First things first, and that win was vital. In the circumstances, those three points were priceless, and when I say ‘circumstances’ I mean a relegation battle.
Whatever else is or isn’t going on with our football club at the moment, the need to arrest our freefall down the Championship table has to be everyone’s top priority and in that regard, it was job done,
For that, fair play to the head coach, his staff, and the players.
They have been lambasted from all quarters over the last few weeks – deservedly so I might add – so it is only right to laud a good effort when they produce one. Cardiff, let’s not forget, had only lost once at home this season until yesterday and that was back in early August, so it is not an easy place to go.
Despite there being a few troubling echoes of weeks gone by when conceding those two goals in the space of four first-half minutes, which turned a 1-0 lead into a 2-1 deficit, they responded magnificently, helped by some tactical tweaks for which the head coach deserves credit.
But the biggest winners were the travelling fans who would have made the long trip from east to west in hope rather than expectation. Wagner and the players deserved their moment after all that had gone before – so too Stuart Webber I guess – but those hardy few hundred were every bit as magnificent as anything that happened on the pitch.
If ever a group of people deserved to see a win…
It was not perfect of course – unless you’re Ipswich Town, Championship wins very rarely are – but what Wagner and his group did yesterday was find a way; something that eluded them for six weeks.
In the first half, there were tactical and technical errors abound but once those were addressed at half-time and despite leaving it late to get on level terms and then ahead, the changes in shape and personnel came together to produce 45 minutes of decent football.
For the first time in six weeks, we did look dangerous going forward and had some semblance of control in the game, and in Danny Batth we had a central defender who did not have a mistake in him and who resembled a solid, reliable Championship centre-back. Remember those?
Unfortunately, said half-time personnel changes involved correcting a giant starting-XI wrong in the form of changing both full-backs.
For some reason, for some time now, Wagner has believed that Przemysław Płacheta is a good left-back trapped in the body of a very ordinary left-winger but hopefully, after yesterday’s first half, it is an experiment we will never witness again.
We can all see the theory – that from a deeper position, Placheta can use that electric pace to provide an additional attacking threat – and there are times when it works, but even in the modern world of fullbacks being auxiliary attackers, they still have to be able to do their bread and butter. Defend.
And that I am afraid is where the Wagner plan falls down. The pace of Usain Boult can only get you out of so many positional muddles. There is also a need to understand the position and, within it, your starting position. There is also that old-fashioned thing of being able to spot danger before it is too late.
None of those things happened or looked like happening.
On the other side, Kellen Fisher has taken great strides since joining the club and clearly has something about him to be on the fringes, but giving him and Jaden Warner – joint age of 40 – responsibility for policing that right side of the defence is evidently too much too soon.
Hopefully being hooked at half-time will merely be part of Fisher’s sharp learning curve and not something that will destroy his confidence, and the same with Warner who was replaced just nine minutes into the second half by Adam Idah in a reshuffle that saw Kenny McLean again slot into the back four.
Both Fisher and Warner are the future – yesterday does not change that.
But it was the introduction of Idah that proved decisive and made his non-appearance in last week’s 3-0 home defeat by Blackburn all the more mystifying. The Irishman’s movement, power, and desire added a dynamic to City’s attack that had been missing and it was fitting he was on hand to calmly sidefoot home that 84th-minute winner.
Some argue Idah has had more than enough chances and has not taken them, others believe him to have been harshly treated by Wagner, but no one could deny his impact yesterday and how deserving he was of that moment.
Christian Fassnacht is another who has divided opinion and who, until his recall yesterday, had fallen out of favour with Wagner, But, like Idah, he was able to influence events in Cardiff.
With a goal and an assist, the Swiss international, on his 30th birthday, provided a threat down that right side that was there at the start of the season but which has fizzled in the last month. This was the Christian Fassnacht that we have all been waiting for.
Upon arriving in NR1, it was clear from his YouTube highlights package that here is a wide player who is not going to dazzle with his pace and trickery but rather one who has a knack for arriving in the box at the right time and who, as a result, will chip in with that priceless commodity of goals from midfield.
