Correct me if I’m wrong – and I know somebody will if I am – but I’m pretty goddam sure that Norwich City created a record at Carrow Road on Saturday when they comfortably put Cardiff City to the sword, albeit after a stuttering start.
Whether it’s an all-inclusive UK footballing record or just an EFL Championship one I cannot be sure but I’m pretty certain that a record it is.
Has any other club ever had two separate, individual Brasileiros score for them in the same Championship game? Not bl00dy likely, says I.
It might have happened in the Premier League, maybe even more than once, but in the Champo? Don’t think so!
The first was a decent shot from outside the box that Gaby Sara neatly fired past an admittedly unsighted Ryan Allsop after being set up by Marquinhos, who was somewhat confusingly referred to under his birth surname of Alencar in the team listings of the Sunday papers that I saw.
Marquinhos scored on his Arsenal debut and kindly repeated the feat for us. A bit of the old Wagner coaching stardust has obviously been applied here – the assist went to Onel Hernandez, who after his usual bobbing and weaving and stopping and starting once more cut the ball back instead of delivering a typical “Hail Mary” cross that might have gone anywhere and to anybody. These seem to have been binned, hopefully for good.
The 19-year-old finished with verve, aplomb and a huge grin on his face as he laid down a Yellow-shirted marker for the rest of the season. He was withdrawn on the hour and it was a joy to see that his replacement was one Teemu Pukki.
Wagner employed all five of the allowed subs at various times during the second half. Perhaps the most interesting presence on the bench was the only outfield player not to see action on the day, Academy striker Abu Kamara. MFW’s Will Grant has had nothing but good things to say about Abu in his Academy pieces, and now he has his foot in the door so all the very best of luck to him.
It only remains to say that the second half featured a pretty decent 45 minutes of game management from City, who also managed to create a few chances along the way with Adam Idah rounding Allsop before stumbling and blazing over, Hernandez hitting the outside of the post and Pukki landing a chip on the roof of the Cardiff net.
David Wagner said afterwards: “We scored two good goals and from then on I thought we controlled the game and deserved to win in the end”.
He added: “It was a third straight win at home and if we want to achieve anything this season we need to turn Carrow Road into a fortress so I am very pleased with the result.”
Kenny McLean, who enjoyed a fine game himself, spoke words of wisdom when he pointed out: “It was a good three points but not the best performance, but that’s a good sign sometimes when you can do that and not be at your best.
“We got the goals at good times and did enough to get over the line. I would say it was a professional performance rather than a good performance.
“We want to give ourselves the best opportunity to do the best that we can and finish as high as we can – that’s what we’re doing right now.”
It’s once more down to MFW’s man in the stands, Don Harold, to sum up:
“This was an easy win against a poor Cardiff side.
“The first 20 minutes were a bit iffy, then Sara got the game by the scruff of the neck and City’s class shone through. Two goals from two Brazilians [who would have thought such a thing?], a clean sheet, decent performances all round and another home win made for a pleasant afternoon at Fortress Carrow.
“We have a couple of tough-looking games coming up and if we can take points in both whilst playing well, perhaps an exciting last third of the season is on offer after all.”
In his article yesterday, Gary bemoaned the lack of a functioning PA system at the Carra on which to play our goal music, aka Samba De Janeiro, so I thought I’d conclude by making some form of musical amends.
Like many MFW readers, I am fully aware that Carlos Santana is Mexican rather than Brazilian. However the samba is a dance evolved on the streets of Rio de Janeiro not Tequila, so Samba For You is a perfect closing dedication to Gaby Sara and Marquinhos.
And no, I don’t know how Santana gets that tone on his Les Paul beyond the fact that, apparently, he was using a sustain pedal as early as 1969:
One of my friends in the River End had just commented that we couldn’t score, as there wouldn’t be any goal music with the PA out of action, when Sara stuck it in the bottom corner! As I said on Gary’s article yesterday, I didn’t miss the over-loud pre match “entertainment“, gave me a chance to talk and listen to people for a change.
Not a match to remember, apart from our two Brazilians’ goals, and Idah’s miss when he really should have scored. Lots of people saying he should have gone down when the keeper caught him, but I admire his honesty and ambition in trying to get himself a goal. He probably saved the keeper from a red card.
Hi Jim
Yes you’re right about Idah and Allsop. Not tumbling was typical of a young player if I might say so – he wanted a goal for himself, not a red card for the keeper.
I’m pretty ambivalent about the PA myself but I can understand those who can live without it. No PA = no worries to me also.
Cheers
Morning MR P. I played the track you posted when finished closd the darn window forgot I had not said thanks for that.
