The Romans, Celts and Anglo Saxons had several thing things in common, two of which were that they all loved a good scrap and believed in omens, portents and harbingers of doom. Check out Julius Caesar in the latter case if William, not Craig, Shakespeare is to be given credence, although our Bard of Avon knew what political spin was long before anybody had heard of Alistair Campbell.
Now while I cannot claim to have any Roman blood in my ancestry there is definitely enough Celtic and Saxon heritage in the background to make me a firm believer in omens as well. If it’s good enough for modern-day pagans it’s good enough for me.
Or alternatively, you could just say that I’m a superstitious tw*t with too much fondness for the history of the so-called Dark Ages.
You wouldn’t really expect to experience an omen on Riverside, but it happened to me on Saturday evening.
Falling in with a couple of Citizens on the walk to the ground, we quickly established that they lived in Knutsford [a Saxon settlement] which I invariably inhabited when I was working in the light blue stronghold of Cheadle Hulme.
They knew the place I worked at and also the pubs in Knutsford I used 20 years ago, all still going strong I’m glad to report. These brothers-in-law were complaining about footballers and others pushing up the prices of houses there and in nearby Alderley Edge and Wilmslow. They were moaning about “incomers” from London as well. Ring any bells with us Norfolk folks?
I enjoyed our chat immensely and took this as a positive omen. And so it proved to be for about half an hour of the match.
An inspired Angus Gunn made a couple of terrific saves and Grant Hanley sent a header onto Ederson’s near post that might have gone in on another day. It was all downhill from there though, all too predictably considering the quality of the opposition.
But as Gary said yesterday, we might be in the same league as City on paper but the similarity ends right there. We cannot compete with them although we tried, which is surely all we can ask for.
We looked very weak defensively on our right and the way in which Max Aarons is missing Emi Buendia is becoming more apparent on a game-by-game basis. Josh Sargent couldn’t be faulted for effort but he doesn’t seem to have the nous of the recently departed Emi. Sure he has just recovered from an unidentified illness and he tired demonstrably. Was it too early to bring him back? It looked like it to me.
The wind only blew in one direction for referee Andre Marriner, but we’ve long been accustomed to this type of stereotypical behavioural pattern when we are up against the “elite”.
There are positives in that when we did have possession we used it quite well, Gunn played extremely well and Matias Normann got a few more minutes on the pitch.
Also, the Barclay gave their usual rendition of “where were you when you were $hit” to the assembled Citizens who predictably responded with sign language involving moving, circled index fingers linked to thumbs plus the obligatory one and two-fingered valedictions. I wonder what message they were attempting to convey to us?
But let us remember, please good people, that while 4-0 was harsh on us the quality of Manchester City was there for all to see and we suffered at the hands of a vastly superior side. There’s no hiding that I’m afraid.
Returning to my misinterpreted omen – where’s the old mother of Skipton when you need her? – it got much worse for me on the journey home when I was told “no cabs for at least 45 minutes” by the Courtesy Taxis controller. No buses either so for the first time in many moons I bit the bullet and walked the three miles home.
As I write on this Sunday morning, my back feels like it’s taken part in one of those daft Winter Olympics events like the luge.
Out of curiosity, I asked the taxi lady what the problem was, assuming a lack of available drivers. No, it was all due to a combination of Norfolk County Council, Norwich City Council and Highways England conspiring to create gridlock in Norwich for the supposed good of us all, she said.
The man largely responsible for this by all accounts is one Martin Wilby, a prominent Conservative on Norfolk County Council.
For those readers who remember old fashioned business cards, try printing this on one of them:
Norfolk County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure and Chair of Transport for Norwich.
My back would happily provide a one-word description for the gentleman which would save an old fashioned typesetter some time.
Uncharacteristic rant over – if anyone feels NCC in general and Mr Wilby, in particular, are doing a grand job don’t be afraid to tell me so.
So it’s on to Anfield. Oh golly gosh.
I’m on MFW preview duty for that game with the admirable Mr Tony Evans, who will be rejoicing in the fact that Jurgen has a fully fit squad but will probably be pretty kind to us – he usually is but it’ll be interesting to see what he thinks of the demise of Farkeball.
