We saw an awful lot of things we know about this incarnation of Norwich City at the Stadium of Light on Saturday – and quite a few things we might have forgotten about as well.
I cannot remember concentrating on the opposition quite as much as this before in previous MFW articles but it must be said that Sunderland were a very good side indeed and pushed us to limits I didn’t quickly remember we were able to cope with.
Despite the Alex Neil kerfuffle, a situation I still find a little bizarre, the men in red and white couldn’t have been more spirited and really played for each other. As Martin Canning is likely to be off to the Potteries with Neil, I doubt that performance was for him.
Their 3-5-2 employed a relentless press, achieving many turnovers as they pursued our midfield like a swarm of angry wasps. We were forced into some badly-placed and mistimed passes more times than I can recall in recent Championship memory.
They also boasted a couple of decent strikers at this level as in Ross Stewart and Everton loanee Ellis Simms, who can both consider themselves unfortunate not to have got their names on the scoresheet.
They also had two players I would be more than happy to see in the yellow of Norwich, as in multipurpose defender Luke O’Nien and midfielder Dan Neil.
But enough of the Black Cats already!
We rode our luck and got away with it, none more so than when Stewart’s header was somehow directed by the upper part of Tim Krul’s arm onto the bar. As the rebound moved at a comfortable pace towards the advancing Alex Pritchard there was no apparent doubt in my mind where the ball was going to end up – but I hadn’t anticipated it to be in a bravely diving Grant Hanley’s nether regions.
This performance partly took me back to the days of Farkeball 1.5 when we would put bodies on the line for everything and defend like crazy to nick a 1-0 in matches where we were largely under the cosh and not playing well.
Andrew Omobamidele very much played his part too and his words after the game were quite endearing, especially when we remember that he is only just 20.
“I’m so happy. It was one of those games that was just a defending game. We recognised after the game that it wasn’t our best game on the ball but it counts in those moments – that little bit of quality from Josh Sargent and Aaron Ramsey, who took a good touch and put it across the box for Josh to tap in.
“Grant and the boys put in some big blocks and those are the types of games you like to win.”
Credit for the triple change near the hour mark to Dean Smith of course, who admitted afterwards that Sunderland had forced his hand, which indeed was a compliment to the Wearsiders.
Not many Championship clubs can afford the luxury of bringing on the likes of Teemu Pukki and Todd Cantwell from their benches, and most certainly not Sunderland.
Danel Sinani and Kieran Dowell had been largely frozen out of the game and the changes were no surprise, although surely few of us would have expected what we got from mildly controversial Villa loanee Aaron Ramsey, who replaced the hard-working but largely ineffective Onel Hernandez.
Some 15 minutes later the at one point seemingly unlikely match-winner appeared, courtesy of a lovely touch from Pukki to Ramsey who delivered a peach of a low cross from the left, and there was Bilko advancing between two defenders to slot home with a welcome combination of confidence and ease.
Reminiscent of the Stieperdude and Pukki in days of recent yore? Yes, a little bit, I think.
Although Sunderland heads didn’t drop they had used up most of the gas in the tank and never quite threatened like earlier.
Sargent deserves a big chunk of appreciation for his performance. The guy never stopped running, could have had a penalty [as indeed could Sam Byram], and was unlucky not to get the man of the match award, although I’m kind of glad it went to Hanley myself.
But still there are questions – when aren’t there with Norwich City?
Young Liam Gibbs has become very influential in that deep midfield role and although much of his good work goes unnoticed he will be missed. Apparently, he has a rolled ankle, which will need investigating before a timeline can be put on a possible return to action.
Can we really expect Byram to turn out at left-back again on Tuesday? It seems a touch too soon for my liking.
Kenny McLean will cover for one of the positions but who will fill the other? Stuart Webber has had a long time to source a loan at left back but so far his achievements appear less than tangible.
