own history. Its very nice to hear what you think about finns, here like everywhere lives all kinds of people. Russian and swedish cultures have obviously strong affection, those 2 countries have never get along well with each other. Of course just like in Britain, here is also some areal habits and people have different dialects and mindsets. Stereotypes inside country lives still strong. Kotka where Pukki comes is located in southeast rather close to russian border. That area is called Kymi, their dialect is very similar with savonians and karelians but they are not included to either those groups. Some words surely have different meanings, but overall Kotka and Kymi does not have at least strong stereotypes. about 5% are russian speakers and 1% seems to be swedish speakers which is surprising because its uncommon in eastern side.
Astonishing but somehow not surprising. Never witnessed such a complete 1st half demolition. Emi, simply the best player we’ve ever, (and I mean ever), seen wearing yellow & green and as for our manager, well, Gary has said it all so eloquently.
A word about the ref too, Jarrad Gillet, take a bow, refereeing as it should be done.
Interestingly, the Play Off final was shown later last night by Sky. I thought we were good that day but, wow, last night was on a different level completely.
As mentioned above, it was going to happen to someone soon and I hope Huddersfield can clear their heads and stay up. In a way, I wish we’d waited to do this to Derby instead!
It’s nigh on impossible to pick out a star performer as they were all so good but I’m going to mention Kieran Dowell. It’s been a difficult season but he has now been involved in our 2 best displays of the season, last night and Forest away. Coincidence? I think not.
And it was nice to see Stiepi involved as well. What a finish that would have been had he kept that shot a bit lower with the last kick of the match.
Roll on Saturday. #ncfc
Hi Gary
An excellent summary on last nights game and with Lee Hendrie on commentary again it was easy listening unlike the other Brummie Don Goodman who rarely find a good thing to say about us.
The start of the second half was a little disappointing but that was rectified but another couple of goals.
Sky are saying we could clinch promotion this weekend if results go in our favor so let’s hope they do.
BREAKING NEWS
Marcus Edwards has said today he wanted to leave Ipswich in a better state than when he took over and he thinks that he has achieved that with selling to an American investment company No Limits Sports Ltd surely an improvement would have been promotion not relegation.
Back to city V Derby this weekend is going to be a strange but tough game, Rooney will have watched last night 🌙 and analysed every goal, pass with Mr Umbrella 🌂 Maclearen hoping to find aweak link, who are in turmoil with one take over failed and in the mix with another.
Onwards and upwards
OTBC
Stay Healthy and Stay safe 🙏
Sorry my mistake No Limit Sports Ltd is buying Derby
The only thing missing last night – the fans. The ‘old girl’ would have been rocking last night, a truly beautiful sight, under lights, full and vibrant with noise and colour.
Just five more points, from six games, this season isn’t just breaking records, it’s smashing them!
OTBC
I can’t even begin to imagine what it would have been like inside CR with DF doing his ‘oles’ and none of the stands having a roof on them!! 😀
Afterwards, I’m sure a large contingent would have descended on local hosteleries and nursing hangovers his morning!!
Yes, I know we’re not promoted, but last’s masterclass was worth celebrating – it was such an incredible TEAM performance.
While i agree with everything yourve Said above you know it only takes two draws and a defeat and three blanks for it to Be bad recruitment need new owners farke no good no plan b etc roll on Next season😊😊
Spot on . I well remember comments to this esteemed column on 4/10/20 , 4 games in suggesting Farke should get the boot . Thus it has always been 😃
Hi Bro J
You inspired me to have a quick gander at the comments on Gary’s article that day and although I wasn’t particularly pleasant about Michael & Delia I said nothing against Farke [actually I never meaningfully have].
Phew 🙂
Hi Martin, I agree you certainly didn’t . I have always found your reporting balanced and critical where required . However there was unwarranted ( in my view ) criticism from readers . We are all entitled to express our views . Onwards & upwards 👍
It was ironic that Huddersfield were on the receiving end when that is where Stuart Webber came from – and look what happened thereafter he quit for us. I understand that SW is contracted to us until next season ends. And is adamant that will be his lot. So a little worry at this joyous time when it has all come together on the field is, what happens when he goes? The other side of that coin is, how will our lovely club fare? How long will we keep Daniel Farke and all the backroom boys? I recall like yesterday when Huddersfield on their way to the PL gave us – newly relegated with lots of expensive players like Brady, Pinto, Olivera and Naismith – a football lesson at Carrow Road in December 2016 not many months before SW came to NCFC in 2017. I wonder if the remark of one of the Googlebox couples is why? What did Delia put in the pie?