So I’ll see you MFW types on Friday with Tony’s views. In the meantime, as Noel and Liam said to me after the game, we’ve got to:
Good morning Martin on what promises to be an interesting week of weather. 15 degrees on Wednesday, followed by damaging gales for Thursday and Friday!
Back to the matter in hand!! I was having a pre match beer with a couple of mates and I was saying that I hoped Byram would start in place of Aarons. I came to the conclusion yesterday that the reason Aarons is more exposed to the likes of Zaha and Sterling is because there’s no Emi to back him up!! What we need to remember however is that it took at least a year for Emi to become competent in defence and during that time have away a couple of penalties, a few free kicks and lost the ball which resulted in Watford a opening goal at CR 2 seasons ago..
Placheta was despartely close to blocking the shot which resulted in Zaha’s goal, but Sargent is really lacking in his defensive support. I’m hopeful he can be coached to improve in that respect.
I thought that the game on Saturday totally summed up the discrepancies of the PL and not one of our players would be even on the bench at almost any other team!! 🙁
Hopefully Sorenson will be fit to return for the visit of Brentford and as each week goes by, I’m optimistic that McLean won’t be in the steering 11, but reach game, I’m disappointed!!
We are now part of a quartet of teams fighting to stay up and our upcoming games against those in the mix will have a huge impact on deciding our fate.
Morning Ed
I’m just off to the great big City hoping to make it back before it rains.
I think the point about Emi was worth making although I agree with you that he was far too much of a loose cannon in his early days.
Seemed to me that Captain America isn’t used to the defensive side of the game but as you say he can only learn and I reckon he could be a very potent force at Championship level – oh no, what have I just said!
We have to cast our fate to the wind – all will become clear in a few weeks.
Cheers
Morning Mr P, a different slant on things,as a side note I have been following my viking roots studying their history. interesting stuff is not all as violent as we read.
We at times looked a little like King Canute trying to stop the expected tide. I hate the premier league with quite a passion, especially the supposed top boys, the times I see them laughing, chatting with Refs seems to stop short of slipping a note into his pocket. Then watching the game unfold you wonder is said note did get slipped in. I just wish there was more money pumped into the championship, as I much prefer the leveller grass
Still a few games to go still points to be won, or taken away from us, Dust ourselves down and go again.
Newcastle opens up a bigger gap now to make it a little harder, they need to come unstuck at Wet Spam, as we know what to expect at Anfield.
I could suggest we put the cup game against them all into one game (League & Cup). To save an extra game to pick up injuries
I did not bother tuning in to streaming as I simply get bored to tears at watching the bigger sides, the only reason the cameras were there was to screen a thumping, and perhaps they were not disappointed by the end.
Hi Lad
Assuming you’re born and bred I get the point about the Vikings, which doesn’t apply to me as I’m 25% Irish, 25% German and 50% English so I can’t claim any Norse blood myself.
Many villages in Norfolk end in *by* such as Hemsby, Scratby and Ormesby, and this always means they were originally Viking settlements of course.
I too am becoming increasingly pi$$ed off with the PL and all it claims to stand for but if we genuinely want to be *the best we can be* we have to roll with it.
As somebody said on Gary’s piece yesterday the quicker the top six beggar off to some kind of Euro superleague the better imo.
Or is it now really a top three?
Cheers as always
I gave the lucky socks a break on Saturday, their potency is nothing when compared to the Sheikh’s billions-they’ll also be no match for FSG’s EPL team but may make a Cup appearance.
Hi Don
I’m glad you referred to your socks as *potent* rather than *pungent*!
Cheers
In all honesty Martin, Citeh on Saturday as a team were far above anything I’ve witnessed at the Carra in almost 60 years.
Yes, LiVARpool took us apart when Suarez took out all his anger on us, but as a team I feel Citeh have no equals……..
Why all the supposed top referees feel the need to help the very wealthy teams as well will (I suspect) still remain unanswered long after I’m gone! If van Dijk goes shoulder to shoulder with Pukki in the penalty area at Anfield this Saturday, will we get a penalty?? Somehow I think I already know that answer.
Yes; we were well beaten, but by a difference of 4? That was a bit of an injustice.
I do hope we improve if/when our Scottish midfield is able to be replaced.
