Now, who would have thought it? Who could imagine us scoring three goals away from home, keeping a clean sheet without Tim Krul, and Josh Sargent, of all people, coming up with a minor worldie and a header reminiscent of the great Iwan himself?
Throw in the floodlight failure, a show of petulance by the clearly frustrated Emmanuel Dennis to earn a second yellow and 15 minutes of time added on and you could well imagine we witnessed one of the most dramatic games of the Premier League season last night.
It wasn’t really quite like that though, although it was certainly an extremely satisfying result for the population of the Canary nation.
The most significant incident of a dire first half from a Norwich point of view was an early injury to Jacob Lungi Sorensen, who struggled on until he was replaced by Kenny McLean just before the mid-point. McLean was to play a vital part in the second half but my initial reaction was simply that I had been quietly pleased Pierre Lees-Melou had been selected above the Mayor in the starting XI.
For all that, our Kenny is no bad option to bring on from the bench as he proceeded to prove.
The second half was where the significant action was, of course. McLean played his part to perfection when he robbed a dithering Watford defender and pushed the ball out wide to Teemu Pukki, who initially looked as if he wouldn’t get to the ball as Samir tried to shepherd it out but he got outside his man and managed to cross fractionally behind Sargent, who improvised with an audacious heel-flick over the hapless Watford keeper Daniel Bachmann, onto the bar and over the line.
Referee Mike Dean indicated a VAR check for a possible foul by Pukki and a hawkeye for whether the ball had crossed the line and for once in our sweet Yellow and Green lives the checks came back as negative and positive in that order. Dontcha just love VAR?
Back in the USA, media including NBC and CNN were straight away calling it a “scorpion kick” and demanding Sargent’s inclusion in the next USMNT squad. And that was before they had even seen his second.
A strong run down the left from Milot Rashica led to a pinpoint lofted cross to the far post which was met by an onrushing Sargent who headed down and accurately beyond Bachmann into the far corner.
I reckon that particular goal could be significant in more ways than one. We don’t do that do we? A fine run from a winger, a gorgeous cross and a powerful header into the net? Maybe there might be more where that came from!
Even Iwan would have been proud of that one, as would Dean Ashton and Ashley Ward too.
Cue the floodlight failure. Everyone and his chihuahua has written about that already so I’ll put it in the incident book and leave it there.
There was still time for Watford to have a Moussa Sissoko goal quite rightly ruled out for offside before the Hornets were complicit in their own downfall when Adam Idah crossed low and hopefully in the box where it was met by the outstretched leg of Juraj Kucka, who had only been on the pitch for a couple of minutes.
Dennis was dismissed for a nasty one on Max Aarons but it didn’t matter too much in the scheme of things.
The frustration of the very talented Dennis I referred to earlier apparently stems from the refusal of the Watford hierarchy to allow him to attend AFCON. A proud Nigerian, I doubt he’s in the best of spirits right now and conspiracy theories abound on a couple of Hornets messageboards.
So, three goals, three points and – for now – we’re out of the bottom three with a potentially winnable home match against Palace to follow a trip to Molineux in the FA Cup.
That old bête noir of hope is alive and kicking and that’s for sure.
I’ll leave you with a tribute to our newly-discovered super striker.
Hi Martin
I might be wrong but doesn’t the Referee’s watch indicates the ball has fully crossed the line for a goal to be given, I did see a mention of a possible offside for someone for the second VAR on the first goal.
It surely was an unexpected result and it will have made a few of the clubs around city sit up and take notice.
After the Spurs last minute double over Leicester it has made this a good week of football .
Are we seeing what Farke had hoped for as he Purchased this players but with the grit of a Smith team injuries and covid-19 spoilt our early season can we now see it helping us with those clubs below us with games in hand having a congested period to full fill those game plus trying to imbed new recruits at the same time and a couple above will not feel comfortable Brentford struggling for a win, Everton 10 without a win and Leeds having a hit and miss season.
Other clubs can and will get drawn into this scrabble for safety and pundits are saying a record low of under 30 points could see you stay up.