From my old days at the Road, I would have loved no PA system or turned down a touch, sometime a bloody job to hear your mate in the next seat. Proves I was getting an old srote.
The closing out of games is something I didn’t think had been in our Repertoire, well if it was, I missed it Still good to see good management. I said a while back Wagner was unlikely to get a silk purse out of this lot, not that I am changing my mind, but the pattern is cut pinned together, and perhaps a few first stitches. Now with a tasty trip to the New Den,with the same old Millwall , will be a big test. Not that I know much about the Lions, but I would imagine they will batter the area with high and long balls. they play to their strengths and good luck to them for doing that. This should be right up Hanley’s street. Gibson not sure, despite being here a fair time, my jury is still out on him.
Two Brazilians, had to check exactly what the talk was about,first thought that came to mind of haircuts . Norwich with two of them, plus a Cuban getting in on the act. Perhaps an end of season Carnival is in order if they can keep this up or perhaps more realistic a couple of glasses of Caipirinha with a big cigar.
I hope these 3 home wins will have inputted some consistency, we had the pattern as good,poor,good poor, Not wanting to hark back to smudger’s time. were we won a few, while looking very poor, with people say a win is a win no matter. Some are easily pleased I much prefer, as many do on here a good show with some fight and passion first. Wagner seemingly has the right pegs in the right holes, even if some players didn’t know their best roles.
I’ll take the gamble of the play-offs. if we do manage to win that, it will bring out a decision on what will the cousins from over the pond do now. But going up with the same lot at the helm will only bring disaster yet again, how many more failed attempts does anyone want to see. Two is more than enough
Morning Lad
I’ve just done the preview with Millwall’s Nick Hart and he will explain everything we need to know about the Lions. He reckons it will be “a bit tasty* on Saturday to say the least so have a look at MFW on Friday morning.
Personally I think consistency will still prove difficult to achieve over the remainder of this season, but a result against decent sides like Millwall and Sunderland will decide if we really are on the march or not.
I’m refusing to contemplate what might happen if we make the play-offs as to me it will only prove that Wagner and the players have done their bit while the suits scratch their heads, recruit poorly, take one season’s money and run.
Disaster? More than likely, so I’m not fixated with promotion tbh.
Cheers
Hi Martin
As most have said, a good solid performance nothing spectacular and a more than good showing by the defence Sorensen as left back was a surprise call as he isn’t the galloping wingback we are use to seeing ie Giannoulis or McCallum who didn’t make the bench maybe one it was a toss up between the two.
Lamouche has been quoted saying they gifted city the 2 goals with a 4 minute loss of concentration and that they controlled the game, I would think most Cardiff supporters would say city were slightly the better team over 90+mins.
Gunny made a couple of good saves, and Hanley Marshalled his defence well, no enforced errors and a clean sheet to boot.
With the English Rugby 6 nations team giving the Welsh a kick up the backside in Cardiff and the Cricket team having a great first inning down in New Zealand 🇳🇿 it was a great sporting weekend.
My neighbour was moaning about some wally called Mccarthy taking Blackpool down to League 1 without a fight and says he likes Trybull and he wants a management change now and said Karl Robinson is available not so sure.
Never been to the New Den but paid a couple of visits to the old one back in 1970/71 wasn’t a very welcoming place either on the pitch or in the stand so I hope our brave away supporters stay safe.
I can’t honestly think of too many that have played for both teams will have to check it out and get back to you.
Hi Alex
Sorensen is more Byram than Aarons or the lads you mention but I’m quite happy with that really as the set-up is slightly different on each side of the pitch.
Lamouchi has to say something like that really and I’m not taking any notice of him!
I would think Blackpool are pretty much a basket case by now and I suppose MickMac was the best they could get at the time. It sounds like I’m being patronising – I’m really not – but I reckon it’s true.
Millwall do live up to a certain reputation it must be said – the football club is as tough as the locals and I largely respect them for that as long as it doesn’t get out of hand, which it can do absolutely anywhere of course.
Cheers
Hi Alex
As I remember the streets around the ground were pretty iffy as well
Played for both
JJos Hooiveld, Dale Gordon, John Fashanu, Steve Morison, Hugh Curran
That’s my offering someone must have more ??
Dale Gordon?!?!!!
Ye Gods and little fishes, I don’t remember that 🙂
Martin see comment below
Gee whiz!
Martin,
I don’t think he’s playing the trusty Les Paul in that fantastic video you posted up… wrong shape body IMO. As its 2007, its more likely one of his own name PR Santanas.