O T B C
Hi John
Citeh really are that good as just about every PL club has experienced this season.
McLean is getting a lot of stick right now but I for one admire him for trying.
It’s the equivalent of asking me to commentate on the winter olympics – as in a case of *simply not good enough*.
Cheers
Morning Martin hope you enjoyed your extra 20mins sleep you missed that ridiculous pen decision enough said the goal straight after half time done us was looking forward to second half that soon everperated . like previously stated would had byrom in simply better defender .Still think if we can stay up it will be Brentford or Leeds to save us march huge month need to win all them though at least its still possible would have said that 6weeks ago see you Brentford game .
Hi Kev
Yeah hands up I left early [on 75 I think] and I was by no means alone.
We simply have to drag Leeds or, more likely, Brentford into the mix.
You can already see that Newcastle have spent their way out of trouble.
Yep – see you for Brentford.
Cheers mate
Hi Martin
Well Norwich were the original Citizens way back when they were first founded that was our moniker until a Canary Breeder saved the club from being disbanded.
Anyway to day and ever since we are the proud Canaries and will hopefully continue to survive even under this appalling ownership.
In our Saxon history our ownship reminds me of Ethelred the unready in Old English Ethelred ment well advised and Unready ment poor advised so a complete screwed up title for a king.
As many have said in the past and we have discussed it might be time to throw caution into the expected Gale force winds that have started brewing up here in Lancashire and play Aaron’s just in front of Byram he always preferred to be a winger and it could cause Loserpool a few problems.
Do I expect any return from the 2 visits to Anfield No is the simple answer do I expect them to try to get a penalty YES and lastly will the Ref give us any 50/50 decisions NO.
Sadly since the Refereeing went professional they have actually been less than professional in their duties and cosying up to the top teams makes their life easier from moans Klopp, Pep, Fergie and Jose make cutting remarks at every interview about their ability to do the job.
City put up a good fight as did Burnley yesterday if we can do that against Loserpool then I hope the away supporters have their tin hats with them as the scourers are poor losers and have past history for revenge outside their ground.
Hi Alex
I’ve only been to Anfield twice and the one I particularly remember was the last day of standing on the Kop when I was with a couple of Red workmates.
The game when they sang *you’re supposed to let us win*.
I’ve never had a problem there – quite the opposite in fact – but as I said I’ve only been twice so maybe I’ve missed out on a darker side.
I wouldn’t be a PL Ref for all the tea in Asia. I’d be crap in the role anyway, however much I was paid. Never wanted to be a Ref.
Ethelred was indeed known as the *unreedy* in his own time, as in he who will not listen to advice. That reminds me of somebody in the top echelon at NCFC. What’s her name now?
Cheers
Cheers
Having lived in both Salford and Moss Side in the mid nineties whilst at University, when United were starting to arrogantly dominate the league, as a canary I had a preference for the underdog and the blue half, how things have changed. Pep has done a brilliant job at Man City – the £900 million has given him all the talent/tools he wants (apart from a number 9) but they are a team and a well oiled machine unlike Man United who have blown similar figures but are a million miles behind City. I asked United mates on WhatApp where they would be if Pep had gone to them 5 years ago but they are blinded by tribal loyalty to acknowledge they would have swapped positions.
On Saturday Man City showed telepathy brought on by hard work -” If you do that I know I have to do that and then that” – ball possession, movement off the ball, options and overload it was a masterclass that exploits weaknesses – Sargent is still learning his role in midfield and recovering from illness and it left Max a mission impossible defending against 2 players every time until S&S hooked him for a rest.
PS On Saturday Smith was using most of the tools Webber bought/borrowed in the Summer – Gunn, Williams, Rashica, PLM, Sargent, Gilmour / Normann. When Normann is fit and can play 90 minutes and if get some overdue luck with injuries we could just about catch Brentford. (Rashica is some player)
Hi Seamus
Manchester and its environs was a place I always enjoyed going to work and BASF the chemical company I worked for recruited many graduate scientific types locally.
Football was always the currency of initial conversation and I’m sure that hasn’t changed since the last time I was there which is something like 15 years ago now I suppose.
