For me, Chris Sutton is one of those so-called pundits who you have to be wary of. Very wary in fact.
Many times over the years our Chris has fallen foul of authority in its various forms with his in-yer-face, no-nonsense, tell-it-as-he-sees-it comments and he continues to divide public opinion to this day. This feeling is intensified if, like myself, you are a City supporter and Celtic follower, so I know of at least three MFW readers who will quite probably see where I’m coming from.
For different reasons, these remain the clubs Sutton still has a huge interest in, and before the Stoke match on Saturday, he suggested…
“I always think you have to go back to a sensible thought process. After the start that Norwich have had, with the Carabao Cup victories, it has given everyone a real lift. We need to keep the perspective.
“That fragility perhaps underpins the work that everyone has to do to still come together and repair that missing trust [between Club and supporters].”
When the likes of Sutton make comments such as that I tend to open both lugs and pin them back for a while.
Certainly, a good shift was put in by all during that first period and this culminated in Jack Stacey scoring his first Norwich City goal on 44 minutes.
Christian Fassnacht made time to look up before picking out Jonny Rowe in the middle, who did just enough to head down for the fast-advancing Stacey to rifle into the ground, through keeper Mark Travers, and into the back of the net for a typical poacher’s goal. From our right back!
Alex Neil decided to introduce Sead Haksabanovic and Daniel Johnson around the hour mark and while Stoke started to boss midfield they did so without either genuine authority or tangible success and certainly Angus Gunn didn’t have anything in the way of shots to deal with, although a couple of crosses led to one or two anxious moments at the back.
I kind of agree that our subs did nothing to excite, both at the thought of their on-pitch arrival and what they actually did when they got on. Is this a temporary weak spot for City?
Yes, it is, with the emphasis on the word temporary.
When Borga Sainz, Marcelino Nunez, Jacob Lungi Sorensen, Josh Sargent, and Grant Hanley return from injury at various points in time we can all be a great deal happier about who features on the bench.
We have also averted my greatest nightmare with the recruitment of Danny Batth and Ui-Jo Hwang as we have recruited cover for those crucial numbers that make up the spine, #5 and #9 [both ably sported by the aforementioned Chris Sutton of course].
Was City Head Coach David Wagner pleased with the performance of his side? Of course he was!
“Especially second half, the guys really had to dig in,” he said.
“The workload, the shift that they’ve shown, the fighting spirit was just outstanding. Obviously, we had help from the stands, the energy and the support from them got this result over the line.
“First half, from my point of view, we were outstanding, we played unbelievable football, all of our patterns. We defended very, very solid as well.
“Our full-backs start to score as well now which is always nice to have. A clean sheet when needed too, so I’m over the moon about the result today, in particular the first half performance and the second half togetherness and fighting spirit the players have shown.”
Finally, he reserved special praise for Kenny McLean who signed a new contract on Friday evening.
“Kenny McLean was the standout player on the pitch. Every pass he picked was the right one, it was a standout performance.“I am delighted that he’s signed a new contract, that his future is here at this football club. It’s great to have him [here].“
Jack Stacey immediately outlined how important it is for the wide players to chip in with goals and assists.
“I’d like a few more goals, to be honest! I’ve not had too many throughout my career. It’s something we’ve been working on with the coaching staff, and they think I can get more. Hopefully, it’s the first of many.
“It’s a product of how the team has started. It’s a good team, a high-pressing and high-intensity team. That makes it easier for individuals to look good, and all the credit goes to the manager and his coaching team. It’s something we can all build upon.”
So yet more talk of building on what we’ve recently established. There’s a plan, the players are behind it and supporters seem to be falling into line on an almost daily basis. I’m liking this, and after 2022-23 I think I’m deserving – entitled even 
I wonder what our Man in the Stands, MFW stalwart Don Harold, have to say if I asked him right now?
Hi Martin, I came away from Carrow Road quite happy. Three points, clean sheet, very good first-half performance, and 100% home record intact***. However, it seems that I was in the minority. I heard lots of moaning about the second-half performance and prophecies of doom about our chances against Leicester on Wednesday.
“The second half was comparatively poor, but Stoke are not mugs and got stuck in and played decent football. City showed resilience and determination and worked bloody hard to protect the win.
“On paper Leicester looks like a step up in class. But we have plenty of players to cause them problems. A big match midweek is a joy to anticipate.”
***We also avoided a very possible ACN moment as Stoke hadn’t scored an away goal in the League all season – and they still haven’t 
*** Players from both sides wore black armbands for this fixture, with a period of silence held ahead of kick-off as part of the British Red Cross Morocco Earthquake Appeal and Libya Floods Appeal.
*** As I sit here about five miles along the Coast Road from Cromer I am contemplating the onset of autumn on the back of a summer breeze that has blown through NR1 like no other in recent memory thanks to that rather tasty little double-act between Stuart Webber and Wagner during the recruitment period just gone.
So it must be time for the Isley Brothers with their very own Summer Breeze:
Incidentally, there has always been a rumour that youngest Isley and spacey guitarist Ernie was taught to play by Jimi Hendrix himself.
Ernie has flatly denied it for years and continues to do so.
