Well, that was a Saturday to savour. And they don’t come along too often.
To get your business done early is usually a phrase we associate with the transfer window but a win on a Friday night before all of your opponents take lumps out of one another on the Saturday feels even better.
Even more so when you’ve won 3-0 away at a relegation rival, have kept a rare clean sheet and when your non-goalscoring, banjo/cow’s derriere striker has just scored his first and second Premier League goals.
Think of your average Norwich City away day. Well, this was the complete antithesis.
Many a Premier League road trip has resulted in nil points but only after City have played some easy-on-the-eye football without ever looking like scoring a goal, and have coughed up a goal or two at the wrong end via the almost mandatory Keystone Cops defending.
But oh no. Not at Vicarage Road on Friday, 21st January.
To describe it as an ugly win is doing a disservice to that noble art because this was taking it to a new level.
But who cares if those who believe themselves to be connoisseurs scoff.
It matters not one jot if the TalkSPORT brains trust declares it a win in name only and cites a Watford team in crisis as the only credible reason as to why Norwich City would even score an away goal let alone get an away win.
Neither does it matter that Lineker and co could barely afford us the time of day despite it being, by any metric, a massive result in the fight to avoid relegation.
None of that matters. Neither does the fact it was one of those nights where we struggled to string two passes together.
That didn’t matter for once. The pretty stuff will have to wait.
This was about showing a pair. About standing up in a physical battle to a side that were bigger and stronger than us and whose modus operandi – especially against City – is to scrap, bully and impose themselves.
And I’ll be honest, there were spells in the post-Sorensen part of the first half when I feared the worst – when Watford did look as though they were going to overwhelm us all over the pitch and use their physical presence to smother any attacking intentions we might have.
But then came Grant Hanley. The very man you need when the flak is flying and when the battle lines are starting to buckle. With the able support of lieutenants Gibson, Williams and Aarons, he was able to provide a shield around Angus Gunn, who himself defied those who had cast doubt on his ability to fill the Krul-shaped void.
All five stood firm, even when the six in front of them struggled to gain any type of foothold in the game.
And while it was of course the three second-half goals that won the game for City, it was that 20-minute spell leading up to halftime that laid the foundations for it. Had the whites of Angus’s eyes been exposed to Messrs Dennis, King or João Pedro and Gunn Junior had been unable to keep the sheet clean, I think we know how it ends.
But going in goalless at the interval offered them a foothold and Dean Smith a platform from which to work. All too often this season we concede in those types of spells and it becomes that game-over scenarios we loathe so much.
Watford, however, have problems of their own, one of which is an almost total inability to keep a clean sheet, and it only took City six minutes of the second half to make the most of that fragility.
Kenny McLean’s burst from midfield, seizing on a mis-controlled pass, was the catalyst for Josh Sargent’s crucial opener even though at the time it looked as if he’d undone all of his good work with a horribly over-hit pass. Luckily Pukki’s persistence paid off and we all know what happened next.
A stroke of genius or the biggest slice of luck since that goal-line technology went on the blink at Villa Park?
I’m not sure and I don’t care.
The roar from that massive City contingent behind that goal told the story. It was, as Sky Sports’ Seb Hutchinson described it, a huge moment.
And we all know the effect confidence has on a player, particularly a striker, after they have been through a rough patch.
Does anyone think Josh’s header hits the back of the net if the ‘scorpion kick’ had hit the line and bounced out?
Me neither.
But it was a fine centre-forward’s goal. The head-to-ball type of header that our own Iwan Roberts specialised in and, going a little further back, the type made famous by one Joe Jordan.
Few things in football get the adrenalin pumping like a whipped-in cross being met by a far-post header as a striker climbs above a defender, and this was a classic example. It was, it has to be said, something we haven’t seen for a long time.
And it was brilliant.
There were of course some shenanigans to overcome before the deal was sealed, like failing floodlights, a sending off and a 15-minute spell at the end where City decided to stop passing the ball to each other, but Juraj Kucka diverting Adam Idah’s cross into his own net was the moment we all started to believe.