It was nice to hear ex-Mags Krul and Hanley enjoying their special welcome to the Stadium of Light – Isaac Hayden travelled and might even have got his too, although I didn’t hear it if he did.
Sky being Sky, there is always a zoom-in or two on Delia. With about 10 minutes to go, she was shown wiping her eyes. Whether she was crying with excitement or merely trying to stay awake we were not told.
So our first away win since January, 9/9 in the league and it’s on to what looks like might well be a demoralised Brum on Tuesday.
*** And we also won the Friendship Trophy, 1-0.
This is quite apt after Saturday:
Was one of those games, everytime the Cats got into our box I was expecting the net to bulge, never seen so many lousy passes and losing out in a tackle. Result of high press, something I had hoped we would have done at the outset. I said beforehand that we needed to be sharper out of the blocks or they will swamp us, I got that right.
I will say that if you can play poorly and still win that isn’t half bad at all. there will be other games we will face like that, and maybe luck won’t be number 12 in the defence, You mentioned Pitchard, I have to smile about him, wanted away from us for the prem, had one season, released then ended up in L1. How did that work out Alex ? Shades of Sammy Clingan well it sprang to my mind.
Yep Smith and Shakey got those changes spot on, almost from the moment they entered the fray, the difference was notable, Cantwell full of running, wanting the ball, looking for the gaps. Pukki giving the defence something else to think about, which gave Sargent a little more freedom. I don’t mind admitting I groaned like hell when Ramsey stood there ready to be brought on. But that was his best showing so far, that lovely interchange ended with a top drawer ball in, making Sargent’s job so much easier.
Still, they came at us, but the lack of speed was clear, and allowed us to break more, but I still expected an equaliser. Yes, Byram’s shout for spot kick was clear as anyone would want to see, except who matters, if VAR was present sure that would have been given, Sargents shout was a close call but not a clear one. One other incident I thought was allowed with too much, was the shoulder charge into Cantwell’s back, no effort whatsoever for the ball, that was man out, Yellow didn’t seem strong enough for me.
But all the plaudits have to go to the defence where Hanley was a mountain, and rightly chosen for the MotM, I said after the block, his wife will be unlucky tonight, god that must have hurt, young Omobamidele (have to look for spelling every time) would have learned a hell of a lot from that. Thought Aarons defensive side was exposed a little, awesome going forward, but defending is caught out several times. Byram was very steady, like Smith I rate him highly, got forward well. Think he might be close for a start, but like he was used on Saturday is perhaps the best way. Felt no end of sympathy for Gibbs, broke through and took his chance for 1st team very well. Cannot see who will replace him that’s is S&S job thankfully.
I said it was daylight robbery, but watching highlights again, not so much, we had a couple of good chances, in 1st Sarge could have had one, couldn’t get his feet right, plus a good effort which keeper saved there was also his charging down the keeper, that the 2nd time Wigwam the other. Not sure they expect him to cover the ground so quick.
On to Brum going to be another hard fought game but think we have it in us to spoil their night
Hi Lad
That would be the same Pritchard who was persuaded to change his mind and sign for is in a motorway car park while on his way to Brighton. What goes around…
Sammy Clingan got some rare old stick in that Cov match at the end of that season – and then disappeared never to be seen again!
Smith is quoted this morning as saying Gibbs will see a specialist but is not as bad as first thought, although that can mean anything these days.
Brum is definitely doable – they seem on a collective downer and hopefully we can exploit that on Tuesday.
Cheers
Marty, last season we would have folded in a game such as this, but they’ve got their Mojo back. That secret ingredient, that special something that wins games. The Canaries are back on song. Our two cardboard cutouts S&S must have some special brew on the go and are perhaps in the back room stirring the caldron. Mind you they must have kept half an eye on the game to make the substitutions that helped win the game. We just need to get some relief from these accused injuries.
Hi Cutty
Yes we would have folded in a game like that last season without doubt.
All supporters of all clubs must feel the same, but we really have had terribly bad luck with injuries for quite some time now.