And if you reckon Public Enemy or NWA have attitude, these guys went through a period of refusing to play to white audiences for a while some 30 or 40 years ago.
Morning Martin – good read as normal. We seem to have found a way to grind out results in games we won’t have won last year. I think the next six games will be more of a barometer of were we are going as on paper they are better teams than we’ve played so far.
For all our better play, the cutting edge is still not there. Rowe could prop bag us 15 to 20 goals after but him I can’t see anyone getting more than ten which has to be a worry if thinking of being top six side. Yes, different players are scoring which is good but they would have to contribute 6 to 10 each to have a playoff chance unless there’s a lot of 10 which might happen. Who knows.
Going for 2-2 Wednesday and 1-1 at Plymouth. Keep well mate .
Hi Kev
I’ve had a quick glance at the next half dozen and kind of see what you mean.
If it doesn’t work out with Idah [looking problematic] or Hwang [too early to tell] then I’m pretty sure we will see Rowe through the middle with Barnes at some point.
It’s too early to tell how it will all work out but I will just say I’m a great fan of goals being spread throughout a team, something both Lambert and Farke spoiled us with really.
Cheers
Hi Martin and thankfully, we seem to have escaped the worst of the thunderstorms and deluge.
As Don says, a win and 3 points is always welcome and IMO, we should have been further ahead at half time, but some timely blocks by Stoke players, including one which went inches past the post!!
A well worked goal though and JR continues to impress with his directness and willingness to take on players. He was being fouled numerous times by the Stoke number 27.
The summer recruitment has certainly played a massive part in our performances and I don wonder how much input SW had, as the likes of Barnes and Duffy are so far removed from previous recruitment campaigns. No one has been brought in whom we could develop and hopefully sell for a profit.
I’ll finish by saying that if we play on Wednesday as we did on Saturday, then the Foxes GD will increase significantly, but I’m hopeful that we can take the game to them and give the fans something to cheer.
Hi Ed
That’s one of the things I miss so much about not actually being there, things like the foul count and the niggling building up. I’m sure this is one situation where Ashley Barnes [not to forget Shane Duffy at the other end of the grid] really earns thanks from young Master Rowe as the advice comes flowing thick and fast.
I’ve given full credit to Stuart Webber nI I thought that might look a bit strange on the screen but it doesn’t It’s just reasonable to highlight a man who has done his job well so I don’t feel even remotely like a hypocrite after all.
And that flippin’ Don Harold geezer you mention – he’s always right 😉
Cheers
Hi Martin
Alex Neil is quoted as saying he would rather his team played crap and they got points than play well and got nothing. Does he think that’s a new idea? Just about every manager would agree to points before style I would presume.
Gunn got his MOJO back after letting in three against England but I will guess that come Wednesday he will, along with the defence, be a lot busier than Saturday and Vardy has a good record against City.
I just wonder if Wagner might try Rowe alongside Barnes as a front pairing with Springett playing out wide. Rowe’s speed through the middle just might cause a few nervous moments in the opposition defence. Idah doesn’t seem to be getting any luck and his decision-making; seems lacking as to when he needs a full blooded shot or a tap in.
Red button on Wednesday – another full day after England V Ireland at cricket.
Onwards and upwards OTBC
Hi Alex
As I said to Kev [above] I could see Rowe playing through the middle with Barnes,.
I hadn’t thought of Springett. Maybe, or will Sainz be the man?
In these Monday columns I normally throw in the best line from the oppo manager I can find but didn’t bother this time as Alex Neil didn’t really have much to say at all 🙂
Cheers
It seems that Cromer is about to become the centre of the ageing punk’s world. Glen Matlock and TV Smith (ex Adverts) are both playing at the Community Centre in the near future.
City have shown in the season so far that they’re able to win games with both flair and grit; they have also shown occasional vulnerabilities. As Kev says, let’s see how we are after the next 6 games
Hi Lad
I’m sorry to hear there were a few moans in the Barclay on Saturday – I hope my old crowd didn’t join in too much.
Steve to your immediate left when you look behind you is from Leicester and remains a massive Tigers fan to this day. If he’s used to that standard you can understand why there was never an instant conversion to Walsham or Norwich I suppose – and there is a genuine *without disrespect* in that for sure. in there.
If Matlock has picked up a band from somewhere he’ll be fantastic – he was when he played with either Difford or Tilbrook at the Arts Centre a few years ago anyway.
If he picks up an acoustic you might be in a bit of bother. He plays well enough but to call him a lead vocalist is really pushing it a bit these days so a couple of mates from London told me not so long ago.
I’ll send you a clip that kind of proves it later on if t’s still hanging around on YT.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED 🙂
Cheers
Morning Mr P – a good Monday morning read as per. People appear to forget we play again another 11 players, who will in turn have their moments during any game. Couple that with a wily ex manager who always wants to put one over us. We cannot dominate or keep any high presses on for the full game. We aren’t Man City.
Last season we would have crumpled during the second half and probably lost the game. Improvement clearly seen, but we are a long way from being the finished article. There isn’t a full squad champing at the bit, as you say when those coming back from the treatment room finally get in the squad on matchday, then I believe we will see exactly what we are made of.