It may not have been pretty but from it emerged 14 heroes in salmon and two-and-a-half-thousand more behind that goal, all of whom made a wonderful racket all night.
So, two wins in two and we, somehow, have (for now at least) extricated ourselves from the bottom three. Quite how the hell that has happened I’m not sure but where, for numpties like me, there appeared no hope at all, now a chink of light has appeared in the darkness. Only a small one but it’s definitely there. I’m not imagining it.
Typically, as we finally gain some much-needed momentum we now enter a mini-break but at least we do so with our tails up and hope in our hearts.
It may have been ‘only Watford’ and ‘only Everton’ – as we’ve been reminded constantly over the last 36 hours – but as we know only too well, there have been numerous occasions when those in desperate need of a win have turned to Norwich City for comfort.
It’s been a grim old season but, for 12 days at least, it feels just a little less so.
It’s funny what a 3-0 away win can do.
On the Ball City
******
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Gary
Josh Sargent scoring two goals, a clean sheet, Martin’s piece coming out before Gary’s. What’s goin’ on?
You are right Gary, that was a massive win. Step one in any survival fight is to beat those around us, and we are.
I still reserve a right to worry about an inflated league position, but similarly I believe Everton are ripe for drawing into the battle.
For any US fans, be sure to visit the store this weekend. The club are making hay by offering free shipping to the us with offer code Josh24.
Thanks Josh.
It’s a shame Newcastle got that late goal, or things would have been even better, though from what I saw on MOTD, they probably deserved it. However, I’m happy we’re out of the drop zone, even if it may be temporary. Palace are not unbeatable, so fingers crossed.
Hi Gary
A win is a win no matter who it’s against and a thing to savour.
Watford were their own worst enemy and as Tinkerman said city played as a team while Watford played as individuals that was the big difference.
12 days to get covid-19 and injuries out of the squad with Smith saying a rest day for each point then explained 3 days off 3 days in 3 days off then prepare for the FA Cup game at Wolves.
Now the question is will we see any additional players it was mentioned that they are looking at certain positions could this be from the free market or will the owners dig deep(not on you life) to possibly secure staying up or will they offer up Cantwell to the highest bidder who are rarer than flying pigs in Norfolk.
Onwards and upwards is the cry 2 great results do we need an FA Cup run for the coffers or to continue the momentum??? only the powers that be can decide but continuing the winning run against the Wanders would enhance the teams confidence.
OTBC
Mr P before Mr G that has thrown my Sunday right out, a resounding away win, said a few times we owed Watford that one. Took great delight in making a hornet swallow his words, before the game He was tweeting how our Sargent was no more than Championship quality at best. If there were any championship quality players out there Friday night, they were wearing a yellow shirt.
But how the ref didn’t send Dennis off earlier for the blatant dive in the area. Beat me and had me raging at the TV . Another 50p for the electricity, gone dark. Thought did cross my mind it was going to get the game replayed, I am glad common sense won through.
Just want Burnley on the end of thumping at Arsenal. with those games in hand they could well spell trouble. I thought that amount of cancellations should have been investigated, thought at one point it looked a little iffy.
Two on the trot, with Palarse next, another team we owe one to. cannot say I am too bothered about the Cup league survival is far more important this season.
Really good to relax and not have to vent frustrations on the pages of the tinternet
With Burnley to play Leicester, Everton, Spurs, Aston V and Watford I can’t see to many points for them 3 are trying to qualify for European competitions while Everton and Watford will be fighting for survival it maybe 3 loses and 2 draws.