Cheers
Hi Martin.
DS&SS as I was told in another comment yesterday will never be Farke and yes I acknowledge that but a little touchline emotion or passion just might help endear them more to the city supporters and make their stay a city just that little easier all round, different folks with different strokes as I was informed.
McLean covered 2 positions having to move into DM after Gibbs injury and is a team player you can’t take that away from him and DS tells us his reading off the game is second to none but and a big BUT is if he reads the game so well why isn’t he in the right place more often instead of wave g for others to cover the gaps he leaves.
Sunderland’s DoF did a quick rescue in dumping all the fallout on A-N saying he agreed a new contract 4 weeks ago no mention if he signed it that’s bye the way now, Canning took his plans made a couple of changes and surprised everyone and it was a great watch kept us all on tenderhooks, will he follow A-N to Stoke not sure someone went to great lengths to say that both him and Proctor were at the club before A-N arrive, Saturday was their 3rd game in charge with 3 loses and it will be down to Mowbray and Venus to sort.
The Brummies got hurt by Warne’s Rotherham and like city gave a growing injury list including a vastly improving Placheta playing as a Right Wingback/Winger with Eustace praising his efforts so maybe he will return and be a more useful player for city.
Tomorrow’s news conference will be interesting will Gibbs have recovered, can Byram play a full 90mins and will Sinani, Hernandez be on the bench and what will happen with Gibson with 3 days of the window open will we see him leave or any others,we do need a DM and one thatcan play as an LB would be useful.
Hi Alex
Dean Smith had that built-in bond with Villa as he is a supporter through and through but doesn’t seem too bothered about his image here. Up to him.
A couple of Boro mates got to know Mowbray a bit years ago and reckoned he was a good bloke but hard as nails in every respect. Make of that what you will.
Hayden IS the DM, there won’t be another one arriving. It’s LB in and a few outs at best from where I’m standing although Webber’s dragged his heels for so long with the LB I’m beginning to doubt it will happen.
Cheers
Never liked playing promoted clubs in the first 10 games or so, especially away. They are usually on a high from the promotion, and we are – whether we like it or not- a prize target in this league.
On to Birmingham. With a chance of more points.
Hi Bernie
Yeah we are definitely a target – as in there to be shot at 🙂
Brum is available via Canaries TV so I’ll certainly be having a shufti for a tenner – for once I’m quite optimistic.
Eustace used Onel as an emergency wing back when he was on loan there last season. It’s unlikely Smith will do the same but you never know.
Cheers
I’ve never checked the stats but my feeling (and feelings are good enough for at least 52% of the population) is that successful teams win more games 1-0 than other teams. Therefore I’m always happy with a 1-0 whether it’s the result of determined defending and a bit of luck, or a game that we should really have won 5-0.
The basket case clubs of Birmingham and Coventry next. Both winless so far…..along come Norwich?
Great choice of song. I love The Doors (Jim Morrison died on my birthday).
Hi Don
No ACN moments for me please!
I’m sure Mark Robins will get a warm Carrlow Road welcome. He deserves it.
At school this kid’s much older brother was stationed at Mildenhall so I got to hear a lot od Doors and Creedence very early on.
Strangely I share my birthday with Jimi Hendrix!
Cheers
Good morning Martin.
An absolutely massive 3 points.
Sadly it seems Liam Gibbs is to join the Left Back Boys on the sidelines for a while.
It is a real pity as the young lad had done really well. But according to reports earlier in the season Isaac Hayden should be ready in a week or two minimum. I wait to see that before I believe it.
I thought the boys at the back were unbelievable and wasn’t it good to see Sam Byram back despite the sad circumstances.
The penalty decisions were arguable bar the Byram one. Stonewaller.
I think recent events have proven Dean Smith knows more about football than I will if I live forever, but I do wonder if it was wise lining up against Sunderland’s midfield 5 with Liam as the anchor on his own ? I would have put Kenny 👉👉👉 in there with him.