Excuse the nerdy intrusion… but that sound is quite mesmeric and left me disappearing down guitar shaped rabbit holes until I found one that fitted better visually,
Its a great piece of axemanship whatever he’s playing.
Hi Andy
No way is your comment an intrusion – I always squeeze as much musical reference into articles as I can 🙂
Having had another look it isn’t a pure LP body shape so you’re probably quite right – I prefer the heavier side of life so tend to go with older recollections of Santana, which subconsciously connect me to the LP.
The only Santana album I have is Abraxas but I’ rate She’s Not There among the best covers ever done anytime, anywhere.
Cheers
The Bluebirds came to the Carr’s, obviously fired up from a couple of wins in their previous games, but thankfully failed to capitalise on the gift from Aarons.
Marquinhos came in for some robust tackling from the Bluebirds’ defence early on, but he just got up and gave them a torrid time!!
I enjoyed both goals and until the last few home games, I’d forgotten what it was like to see us score a goal at the River End.
A tough game on Saturday, followed by a visit from the Black Cats (2 beasts of prey in succession!!) and then a couple of easier games before we attempt to blunt the Blades’ attack.. 🙁 ⚽
Yes, DW does appear to have instilled a bit of confidence in the players and IMO, they’re starting to play as a team, even though the build up is still as pedestrian as it always has been!!
It was great to hear the fans getting behind the team and it’s not rocker science – if the team is playing well, then the fans WILL respond. 👍
Hi Ed
You’re right about Millwall and Sunderland as in their different ways both are decent clubs who currently have decent teams – it’s the perfect test of our new-found credentials really and we’ll know a lot more when these particular games are over.
*It was great to hear the fans getting behind the team and it’s not rocket science – if the team is playing well, then the fans WILL respond.*
How sweet it would be if Anthony Richens could read that line.
Cheers
6 game loan spell to toughen him up I suppose
I was a bit bemused so googled it. He was loaned out by West Ham in a vain attempt at injury rehab in 1996. I couldn’t believe Dave Stringer would ever be party to a loan move like that!
Well , no bad news after Saturdays game on the injury front, and no hard luck stories from the game. We still had our oops moments , in gifting possession through misplaced passes and poor choices, but overall a clean sheet and 2 from our boys from Brazil made it a good day. That’s 3 home wins in a row , but the looming obstacle of a trip to Millwall hoves into view. I don’t know that’s going to turn out. Fingers well crossed.
Hi Bernie
Given this season’s backstory, three home wins in a row is not be sneezed at.
I think everybody’s getting a bit excited about Millwall now!
Cheers
Well Martin; it seems that maybe with Wagner at the wheel, the good ship NCFC may well be turning and joining the race for the play-offs.
From what (little) I’ve seen, Saturday was (after Cardiff’s opening salvo) pretty much a routine victory. And how nice to see Sorenson actually getting a start.
I’m with you on us being the first champo side to have 2 Brazilians scoring in the same match.
As for next Saturday, Millwall have a tough match at Luton tomorrow night….a couple of injuries and a red card wouldn’t hurt too much would it?
If we can manage 4 points from the next 2 games then we might well be in that end of season lottery!
O T B C
Hi John
If folks such as thee and me are starting to believe a little bit you can be sure others elsewhere are starting to believe a lot, if you see what I mean 🙂
To balance your thoughts about Millwall, Carlton Morris was the victim of a horrible challenge at Birmingham and if he doesn’t make it I reckon that will give the Lions a massive boost.
A draw at Kenilworth Road would be ideal for us – and nearly a dozen other clubs!
Cheers
I think you’ll find its also the first time two Brazilians have played for a Championship side at the same time, Martin! Both scoring is an absolute bonus.
Good to see Sorensen get almost 90 minutes from kick-off – great to have an effective utility player at the club.
I reckon we can get something at the New Den if we go toe-to-toe with Millwall, and play the game the way we are at the moment, so bring it on!
OTBC !
Hi Kev
That wouldn’t surprise me at all – we didn’t have one before Sara and they don’t exactly grow on trees. Juninho and Mirandinha might have sparked the rush [I got to see both at Carrow Road], but only in the PL!
Yes it was good to see Sorensen get some action – as you say a top-quality utility man is unquestionably an asset.
Cheers
Marty, so what has changed with our bunch of misfiring players? Tactics, and player management. We now have a Manager/Coach who understands the modern game. Waggy and his support staff are on a different level than anything we‘ve seen before, perhaps a step or two ahead of Danny. Employed either by luck or judgement this guy, given decent support by the club, could build the most successful Canary squad we have seen to-date. Under his tutoring average players can become good players and good players can become excellent players. A successful Club has to move forward, there‘s no going back to the good old days, we‘ve had some brilliant times (and bad) but those teams and tactics would fall short today. But of course it won‘t be plain sailing, so bang the drum, (glad I can‘t hear it) dance the samba (impossible at my age) and let’s moan at the occasional failings (I can do that) and onwards and upwards (even though we‘ll get mugged) . That‘s football.