Good luck to Klose on his trial a Bristol City
Onwards and upwards OTBC
Afternoon Alex
Mike Dean would have got a signal to his watch but whether or not that needs back-up confirmation I’m not sure. I think it does but Sargent was in no doubt whatsoever and nor was I after the initial replay.
My guess is that given our dreadful goal difference about 35 points should be enough for us but that’s just me. Others may well feel differently.
I see Villa have just done Deano a favour at Everton. Scorer: Emiliano Buendia 🙂
Cheers
A few years ago when we’d just bought Steve Bruce I watched us lose away to Forest 3-1 due to two late goals. I said at the time where the hell did we get Bruce from he’s got two left feet.
Recently I’ve said the same about Josh Sargent, maybe the omens are in our favour.
Hi John
I didn’t see Bruce’s early matches so only ever thought of him as highly competent really but people I know who were around in the 80s would agree with you.
As for JS I SO very much hope you are right about the omens.
And by Harry, we owe Palace one. Or three.
Cheers
If I remember rightly, Bruce’s first home game was against Liverpool, and he scored a bullet header- unfortunately, past Chris Woods! Early in the game, too, but he went on to have a good game after that. Not as good as his Milk Cup semi-final header, though!
That Steve Bruce header was a thing of ugly beauty and I’m so glad I was there to see it. I had to rearrange heaven and hell in order to be there and I’m so glad I did as memories like that never, ever fade.
Steve Bruce always wore No.4 at Gillingham but on his Norwich debut he pensively wore No5…after the own goal he swore he’d never wear No5 again.Keith Bertschin scored an equaliser against Liverpool and promptly got flattened by the big lump wearing No5! Any chance of an interview with KB and ask him about going from the highlight of scoring such an important goal to turning around and seeing an overexcited Bruce charging at him ,intent on jumping into his arms
Hi Sam
I wouldn’t fancy getting flattened by Steve Bruce. Or Dave Watson either, come to think about it.
Cheers
My hazy memory ws that Steve Bruce scored an own goal on his CArrow Road debut and did the same in the next home match.
OTBC
Hi Paul
Your memory is probably not that hazy – we were talking about this just before Christmas and one of my mates said exactly the same thing!
Cheers
I don’t normally like Friday night fixtures for us, but for a change I can sit back and enjoy the bowls on tele this afternoon before going out for a good meal at one of my favourite pubs. (The Norfolk Lurcher, if you’re interested).
Dean Smith seems to be an effective motivator, who can lift the team, and his selections seem to be working out ok as well. I see that you could have got 80-1 on Josh Sargent scoring two before the game last night. Pity I didn’t know that beforehand, and have a crystal ball!
We had some friends in to watch with us, and I said at halftime that we’d lost the midfield when Lungi went off, but it turned out ok in the end, with the Mayor making a contribution to first goal, although it did need Pukki’s perseverance and a somewhat fortuitous piece of reaction from Sargent to get it home. I hope his partner didn’t give him too much stick for forgetting the baby celebration, although he did remember it for the second one.
It might be shame that we’re getting this break now, it might lose us our impetus, but on the other hand, we’ll have more players getting fit and being available.
Hi Jim
I’m quite an expert on local pubs but Colton is well off my map so I’ve never been there. not even when it was the Ugly, if I’ve got the right place.
As this break is not an international one I will personally welcome it with open arms in order to get a couple or three back.
I hope Lungi isn’t too bad but I couldn’t pick up what type of injury it was from the Sky coverage. He is looking the solid player many of us have always thought he is.
Cheers
You’re right, Martin, it did used to be the Ugly Bug, but it’s been the Lurcher for several years now. It’s won the Camra Pub of the Year award a couple of times, good beer, and great food. End of advert!
Advert?
A well known local media company provide those for *free* on a consistent basis for their favourite outlets!
I’ve mentioned both these pubs briefly in previous articles just cos I meet friends there sometimes. The Fat Cat and the Ribs of Beef.