Good point about Smith using the Webber acquisitions and I agree with you about Rashica – and we might as well get the best out of Normann while he’s here.
I had some great times in Manchester but the guy I got on with the best supported Bury – and we think we’ve got problems!
Thanks – good comment
An important point: there has not yet been a consistent period this season….. When we’ve had all the summer signings available for selection
This the closest we’ve been to that situation – and there’s still no place for £9milion man Tzolis. which means we have the entire left of the Greek national side warming our bench – I’ll have to go figure 🙂
Entertaining read Martin. It’s hard to critique a mismatch as, unlike home defeats to the likes of Watford or Leeds, no blame can really be attached.
The relentless meat grinder that is Manchester City, with their battery of 60 million quid attackers on both wings and down the middle makes for an uncomfortable and unpalatable spectacle.
For 45 minutes the combination of hard work, guts, sheer luck and bloody mindedness kept the “contest” alive. The umpteenth incursion down our right side resulting in the killer second killed it off.
The remainder of the game was akin to watching mindless cruelty. The worst aspect of which was the soft penalty in the last knockings given by that biased tool mariner, who positively delighted in twisting the knife when totally unnecessary. Perhaps raheem promised him a signed shirt in exchange for his hat trick. Whatever, over the course of the weekend a similar, in fact heavier coming together was ignored by both referee and var in one premier league match. As if they need any extra help from fawning officials.
The most extreme example of haves and have nothings. Money doping versus underfunding.
Hi Chris
A fine speech in every respect and I cannot disagree with a word of it.
Referee Marriner was annoying from the first whistle. If Raheem Sterling ever chose to give me a signed shirt I would accept it gladly but without thinking that I’d in any way *bought it*.
I’d love to know what players from Citeh, Liverpool and Chelsea really think of officials when the final whistle is blown.
I think I know the answer to that one in that the officials believe they are part of the gang but in reality the players consider them not worth the price of a plucked hen, as the Bard of Avon put in some play I cannot remember. Henry IV part One? Possibly.
Thanks as always.
Marty, picking up on Ed‘s weather forecast, following City is a. similar outlook, heavy showers with a few sunny intervals. We‘re due another soaking and then perhaps a bit of sunshine. Your ole fella was a cop and before his squad car days he would have enjoyed a stroll in the sunshine and hated a trudge in the rain, and so now it’s your turn but at least you won‘t have to walk home from Liverpool.
Hi Cutty
The old boy never had an adversion to inclement weather that I can remember but he advised me not to join up and, looking back, he was right about that as he was about pretty much everything if I’m honest.
It’s funny really cos if we’ve won I never feel a thing on the way home from the ground and certainly don’t notice the weather.
On Saturday I fully expected to meet the Three Witches from the Scottish Play on Mile Cross roundabout. They were probably in Lidl so I missed them and went to the Kam Lee instead.
It’s the hope that kills you, of course.
Cheers
Morning Martin.
I don’t know about dear old Ethelred but it looked to me that poor Josh was anything but “ready”, a fortnight of Covid has as made me feel as week as a kitten ( Zouma Do One) and the thought of playing football at this moment in time for me is a complete no-no.
I feel while Saturday was generally poor I think the team deserve a lot of praise for their recent form.
Dean Smith really has got us competing, even with a team like Wolves so credit where it is due.
Manchester City are in a different league and with the variable investment by the two clubs hardly surprising. But I wonder if Dean had Omobamidele and/or Kabak available he would have played five at the back. It was probably too soon for Zimbo.
To me this is the best way to play Manchester City, to a certain extent we would have a extra body to counter the balls played inside Max and to a lesser extent Brandon.
I’m not sure I agree with the formation of a Super League Martin, would the financial investment from the TV companies follow the big clubs and leave EPL 2 struggling for revenue.
I hate the pictures of awful crowds in the Championship. At times at Birmingham, Coventry, Boro etc look deserted and would EPL 2 follow. I can understand the clamour, I don’t just think it is the answer.
Lets not forget Leicester did win the EPL recently, It was only Manchester City’s first win in their last 4 visits to Carrow Road.
And with proper investment we could challenge the other 12-14 positions in the EPL.
Unfortunately with the present model that is impossible.