I do have a niggle at the back of my mind, that we could follow last season’s drop-off, but that is just me being cautious and still not having 100% confidence in Wagner.
Wednesday will be a real acid test. Leicester scored the same amount as we did at St Mary’s, but let less in, but neither their or Southampton’s defence looked particually solid. Cannot see Russell Martin being there too much longer – 9 conceded in a couple of games.
I really not sure if I should bring up master Idah again, but another goalless showing – work rate and play are good, but it is goals that count.
Yes he scored from the spot and gave Van Dyke the run around but we need more from the lad, not a weak effort into goalies arms as witnessed. With an unknown Hwang and not much else in the background to come in, he will have to be the one.
Young master Rowe will be marked or kicked out of the game as his reputation precedes him now. How he copes will make him a better stronger player. I really like the look of Fassnacht, shows some classy touches and awareness as he quietly goes about his work without the spotlight on him and forming a good understanding with Stacy,
A draw again the Foxes would be a good result, and watch out for the slippery skin at Plymouth
The Plymouth game just might show a few city supporters what they missed with young Mumba and Early in their squad will both or either come back and haunt Webbers decision to sell ??
i must say I was so scathing about that particular sale all I can say is that at least it did prove that wing backs, however good they might be at the job, are not part of David Wagner’s plans for this season.
Couple that with Sam McCallum not even making the bench on Saturday and there,s no room for further debate on that topic really.
So the scoreline of Leis 1, Penney 0 can now safely pss into MFW legend.
Oh, Rats!!! 🙂
Hi Lad – sorry you got a reply meant for Don H last time!
Of couse we ould drop like last season, but it won’t be for the same reasns and that if nothig else is cheery.
Yes Leicester will probably the test of at least the early season, if not the whole of it,
I very much like Fassnacht too – he seens to make himself a bit of time, open out t find a different angle and although not a stroller by any means he always looks a very calm figure on the pitch. For what he cost I believe the word *bargain* comes to mind.
I’m on duty for the MFW Plymouyh preview and must admit I’m looking forward to findng out a little bit more about them!
Cheers
I saw Southampton-Leicester and Millwall-Leeds games and both Leicester and Leeds looked impressive. Midweek Viasat games here are SW-Boro and Norwich-Leicester, so finally I have the possibility to watch Norwich playing and I have not seen Boros full games either this season. Carrick was praised last season and now he is surely close to getting sacked. So called “la quiniela experts” here discussed last week about 1 of your players, Rowe. They were very sure that Rowe has over performed very much and that his goal scoring will dry. I dont have a personal opinion about that. They have rated Norwich to places 8-10 this season.
Of course there are also Champions league games played in midweek, group games are not interesting enough.
Hi 1×2
You were right about Glen Kamara!
From looking at hs previous record you could say that Rowe has over-performed but the guy has played so ittle first team football that isn’t really the case as he doesn’t, as such, have a previous record!
It seems you get to see quiite a good selection of UK football at home anyway and I am doing quite well in following RCD Mallorca in La Liga, the only other European League I watch regularly.
Few people really like *the experts* in any country but I think in this case they have made a safe guess with Norwich.
Safe, but not chiseled on tablets of stone…
Kiitos
A simple game this football lark, score a goal keep a clean sheet, put three points on the board. I got a feeling we can do the same to Leicester on Wednesday. The ending of the heat wave should be of a benefit as the playing conditions will not be so physically draining for the gegenpress.
H Bernie
They say the conditions are te same for everody but if you are a defender facing the relentness type of press we were employing in the first half on Saturday you would probably had an exrra few ounces to take back to the dressing room thsn those implementing said Press!
Random names but two from last season who did NOt enjoy being in the Press Gang would include Dwell and Sinani. There will have been others 🙂
Cheers
I used to frequent the same establishments as Chris Sutton many moons ago Martin.
And the Chris you get on TV or in print is the same in life. Totally honest and forthright with his views.
You may not always agree with them but like you Martin when he speaks I listen. He certainly gave me a different outlook on friendlies that’s for sure and he has been proven right. And he helped me win me £80 once. Carlisle (H) a cup tie.
And the fragility he spoke about is evident in a game as tight as Saturday’s. Both teams have a bunch of half chances, Kev’s boy for Stoke and Adam and Jon for us, the slim line between defeat and victory is that we took one of our chances.
I think Alex Neil will sort Stoke out and may even threaten the playoffs so it was a very good win indeed.
Here come Leeds !! as I expected Daniel Farke would have his perennial slow start and then soon get them going once he gets his ideas across.
I don’t know about you Martin I still do not like seeing him as the Leeds manager, it is like a girlfriend who has gone off with Tom Cruise😂💛💚
HI Tim
The thing I wonder about with Alex Neil these days is that of will he ever stay anywhere for long enough to finish a job – or is it just a chain of events he has a dubious level of control over?
When it comes to charisma he has far less than our David Wagner, but Wagner is beaten in these stakes by our Daniel who has it in buckets.,
I’m at the stage whereby I’ve accepted that he’s gone and he aint ever coming back!
Cheers