They’re both top dollar – advertorial over 🙂
I wonder if you’ll soon be signing off with “Another One Bites the Dust?”
I also wonder what odds we’d have got on a double of Sargeant and Buendia scoring with headers (see Everton/Villa latest).
Dennis has had a super season for a relatively modest fee. Sometimes I wonder why we don’t uncover “gems” like that. Truth is of course that so many of them are rough diamonds with a potential attitude problem, and Webber has always had a no ****head policy. It sounds as though his first yellow was a bit harsh, as was Kenny’s – both perhaps an attempt to cut down on feistiness before it got out of hand. But how stupid is it to then dive in the box only moments later? Having got away with that he was never going to get away with a reckless challenge.
By contrast Josh cost quite a big whack (by our standards anyway), and part of what we’ve paid for is maturity, determination and willingness to work hard for what he wants. I think everybody, neutrals include, is delighted for him.
As for McLean it was amusing following a thread on the Pink’un message board with several posters continually saying how anonymous/poor he was after he came on, whilst listening to Five Live saying he was the most effective player on the pitch. Don’t think the latter is exactly right; apart from Sarge, Rashica also seems to have had another belter (and was nicely set to add to his own tally had the defender not done it for him). But Kenny played his part for sure.
With Normann and Rupp to come back, and maybe Gilmour to replace Dowell on the bench, we might at last have some competitive options in midfield. I still don’t think we can survive – but we certainly won’t be down by Pancake Day, which was looking likely at one point.
Hi Keith
I love the first three Queen albums but dislike much of the later stuff so AOBTD is highly unlikely from me. I’ll think of something if we beat Palace but it won’t be that one!
Your point about Dennis is a good one. You’d have to be bored to do it but there’s an online match report from the Watford Observer today with around 100 comments and at least three of them point to the lad’s malcontent over the AFCON release issue.
I stumbled on it by accident but found it compelling reading as I love to see what supporters of other clubs have to say about their own issues.
As for Kenny I err on the side of 5 Live. One of his better performances anyway.
Cheers
Excellent track, but you may have chosen something by The Beatles if you had seen the caption ‘Sargent Peppers Lowly Herts Club.’ Quite brilliant.
Last night was everything I expected it not to be. Watford looked like we have at our worst. Josh’s shy celebrations were endearing; he’s done brilliantly to keep giving 100% effort.The fact that we exploited their ineptitude is an unexpected joy.
We have hope where there was none….oh dear.
Hi Don
At least Gary put *Josh at the double* in the headline so I kind of feel vindicated.
Never was a Beatles fan so I know less of their back catalogue than most. In fact I’ve only got one album and that’s Revolver for what it’s worth.
As for the hope: oh dear indeed 🙂
Cheers
Hi Martin great result 5wins and a draw we will stay up Burnley Brentford Newcastle Brentford palace at home draw at Leeds Southampton 33 will be enough said earlier that passion and commitment like two new signings don’t care who we play we give anyone a game with those two signings some of Webber’s signings getting into grove now only tzolis needs to step up looking forward to rest of season now having some luck with of and bars goin our way about time be nice if sky get there facts right they said last time we had back to back wins was 2016 obviously not checked this season results see you soon 😄
Hi Kev
I reckon we need two points more than you do but it’s theory at the moment so I won’t divide bunny rabbits.
Interesting that Cantwell was invisible oce again. Sold, a cold or out of the fold?
Cheers mate and… see you soon.
Well Martin, Sargent really ‘earned his stripes’ last night and his improvisation to score was superb. Yes, Kenny made a great pass to Pukki, but it was his tenacity to chase a lost cause and then his cross into the box that resulted in the goal. The 2nd goal was a thing of beauty and Rashica is really relishing his role in the team.
I’m still not convinced by Kenny and we just have to hope that the injury to JLS isn’t too seious. I’m sure MB said that Krul could be out until March, but Gunn did quite well last night, but the defence worked hard to protect him.