Burnley will have problems recruiting
Once again game which was horror to watch. So many mistakes just chaos. Ball is bouncing for Norwich now. Lucky goal, first it was foul then players run too fast and pass deflected. Americans can call it what they like, they dont even know the name of the game but it was not skorpion kick. Lucky kick. Whole situation was so absurd and of course started with very bad pass, then that foul…..Once again extremely low level own goal, what else to expect? Dennis took purposely red card, its easy to understand him and actually it was best happening in game because he didnt even try to catch a ball. Premier league worst clubs are really bad, they offer similar qualities as championship and other lower league english clubs and main offer is hard trying and running. 20 teams is obviously way too much to keep quality higher in league and if premier league wants to keep international followers they must limit league participants at least to 16 or best clubs must be leaving to that european league. System is not working, way too large level differences and worst teams are playing very bad football what only some fanatic club fans can be enjoying to watch.
Could Norwich just let Pukki and also Cantwell to leave already in january? They are free to negotiate with other clubs because its last 6 months going on thank god, but is Norwich really going to keep them until summer? Other one is not playing at all, other keeps on playing as greyhound and surely Norwich can find someone else to play that role? Norwich playing system was very different when Teemu wrote his contract.
Both have a one year option on their current deal so unless the club indicates they aren’t taking up that option no talks can start officially but we all know agents will be looking for better options for the players.
Cantwell could find it hard no offers, no game time maybe another Bentley who lost interest in football and opened a bar on a Spanish island 😉 🤔
AlexB, that 1 year option has little meaning. It needs player signature. When 6 months is left of contract, then players are free to start negotiations with other clubs. In american sports surely those options have different meaning, but they have also contract rules what football does not have what favors players and clubs are forced pay certain salaries.
Usually if players accept those contract extension options, it happens way earlier during the contract.
Even if Norwich decide never to play again Cantwell, they must pay his salary. He is in no hurry and even Norwich treats him like they are, he can make sure that Norwich will not get any transfer fee. That kind of “battle” happens all the time between players and clubs.
Cantwell is under 24 so if he leaves for another English club they have to pay a development fee that is EPL rules and that amount will decided by the EPL and usually with add ons
So I suppose Cantwell leaves England then? How much that development fee usually is?
1×2, your email is actually quite offensive!
If you were Teemu’s agent, irritated that you would lose a chunk of transfer money if he leaves us without a big transfer fee, or you had a big bet on Teemu leaving us in January, I would understand your anger and contempt.
Not every team can be Man City or Chelsea you know, and those teams were not invented with the best players and lots of money, they had to work at it and grow into what they are. Both have been relegated over the years.
If you don’t like watching Norwich, just press the ‘off’ button on your remote.
The Premier League season ends in May.
Cheers 1×2.
KevH, I suppose you see difference to last 3 seasons when Farke was manager? Teemu does not have even 1% scoring chances. Now he is some kind of defensive striker, why not next also target? When players write their contracts, usually they want to know how team is playing? Norwich game plan has changed so much that its not anymore valid. I dont understand where Norwich needs him now? There is way lower quality players who can do similar job, battling.
Yes, I dislike how Norwich is playing now. I dislike how Burnley, Watford and basically all relegation battlers are playing. They are all bad and games between them are pure mess. I dont understand how this favors premier league as a product? Players are seen as battlers without much quality.
Perhaps if the rest of the premier league would desist from buying all our best players on a regular basis, we could build a team that would be more easy on your eyes.
But isnt that prove that Norwich should not even try to get to premier league? Also as long as premier league are trying to get in foreign football market and tries to buy foreign players, its obvious that you will get criticism. Play with british players only and stay away from international football market then no one will criticize.
I can go as far as agree with you in so much as there was an element of luck in our first, but you make your own luck, he had a go and had enough skill and timing to direct it towards goal, that it them=n beats the keeper for a goal is a rare bit of fortune we are overdue.
Your right also in that teams towards the bottom of the table fighting to stay up, can often play some ugly stuff. But your proposal to just trim the league to me makes no difference unless you actually close the shop. As long as you have relegation and promotion and relegation remains a threat sides at the bottom will yoyo and struggle to have the required quality to compete whether 20, 16 or 12 teams.