Who then plays left back ? Good question, and it is not funny that both Placheta and Mumba are presently playing left wing back for their loan clubs.
But I do see Dean Smiths problem with having too many players. The 16 on duty plus Hugill, Idah, Hayden, Sorenson, Dimi, Sam and Milot. It will be hard if not impossible to keep all those players happy so I do expect a couple to go out on loan or leave permanently.
I will be extremely happy to see the transfer window close, not just for all this speculation to end but stopping Sky Sports Presenters talking like Daleks as they think what they are saying is so very, very important they deliver it like, I understand… that.. Paul….Pogba….maybe …. leaving Manchester United🤬.
I am going to be honest Martin I could see, like my mate Nick, why Alex Neil dodged facing the Super Canaries as a three year contract at Stoke is a lot better than a rolling one year contract at Sunderland even if that has been enhanced.
Hi Tim
Yes there will be a hiatus between Gibbs’ recovery and Hayden’s debut so we’re on slightly dodgy ground for a while.
I’m still seething at the Mumba loan decision and I’d like to think that’s more out of common sense than hindsight.
As for Alex Neil he had his reasons I am sure but I think the timing of it all was a real kick in the nuts for the Sunderland fans.
Cheers
A very good summation Martin.
Sunderland, far from being in disarray, were invigorated and motivated to show Neil what he was about to leave behind. Granted, the quality was lacking but the effort and intent were spot on.
The early loss of Gibbs hit us hard and exposed Sinani and Dowell to a testing time. A test they resolutely failed.
Byram, much to my relief slotted back in and looked composed and able. When fit he is a shoo in.
As you point out martin, on the hour mark the sight of the improving Cantwell and Pukki and the as yet unimpressive Ramsey caused consternation amongst the home crowd.
Cantwell immediately set about controlling the midfield, using the ball well and progressing us up the pitch. Pukki as he was on Tuesday night against Bournemouth looked back to his Sharp best. Sunderland looked visibly worried and the momentum shifted. Ramsey was excellent, his invention and movement were too much for Sunderland and his run in behind onto Nunez brilliant pass and the subsequent cross set up the goal machine that is Sargent for his 4th goal in a week.
Scarcely believable.
I don’t t subscribe to the idea that we were lucky. Had the referee wiped the crap from his eyes he would have pointed to the spot on 2 or maybe 3 occasions and Sunderland would have got a spanking.
Its still early days and I’m loathe to count too many chickens but there does appear to be both the quality and the will to mount a serious challenge amongst the squad.
The injuries remain a concern, as does the sloppy passing in midfield and around the back and banana skins abound if the attitude weakens but for now I’ll revel in the glow of 3 consecutive league wins after the year we’ve all just endured.
Hi Chris
Yes, that was some move from the bench and I suspect it won’t be the only time something like that happens this season.
I didn’t plan on such a rehabilitation of Cantwell but so far, so very good.
As you say Byram could be very important for us if he can somehow manage to stay fit. I know it’s a big *if* but the lad’s due a bit of good fortune.
And yes, it’s good for us supporters to have a degree of genuine belief back!
Cheers
It seems as though we are all a bit reluctant to get excited at the moment. This was a defeat avoided no doubt but there were good signs of progress even from the midfielders taken off. Dowell will never be a hard tackling midfielder but on the few occasions we went down the right the Dowell, Sinani, Aarons triumvirate showed some good touches. The problem was we kept on with long passes down the left for Hernandez to run up his blind alleys. The substitutions were right and did the trick (unlike Farke) and the signs are there that with a fully fit squad we will have a good season. So I am really positive for once.
Hi Cyprus
Some say he has peaked, but I still see a very good player in Max Aarons.
Hernandez remains what he is – a bit of a law unto himself. I reckon Cantwell might get the starting nod over him tonight.
When you’ve been around the block a few times it’s quite natural not to get too excited early on so I know what you mean 🙂
Cheers