The other point I’d like to make is that several of the signings in 2017 didn’t exactly ‘hit the ground running’ – Stieperman, Vrancic and of course Buendia and I guess I’m like the majority of fans who expected more of our new signings sooner, but with Covid and injuries, it hasn’t happened. Also, of course the players in mentioned were getting used to playing in the Championship and not in the much higher quality of the PL!!
We now have a break before a home game with Palar53, closely followed by the visit of Citeh in front of the Sky cameras. At least v the crowd should be behind the team and if we continue to play with the passion we’ve shown in the last 2 games …….
Hi Ed
You can claim an original for *Sargent earmed his stripes*. I didn’t think of that!
Citeh are simply awesome but Deano will surely know how to put that result into perspective for the squad when the inevitable happens.
I suspect we might be a little bit starstruck that day but they are truly streets ahead of anything else I’ve seen over the past few seasons. And they work hard for each other too.
Don’t get me wrong because as much as I admire thier play I still dislike them!
Cheers
Josh Sargent, Emi, Chris Martin, Lewis Grabban and maybe more
Hi In extremis
Never had much time for Martin or Grabban myself.
Emi’s star burned brightly while he was with us and we can only hope for the best from the somewhat expensive [by our standards anyway] Josh S, who is still comparatively young of course and much revered in his home country, for whatever that’s worth.
Cheers
Flippin’ wow, what a result!
I watched the extended highlights on Youtube twice having followed the match on the Beeb, and I had to watch Sargent’s first goal several times over, what an unexpected cracker it was, great work from Sargent with battling persistence from Teemu Pukki to assist him!
The team looked very sharp, and it bodes well for this second half of the season – here’s hoping! Exactly the right result, Watford, although they looked quite sharp around our box, seemed a little blown away by our attacking style – long may it continue, at least till the end of the season.
If NCFC can carry on like this, could it, oh, could it be…?!?
Cheers Martin,
COYYs !!
Hi Kev
Yes there was certainly a lot of fight on display last night, for sure.
I actually preferred Sargent’s second as it took me back to the days of Iwan and the cross from Rashica was exquisite.
More, more, more please!
Cheers
Hi again Martin,
Yep, a great header, perfect centre-forward’s header invoking memories of Iwan Roberts, several more too – I vaguely recall standing in the Barclay Stand watching John Manning score a bullet header like that. You’re right, Milot Rashica’s cross was inch-perfect for Sargent, and the lad just gobbled it up.
From the reports and the highlights, the whole team played their part in that result, cannot applaud them enough!
“More, More, More.” to quote 70s disco queen Andrea True.
Great stuff, cheers Martin!
OTBC !!
It was so good to see it because it’s such a long time since we’ve, erm, seen it, I guess. Ashley Ward is the last NCFC striker I can remember who could nut in a cross and how long ago was that ffs?
I don’t recall Andrea True because I was probably far too busy listening to the Village People around that time 🙂
Seriously though I did like the stuff Donna Summer did with Georgio Moroder, which is quite a confession from a diehard Sabbath fan!
Martin, I think Grant Holt might disagree with you about Ashley Ward being the last striker to head like that.
Probably to your credit that you don’t recall Andrea True, Martin!
After referencing her because of the song ‘More More More’, which I dooo particularly like, it appears the late Ms True had an alternative career, she was also a porn star which, when you read the lyrics, becomes obvious!
I guess that made Andrea True an … erm … utility player!
Not fully mad about soul myself, but you can’t ignore the great mass of work which came out of, eg, Motown, and yes, Donna Summer was splendid, and Diana Ross, and Marvin Gaye, plus Whitney and her aunt the wonderful Dionne Warwick – and I really really can’t ignore the effortlessly great Al Green back in the day., or Sam Cooke.
Rock and Jazz for me though!
I hope Jordan Hugill gets an alternative club – can’t help thinking that Milllwall would be a top match for his skill-set.
OTBC !!
A late reply I know but who cal forget Grant Holts header v Liverpool at Anfield.
To Jim:
Absolutely. My bad. I wrote this even more quickly than usual.
Sorry Holty
To Kev H:
I like Motown as well, particularly Marvin, Martha and Gladys.