Hi Cutty
That’s a pretty good summary there old boy.
I could dance about a bit until relatively recently to pub rock bands but I don’t think I’ve knowingly tried to samba. The way I danced it was hard to tell, of course.
I haven’t really compared Wagner with Daniel as a coach yet, but both have engaging personalities that I have appreciated from day one and that means a lot.
Whatever happens I think we are going to find the Summer very interesting 🙂
Cheers
Any team that draws with Burnley and beats Sheff Utd are decent. A point at Millwall would be a very good result. South America comes to The Isle of Dogs, should be colourful!
Pleased to see Sorensen get a start just the sort of player we need in a battle. but Adam Idah, what is he good at I want him to succeed but just don’t see how??
I remember witnessing a horrid 4-0 defeat 6/7 seasons back now, I think poor Angus was in goal, Maddison, Super Mario, Wes, etc, perhaps early Farke days. Let’s hope history doesn’t repeat itself.
Harry Kane played for both teams of course, (Loan)
Hi Colin
Great spot on Harry Kane – I’d long forgotten he was at Millwall for a spell!
My Dad was a PLA dock copper based at the West India, but he had friends and colleagues south of the river so I knew the area reasonably well in the late 60s and early 70s. It’s fair to say it was unique then and most likely still is now.
Tempting fate I would say that Millwall don’t have the firepower to dish out a tanking but we’ll need all the resilience we can muster to get a result.
Cheers
I had a quick look at the stats for that 4-0 defeat at Millwall Colin because it rang a bell.
We were way ahead in all of them including possession figures of 72% to 28% !
More shots on and off and nearly three times as many passes.
But got thumped 4-0.
That was indeed early Farke. The morale of the story Nelson Oliveira up front and even more so Russ Martin and Marcel Franke as our centre backs.
If my memory serves me well Marcel and Russ never played for us again.
Thankfully.
Good work Tim, funny old game!
Lots of sense in both the article and comments. First the important guitar nerd stuff: that is indeed a PRS (Paul Reed Smith) guitar he did use a Les Paul in the days of recording Abraxas but starting with when a start up (in music) company called Yamaha built him a guitar with 24 frets instead of 22 (so he can play 4 octaves) he has always used PRS with a fat keyboard (as the Les Paul has).
Millwall will test our defence with little Bradshaw and tall Flemming both in double figures plus as usual a cast of big tall defenders including Cresswell on loan from Leeds doing well. A point would be good. I would keep Sorensen always a good reader of the game e.g. schooling both CR and Rashford when subbed on for Hanley (injured off by Ronaldo) last time Man United were at Carrow Road.
Hi Roger
Respect for that!
I’ve got a Washburn twin PU and an elderly officially licenced Squier Strat but realised [and was quite correctly told] years ago I couldn’t play either very well so they make great ornaments on the landing these days!
I remember that Hanley incident only too well. And Ronaldo thinks he is above criticism and wonders why he is unpopular here in the UK…
Yes a point on Saturday would do for me too.
Cheers
Paul Reed Smith guitars kicked Gibson off their guitar world throne after they entered the instrument market.
Both Gibson and Fender have experienced heavy trading weather – illustrious Gibson almost went bust, who’d have thought it, almost every guitar player’s dream was the Les Paul, and Fender weren’t far behind them – late, lamented, and leading Strat exponent Jeff Beck at Ronnie’s is worth a watch if you want to know their quality.
These next two matches, against Millwall and Sunderland, will be the Litmus Test for the Canaries, but I’m pretty sure we will stand up and be counted.
My Gods of the Strat are Dave Gilmour, Richie Blackmore and of course Jeff Beck, who was such an innovator.
From pioneering the vocal bag before Peter Frampton had two cheesy hit with one to that backwards ending on *Bolero*, Beck did the lot – any style from Greensleeves to Superstition, he could play it.
For the LP I’d go James Dean Bradfield from the Manics, Slash and Page in the studio. I saw LZ twice in the 70s and he was as rough as old boots live!
SG Iommi and Angus and Flying V Michael Schenker and Brent from Mastodon.
The next two games are, as you say, pivotal and four points would be a terrific return for us.
Some good names there Martin, love the Manics’ ‘If You Tolerate This…’
Four points would be great for NCFC, six even better, here’s hoping!
COYYs !