Well, I for one am disappointed.
I know it seems to be the current thinking among football fans of all clubs that cup competitions, especially the Carabao Cup, are a complete waste of time and an unnecessary distraction.
I don’t buy into that and never have done.
I can think of nothing better than a nerve-tingling semi-final Steve Bruce v Ipswich Town 1985-style, and a glorious day out at Wembley. And after last season, where we on one occasion went a whole month without a home game, it’s great to have the matches coming thick and fast again.
So, I left the stadium dejectedly last night.
The general mood at the match was upbeat after three back-to-back home wins had lifted the spirits of a Norwich crowd, after the doom and gloom of the early season. I suspect that despite their claims to always enjoy moaning, Norwich fans are quick to tune in to any positivity – that was certainly the case this last week – and the atmosphere was really good.
It didn’t feel like a loss to be honest. Although Bournemouth fielded several second-string players, Norwich did too, and the Premier League quality was there for all to see.
City came so close to being in the hat for the next round, and many early leavers probably went home thinking they were.
The omens were there for all to see though.
City ended up with five attacking players and just three defenders at the end, and ‘seeing games out’ obviously hadn’t been on the training schedule that morning. Maybe they should go and watch the England Women’s team for lessons on how to do it successfully.
And there was certainly also some tempting of fate.
When Genesini came on in injury time minute, the bloke sitting next to me said, ‘What on earth’s the point of bringing him on in the 91st minute?’
Sixty seconds later guess what happened?
And Todd nonchalantly walking towards his penalty doing keepy-uppies Spurs penalty shoot-out style against a team that included some of his former teammates last season was just asking for trouble.
This certainly wasn’t lost on the Bournemouth fans who were singing ‘There’s only one Todd Cantwell’ as we walked up Clarence Rd after the game.
So, it’s back to the familiar concentrating on the league again. Or at least till January when I can start dreaming of Wembley glory all over again.
OTBC.
With Cantwell there always seem to be a BUT question and last night there was for Smith to answer.
BUT
Was he in the mood to play, or less game time in the last couple of weeks or the big one was he in the right frame of mind to take a penalty.
Why did Smith leave the team short in defence in the dying minutes of the game or did they plan to rest more towards the end knowing full well Parker would bring on late Subs full of energy.
Last season Parker was blatant about the cup games full weakened team so that he could pursue promotion as his only aim, he hasn’t a premiership squad and his team will struggle to stay up so a good cup run will help financially come the January window to buy players to try and stay up.
Norwich if they hadn’t rested so many could have won this, players could have been subbed once the tie was won, maybe the club wants to think only of promotion, less games to get Hayden match fit
Thought the game was open, perhaps too much in the final 5-10 minutes. I do have to lay some blame on Smith. over young Master Springett not played much lately, then dumped out of position, Bouremouth did see that as a weakness but he did his level best, no criticism from me. But when we had 3 players Aarons, Byram, McClean, who could have taken that role and give the lad the wing berth, in place of Rachica. (Aarons Right, Byram Left replaced by the Mayor)
Gibson continued in his error-driven self. see why Burnley didn’t fancy him. The Players for me were Gunny who kept us in the game more than once, with some stunning saves. got my MOTM despite the penalty being a couple of inches too high Toddy had a good game, clearly at the end of some hefty challenges. was close to being MOTM.
Gibbs yet again showed why he is where he is in the 1st team squad, Tomkinson, put in a steady show, and looks good for another centre-back coming through.
Sara again showed flashes of what is in his locker, looked at tad lost early on, and played deeper towards the end as was Hernandez.. Hugill a fine finish and put in his usual shift,
I thought Pukki & Idah looked really sharp, linked up very well for the 2nd goal. all of a sudden our front line looks more healthy.
I do not wish to have a downer on anyone, but why is Ramsey here. some nice touches, sure we have our own lads who could offer more and need the experience, not grooming another club’s youngster. More a grumble about taking him on here than the lad.
Disappointing yes, enjoyable yes a Cup run would have given a darn good boost to the players and supporters alike. On to the bread & Butter with the FA Cup in New year
I think Ramsey is here because he started under DS and DS is aware of his talent – as to us having own own players who could offer more – I am not convinced we would have so many players if offers came in … we know Hugill may well end up back at Cardiff, but I also think Rashica and Hernandez have yet to convince DS they should stay if an offer came in. Rashica has been poor since last season and Hernandez only really looks impressive if he comes on in the last 20 mins. Rowe and Springett are also for the future and will see more opportunities as the season develops, alongside Ramsey. Cantwell. along with Pukki are the enigmas – they are both out of contract at the season’s end – so if offers came in now or in January, would the club cash in whilst there is still some value?
So if the majority of Rashica, Hernandez, Cantwell, Hugill and Pukki depart, Ramsey will suddenly be seen as an essential player on the bench in case the ‘normal’ first team players get injured.
Not really sure Todd showing some confidence on the way to the penalty deserves criticism. Seems a common and easy target. I can’t see where there has been much need for complaints when it comes to Todd this season. He seemed targeted physically last night, and clearly no love lost from last season’s teammates. He was body checked just before Bournemouth’s first goal, at least it seemed that way from where I was sat and I’m not sure why that wasn’t given. Yes, Angus kept us in the game but we were also a little unlucky not to come away with a third goal. Given the team on the pitch, I thought we did ok. Draw was a fair result but being ahead so late was then a shame to concede. A couple of lulls in performance during the 90 but felt like they gave it a good go. I think there were plenty of happy punters in the stands, especially the crowds of kids who got in for £2 during the holidays. A lot less moaning around me that at league games
Bring back Jamal Lewis on loan. He is recovered from injury, definitely still good enough for Championship. Go on, you know it makes sense ….
Just do not see any good in Rashica at all, yes he gives the odd flash of going forward with pace but i watched him last night and half the time he is ambling about and certainly not helping out by picking up players, he must go and cash in on him before he’s worthless