Great to hear a shout for Sam Cooke although he wasn’t part of the Berry Gordy thing to my knowledge. Did that man live a brief but interesting life or what!
To Jim:
Absolutely. My bad. I wrote this article even more quickly than usual and you are quite right of course.
To Dorset:
No I will never forget it either.
I’m really ashamed I put Ashley Ward in ahead of Holty but I was in a hurry when writing this.
Sorry 🙂
Hi Martin,
Sam Cooke, he of the pure voice, was indeed not Motown.
Neither were Al Green and Dionne Warwick, they were both from a gospel background, as were the Houstons.
Cheers
Sorry about the double reply Jim – I’m so ham-fisted on this tablet that I even contrived to like my own comment!!!
Well Martin;6 points in a week which I’ll gladly take…..
After Watford’s match with Burnley was postponed and Krul ruled out, I couldn’t see how we would/could get a win there.
But along came the much criticised (including from myself for which I most humbly apologise) Josh Sargent with 2 goals. The second was very Ewanesque, and I don’t think we’ve scored too many like that in our recent forays into the exalted air of the EPL.
Typical though with NCFC that we pickup a bit of form, and then have a 2 week break from league action.
Regardlessofany other results, we will still be out of the bottom 3 come Sunday evening……and it’s been a long while since we’ve had that comfort in the Premier League.
Onwards and upwards.
O T B C
Hi John
No apology required – I’ve dissed Sargent myself a few times!
I think the hiatus will help in a funny kind of way. We could end up with the returns of Normann, Rupp, Omobamidele and most hopefully Timmy Krul. Maybe Zimbo too as he had a good 45 for the under 23s last night.
Cantwell? Don’t ask me mate.
Cheers
Marty, don‘t know if I can cope with this, two wins on the trot, out often bottom three and Bilko scoring 2. Roy of the Rovers stuff. Hope it‘s the end of the great and not so good poring scorn on the yellow and green.
Hiya Cutty
*Bilko* would be a great soubriquet for Josh S but nobody younger than myself would get the connection I’m afraid. If not for Dad [who loved the programme] I wouldn’t have got to enjoy the Phil Silvers Show myself.
The scorn will never be very far away from us wherever we end up.
Right now we are the Duane Dobermann of the Premier League and I sometimes ponder whether our sporting director’s middle name is Ernest.
Must go – I won a three-day pass in the motor pool raffle.
Cheer$
I saw the result during a From The Jam gig in York. Brilliant end to a great night!
Hi Dan – nice one!
I saw the original Jam twice – once in the late 70s at the Marquee when they still wore the dark suits and the skinny ties. Next at Brixton Academy towards the end of their innings and they were utterly awesome. That’s Entertainment was on another level live, and it was amazing that 90% of the crowd joyously joined in with the lyrics..
I understand that From The Jam feature both Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler and they play the UEA about once a year so although I generally avoid tribute bands like the plague I really should change my mind about that and go see them at some point.
Cheers
I know little of football, and I couldn’t predict the result of a one horse race , but how in 7 shades of hell did Josh Sargent put that first one in .
Teemu had 0% chance of winning the ball , but he did and then crossed the ball . Sargent I thought had overrun the ball , but did it really happen . Yes cos it was a goal.
His second was a cracking , get the cross in and have a big guy attack it with attitude. It’s something Sargent can do , Adam Idah take note.
Next league games v palace and no reason why we can’t win that .but I’m predicting another 2-1 defeat. ( Been wrong last two games)
Hi Bernie
My predictions are equally bad, which is why I never make them. No honest guy would say that they expected us to win 3-0 at Watford, now would they?
But we did and that’s what counts.
Rashica is beginning to look like a good player and there is no reason why Idah shouldn’t get his head on the end of a cross as well as Sargent. Pukki probably less so 🙂
Cheers
It was a STUNNING goal Bernard, I honestly think Josh Sargent has created a brand new genre of shot, the Half-Scorpion!
I repeat myself – ‘More More More’, was laughing my head off at the incredulity of it for quite some time!