Hi Tim
Sorry to hear you’ve had Covid. I’ll make no comment about Zouma and WHU because I’m a peaceful guy who doesn’t readily express anger online if I can help it.
Yes we are giving it a good shot and I’m certainly not unhappy with that.
In terms of the ownership I have simply run out of things to say on the subject. They are content and feel on our collective behalf that we should be too.
As David Bowie said in Ashes to Ashes: *I’m happy, hope you’re happy too*.
I’ve no idea how old you are but I’m 64 and this situation will not change in my lifetime.
To balance that I did enjoy watching Bernardo Silva, Sterling and Mahrez, just as [even if I don’t have a high opinion of them on a personal level] I like to see the likes of Ronaldo, Jamie Vardy and the supremely arrogant Ederson at Carrow Road.
Next season I doubt I’ll know more than two players from any specific club!
Cheers
Thanks Martin.
Over the worst now. I too am 64 !
I would love to go back to the days of Derby, Forest, Everton, Leeds etc having the possibility of winning the top league. Even us maybe !
But the truth is those days are gone. Perhaps.
I loved mixing it with the big boys in the late eighties early nineties but football has changed beyond all recognition.
I am like you Martin I state my opinion for what it is worth but I am old enough and wise enough to know that it will change nothing.
Personally I think Newcastle, now nearly worth ten times what Manchester City are, are certainties to stay up so our job has become much, much harder.
So I think we will both have to brush up on our knowledge of Championship players Martin 🤣
I quite like Joe Worrall at Forest and Jed Wallace at Millwall…… :-).
Hmmm… We were struggling 2nd half v Palace. They’ve had several years of top league consolidation. The gap is growing for new arrivals. And what is there to say to all the clubs in the leagues below the Premiership with any continuation of the current model. It’s also insulting to over 25,000 people to have no contest/joke referees.
Hi Richard
You’re spot on about Palace. We’ve never really given any manager the opportunity to consolidate in the PL and as you say the gap is indeed growing.
The judges on Strictly are part of the gang while our officials just think they are. Oh for a roster of 40 Perluigi Collinas!
Cheers
On the subject of Leicester how long before BR is moving to his new abode in the footballing Chester Belt.
He has done well on a team built before he arrived and says its time for a rebuild I would think after the talent he has sold and fallen out with it would be cheaper to get a new manager to envigorate the team as Smith has done at city.
I’ve never been able to work out exactly how highly or otherwise I rate Rodgers tbh.
Maybe Leicester do need a rebuild down to squad age as much as anything else.
I think Rodgers is finding out Martin just how hard it is to compete for the top six even with Leicester’s spending power.
Then get an injury list nearly as long as ours two years ago and it becomes impossible.
Yes that’s probably about right. Injuries help nobody of course.
Salve Lucius Pennicus,
Good article as usual with MFW NCFC, and don’t feel too bad about the 3-mile walk, just remember all those times Roman legionnaires put their best foot forward down Peddars Way to conduct historic violence against the Iceni – who tended to favour the colour blue!
As for omens, although we all hated the first games of this season which saw us reap sneers and contempt from many consider these facts;
1) – The squad is handling most matches well, with a good aggressive and constructive attitude,
11) – As others have confirmed, most of our players have blended well together and are fit,
111) – Seven fixtures left which we should, and really must, win,
1V) – Seven fixtures left against the top half which we might get results in if we give it our best, and…
V) – The number seven (or V11 if we use Roman numerals) is considered lucky.
I personally think the omens are, overall, pretty good, and I am cheered up immensely by the ‘have a go’ attitude the NCFC players are bringing to the pitch.
Ave, Lucius Pennicus
Hi Kev
I did just about enough Latin at school to enjoy your comment – I like the Roman numerals too although I didn’t know VII was considered lucky – a Chinese lady I know tells me it is VIII in their culture.
I’m grateful you referred to me as Lucious rather than Lurcio 🙂
The resurgence at Everton and Newcastle does worry me, although I never truly expected either of them to go down and *under new management* I expect both to pull even further away from trouble
Woad is still grown in some parts locally although I haven’t seen any since I lived in Blofield for the last 10 years of the 20th century. The village is allegedly named after the plant, hence *blue field*.
Vale