I remember when SW announced that he had sign his last contract and said he would look for a new challenge but said never say never when asked would he stay surely the new challenge would be to mae city a long term resident of the premiership
May be Covid has changed his and Zoe Ward’s, (partner/wife), thinking. They are both major cogs in our wheel of fortune. However, whenever teams get success fans must enjoy the moment it will all change eventually whether they all stay or all go. We will still be fans of NCFC whatever.
Personally I would wish the lot of them all the best and say a huge thank you. If Farke went to Spurs/Arsenal/Dortmund/Bayern, etc we would surely wish him every success, he’ll always be one of us whatever happens.
On a more sombre note, since when has Aarons (as in arrows – darting and pin-point in accuracy) become Aarons (as in Aero – tasty but spongy and full of holes)? Had got use to the former – as it describes his play for us – but if he does go to Spurs then you are welcome to call him what you like!
Great article!
No Sky here so I was listening to Beeb Five Live and couldn’t believe the number of visits to Carrow Road. Dion Dublin was the expert in attendance at the Man City match and he was elated and very complimentary about the Canaries several times, bless him!
I have not stopped laughing to myself about the highlights as yet -totally stupendous! What a squad, what a manager, what a football director, what a boardroom – and what things of beauty those goals were!
Bring on Derby, lets do-oo-oo it!
OTBC !!
Cheers for the comments, folks. Was impossible to do it justice to be honest, but felt it was important to recognise the Farke-factor and how his demeanour has rubbed off on the team and club as a whole. I dare not even contemplate life without him (or Stuart Webber) but am sure there’ll be a succession plan in place. Will never be the same again though.
A fine article to follow a great night’s football. It was described as men v boys but we had the boys whereas Huddersfield had the ageing crocks of Stearman and Keogh. To their credit Huddersfield didn’t try to foul our creative players. The sustained quality football was a joy to watch. Let’s hope Sky had a good audience for the game so Norwich get the credit for their football.
I have always believed that Farke is a brilliant head coach. His demeanour helps with his man management. The way he has handled such diverse characters as Hanley, Buendia and Cantwell is a credit to him. You can go through the whole team and see players whose careers he has improved and that gives him a lot of loyalty and respect. Krul has had his career rescued and is back in the Netherlands squad. Aarons has come from nowhere to be on the radar of the top teams in Europe. Hanley can now play football and is so comfortable on the ball. Gibson has got his career back on track and is valued for what he can do. Giannoulis has fitted in seamlessly. Skipp was a great loan signing but even he looks better now than he was at the start of the season. He hardly ever makes a mistake or gets caught out. I saw McLean in the SPL and he had a great engine but he can now play. His all round game is so much better. Buendia is now channelling his aggression and determination into consistent performances. Cantwell is playing the best football of career. His slaloming run for the first goal was as exciting as the runs Darren Huckerby used to produce and get us off our seats. Pukki is the best free transfer ever for any club. Dowell, Vrancic and Steipi have all improved under Farke. I could mention others.
I have described this period as a golden age but after last night I think I have undersold it. After the Easter games we now have the second best defensive record and the second best goals tally. They do not do us justice. This team is the best footballing team that Norwich have had in the Championship. Emi Buendia is the best all round player I have seen in Yellow and Green.
I suspect that most of this squad realise they are part of something special and they appreciate it would be a risk to move elsewhere. Whilst Ben Godfrey’s move has worked out for him Jamal Lewis’s move is looking not so great. Also look at the Murphy boys and Pritchard. Let’s hope they and their families enjoy another season in this fine City.
I would love to seal promotion at Derby against Rooney.
I have an unfortunate thing , when its an evening game I have a beer or a glass of red to celebrate a city goal. Hangovers just passed.
It was rather good.
Luv it! Best original comment on MFW hope you’re stocked up for Saturday!