Does anyone remember poor old Cameron Jerome’s delicate balancing act to score from a ball played behind him? Still cannot accept that the ref ruled it out for dangerous play! Gutted for Cam, he was quite a cultured player.
COYYs !!
That was our first encounter with *referee* Simon Hooper against Palace. On a dark winter’s night it’s one of the spectres that appear in order to disturb my sleep.
A very satisfying start to the weekend and for the first time in a while, not all of the results went our way -most did (Brentford losing, Everton losing and holding my breath on the Burnley match tomorrow.) I’m not expecting it to be easy, but I do think there will be 5-6 clubs in the mire at the end of the season -the usual 4 suspects and Brentford (who are getting found out), and Everton are an absolute mess. Return of a few important players will give us options and depth. I remain the eternal optimist!
Thrilled for JS and his performance last night. DS’s comments after the match were consistent with what other managers have said about US players – coachable, effort, commitment. He isn’t the most technical of players but his contribution in other ways is outstanding. His post-game with Sky was what I want to see =modest, articulate, all about the team, and self-deprecating…exactly yhe type of player NC needs. Give him some time and we will see even more from him as he finds his feet.
Hi Ennis
I agree with you about the Sargent interview as he came across just as you describe him. The most articulate I’ve heard since Russell Martin, which is quite a compliment.
Newcastle getting a win didn’t help overmuch and games in hand for the others are worrying but there’s nothing we can do about that.
Nothing wrong with a bit of optimism 🙂
Cheers
I’m sure Sargent said when he was recruited that he was looking forward to pairing up with Rashica again and they both said that they had a good understanding at W Bremen. If this continues to bear fruit, it may well prove to be an astute bit of business from our DOF and scouts.
Hi Sue
When I lived in Coltishall for many years I used a pub quite often called the Recruiting Sergeant so your comment brought a smile 🙂
Funnily enough Matthew the owner sat behind me in the Barclay for a couple of seasons.
Cheers
A very commendable attempt to pick the bones out of that one Martin! The whole evening seemed quite surreal. At times I had to pinch myself as I felt I must be delirious.
Having started reasonably quickly, we lost control following cleverleys assault on Sorensen. By half time it didn’t look promising. For all of Watford possession and probing they barely laid a glove on us or exposed Gunn. Thankfully.
The goal was a result of Pukki showing tenacity chasing a lost cause, or in this case a McLean pass. McLeans response was highly comical as he went from despair to cheerleading as Sargent acrobatically contorted himself into a scoring position.
Typically, with us in the all to rare position of being in front, the sodding lights went out. Well, some of them did. As I paced the living room howling at the tv to “effing we’ll get on with it” thoughts turned to the derby debacle at carrow road.
However, we adapted to the break better than the hosts and doubled the lead, with in my opinion the better of Sargent brace. That ball stayed headed after he met it. Where the hell has that been? I sense an upsurge in the Americans popularity. Let us hope he can continue to add the occasional goal to his undoubted work rate.
Bizarrely, the overdue sending off of Dennis seemed to benefit Watford. Just as well we were gifted the insurance of a third. Gunns rather flaky side was exhibited for one horrible moment, but thankfully Lees Melou was switched on and carried on his good work.
I think we’ve played better than this and lost this season, but I’ll take a three nil away win any day of the week. I just don’t think it’s all sunk in yet.
Time to carpe diem.
Hi Chris
I take your point about McLean. He certainly puts the yards in but I’m never sure to what effect if I’m honest. He’s never emotionally shy for sure.
Peter Grant from Celtic was the original *pointer* and sometimes it seems Kenny is trying to show that whatever a Bhoy can do a Bear can do better.
I think many of us would agree that JS’s second was the *better* goal of the two. Both cross and finish were sublime and as I’ve said previously it’s a long time since we’ve seen a combination like that.
I agree that Angus looked flaky, and sometimes a bit too hesitant for my liking.
No news on Krul as we speak – getting him back asap would be a huge bonus.
Cheers