A closed shop is un-competitive and the vast majority of fans won’t accept it (as the super league organiser’s came to realise) what is great about relegation is it keeps things interesting and keeps the sides who frankly have no chance of winning anything on their toes and trying least they get a major pay cut.
Is it a super league that you really want? That would be nice and competitive, wouldn’t it? not on your nelly, the sides in leagues that currently compete would still struggle. would you then start to say sorry AJAX, your just not rich enough? Come on in Newcastle your flavour of filthy rich are welcome.
I’m sure there are plenty who would watch a super league but you know what I and many others would have no interest and would never subscribe, the PL is the envy of all other leagues for its world wide fan base and revenue generation ability, so before you start telling them they have it wrong and should go to 16 consider that in China there are probably a million Liverpoo fans all deliriously happy to watch them put 4 or more past us, having to skip the odd match they are less interested in e.g. Norwich vs Watford is not a problem and they will still pay.
Your argument seems based in the inequity of the league, perhaps you’d like to watch a nice evenly matched league? Where exactly might that be? Spain – The Real, Barca and Athletico show – though I’m sure Levante, Alaves and Cadiz are not miles behind! Or maybe France if you like a one horse race! Germany, the Bayern show, did you know the bottom 4 teams have won 1 game between them in their last 5, but I’m sure it’s only a PL problem of inequality LOL
As for your rubbish about Pukki, yes I understand that you think he is above us and we are not worthy of hosting such a player. and Whilst I agree Farke played a little more to his strengths, he didn’t do so much to save his job. I believe Teemu as a senior player of quality needs to up his game and adapt a little otherwise we need to move him on as deadweight. But you know the reason he is still with us? Because he has found a club at his level, he has been great for us no doubts, but he like Norwich is a yoyo player great in the championship, but struggles a bit and is too one dimensional for the PL. I mean its not like Norwich resist good financial offers for their players, especially old ones, maybe no one can trump our wages LOL! Or perhaps he is happy here and or not getting any better offers?
I agree with Kev though, if it really is so horrible for you to watch vote with your feet.
International fans/followers and local fans are often very different things, to local fans result seems to be main reason but to international fans its not. English league football have got more interest outside very much thanks to international players. Of course people who follow them will criticize sometimes clubs which own them. That is what I meant when I said that, criticizing ends when you play only with british players. To local fans that would be a lottery win, you would get your league back as it was as way more even league where clubs like Norwich could also compete ok. Also you would get rid of international followers and tv fans who surely will criticize clubs and football you are playing.
What I diidnt like about Sargents goal was overall and not just his kick. Actually it was backheel kick which looked first as lucky bounce. Before that Teemu fought ball to McLean, then mclean made awful pass to Teemu, Teemu runs and fouls Watford defender and gets a ball and pass to only area where he can. Sargent and also Rashica runs too fans, he tries to pass it to Rashica but Sargent blocks it and makes backheel goal. Ok, it did happen but overall that attack was awful and very much thanks to referee and even var referees who accepted that Teemu can make fouls he like. I dont like to see things like that in football at all, because if rules are not used then also games are without meaning.
Norwich playing style does not suite to Teemu now and im basically sure he is not enjoying playing either. He does his job as long as he gets his payments. Farke based his tactics to how he saw which was Teemus strongest weapon. He scores for Finland different goals, because he is able and looks like he is able to play as greyhound too but what I said that you dont need his skill and football brain level player to do that job so he gets wasted. He will play even as goalkeeper if Smith wants that. I kind of see that as club punishment, Cantwells punishment is that he does not play. Its only few months and its over.
Great column Gary,
Only Norwich could embark on a mini winning run and have it brought to an end by the “mid-winter break”.
Plus of course, just when you’d like a helping hand from Yorkshire and/or North London, they both manage to fluff their lines!!
In our position I don’t think too many of us are overly worried at how it’s done, or what sort of football we play; just get the 3 points on the board, and let the others worry about us.
Yes, Newcastle (who will recruit), and Burnley (who will probably find it rather more difficult) do have games in hand, but how many of us honestly thought after the Arsenal game that come the end of January we would have 3 teams below us?
And Everton, Leeds and the West London media darlings are by no means out of it yet.
There is a glimmer of light, plus a goal-scoring US forward, and we have hope now……….unfortunately they say that it’s the hope that kills you!!
O T B C
What a difference a week makes
Before the Everton game the support were frustrated and demoralised by a run of poor performances where we were uncompetitive. Fans were questioning the quality of the Summer signings, the direction of the club and whether it was worth getting promoted if we were perennially uncompetitive.
Following Watford there is renewed hope. The defence is solidifying around Captain Hanley, whilst Idah, Rashica and Sargeant have all put in vastly improved performances that should have done their and our confidence the world of good.
Things look on the up; the return of Normann and Rupp will be like new signings in our problem area of centre mid, but it’s a pity for me about Sorensens injury because it looked like he was growing into the CDM role and Krull’s injury puts a lot of pressure on Gunn
One thought, one wish and a regret.
The thought Its hard to see Gilmour having a positive impact on our relegation battle is it worth returning him to Chelsea and trying to get a more physical loan replacement in better for him and his development at someone like Rangers?
The wish is one of Cantwells admirers stumps up £10 million and add ons in the next 8 days because that would be a win win for everyone.
The regret is we didn’t play the cancellation game as well as our peers over the festive season because our small squad was truly decimated by COVID and injuries and we had a better case for postponements than the big clubs resorting to loaning players out so they didn’t have enough players on paper to fulfil fixtures. We will probably regret playing Villa Arsenal and Palace with uncompetitive teams
Wow two wins and suddenly the Delia and Webber bashing has abated. Can everyone take a little chill pill when we struggle as we inevitably will in the PL especially when we are decimated with injuries?
Now whilst I’m not saying Webber got it all right, no Olly Skip/or other DM! It suddenly looks like we have a squad that at full strength (We’re not there yet and winning games) might just have had enough to keep us up, it still might of course but all those injuries left us too exposed for a spell and I think we’ll come up just short.
But was it ever reasonable to believe we could have PL quality squad? A team yes! and I think our first 11 with 1 or 2 changes is competitive. So is Webber really worthy of the online mauling he has been receiving?
Of the new recruits, the positive column is starting to look healthier. Rachica looks bloody good, Norman was head and shoulders above before injury, Williams, lees-Melou and on the strength of Friday Sargent may not be so bad! Which leaves us with Tzolis, Billy and Kabak with much still to prove.
We have a squad full of promise but also enough to have a go at staying up and all this ‘but we’re going to lose X,Y and Z and we won’t even compete next season’ was far to extreme given the circumstances.
I said it a few weeks back that I still believe the self funding model can work and even then I think I may just have been in a minority of 1. but I still believe that we can do it. Farke’s limitations it seemed and our terrible injury luck (some admittedly of our own making due to recruitment gambles) have made it an uphill task this season, but we’re right in the fight now and I want to believe we can make it.
P.s. I’m not a Delia fan boy, I’d happily see someone with real money come in and do a Leicester for us, but am cautious of the seemingly more common bad owners out there too.
Of course the other possibility could be we’ve played two teams with managers teetering on being sacked (and eventually were), void of any confidence, and on terrible runs of form.
We have yet to beat a top half club this season. We still have 8 of the top half clubs left to play. If our form against them doesn’t change, that leaves us with 8 matches to get 16 points from (to reach 32). That’s 5 wins, one draw, and two losses.
So what we’ve done in the last two games is the bare minimum required. It’s good that we’re moving in the right direction, but we won’t reach safety by beating relegation fodder, we’re running out of those teams to play. We have to put in some big performances against big teams.
Our position is remarkably precarious. If the teams below simply drew their games in hand, and didn’t win a single one, we’d still be bottom.