Here’s hoping that was just a start.
And while on the subject of good things that happened in Cardiff, let’s not forget the save made by George Long early in the second-hand when faced one-on-one with Karlan Grant. If that goes in, City lose the game but the ex-Millwall man stood tall when he was needed most.
A save that equated to three points if ever there was one.
I’ve deliberately steered clear of the bigger picture because it would be wrong to dismiss a win when they have been so hard to come by but, as has been said many times since 5pm last night, that single win must not be used by those in power as a shield to deflect from the very real issues affecting our club.
Wagner was deserving of his moment yesterday but that one win does not suddenly make him the right man for the job.
He clearly is not.
Neither should those in power assume that because we, the fans, are chuffed with the three points earned in Cardiff, we too are, all of a sudden, of the opinion that everything is tickety-boo.
It clearly is not.
With Ben Knapper starting tomorrow, we all hope that his most pressing task will be to decide who will coach this team on the other side of the international break and going forward. Some assume his decision on Wagner’s future has already been made. We will see.
But what I will say is, before he even starts, his job has been made more difficult by Delia Smith and Michael Wynn-Jones.
Unless I have misread it, their phone call last week to reassure Wagner that he has their full support has made it that little bit more difficult for Knapper to make the big call. Unless, of course, Knapper will only be implementing decisions on their behalf.
I suppose we can only wait and see on that one.
But, for now, let’s just enjoy the win. If it is to be a relegation battle, at least yesterday proved there is still some fight in there somewhere. Further down the track, those qualities will be needed.
Finally, it would be remiss not to mention Stuart Webber on his last day at the club.
While the guard of honour he was afforded yesterday felt ridiculously OTT given the torrid state of affairs he leaves behind, he does at least deserve to be remembered for the infrastructural changes he has overseen at Colney and for bringing us Daniel Farke.
Without Farke there would have been no Championship triumphs in 2018-19 and 2020-21 and without Webber, there would have been no Farke. So thank you for that, Stuart.
As for the rest, well, he leaves us in a more lowly league position than which he found us. By his own barometer, that does not equate to success.
On the Ball City.
Yes what was that guard of honour all about?His idea?the players?Delia’s?Whoever’s idea it was it was the wrong one,the players and staff could have done that in the dressing room or at colney friday,but no he wanted the limelight,rubbing the supporters nose’s in it,who of course he had no time for..Good riddance Webber.
Yes Gary, a very needed 3pts but has it done us any favours if it means a longer Wagner stay? I don’t think so.
What was different about yesterday, they were actually playing for him. In recent weeks they clearly weren’t – why yesterday? They were clearly helped by a Cardiff side happy to sit back – if they were to press more it would have been different for sure as we are so soft centered.
Wel done to Bathh – hope he’s here to stay now. A better centre back to go with him in January is a must. The young lad will be a good ‘un but Gibson, Hanley, and Duffy have been dodgy last 3 seasons – can’t rely on them.
QPR a big un in two weeks.
I echo your sentiments this morning Gary.
There is never a bad time to win a football match and no such thing as a bad win.
The starting line up was bizarre and looked frighteningly threadbare. So it proved in the first half when yet again we took an early lead inly to be pegged back.
Some horrific defending led to 2 quickfire concessions and we found ourselves behind at half time to a limited team of journeymen who had done little to trouble us.
The half time changes to the back line weren’t inspired, they were obvious. With them, some semblance of order was restored.
The introduction of Idah acted as the catalyst. Maybe he has finally had a fire lit under his backside and the penny has dropped. Perhaps his omission last week served to give him a point to prove. If so it worked. His size and physical attributes, for so long hidden from view, were used to great effect.
The trick for Idah is to perform like that for a string of games, not revert back to the lackadaisical Idah we all know. After a rampant outing at Huddersfield as Sargents replacement he was worse than useless for weeks after. Let’s hope he has caught on.
Fassnacht indeed was excellent from kick off. His defensive work when helping out his full-back goes unnoticed. He carries a goal threat and although he will never be a John Rowe type poster boy he scores and creates goals. Priceless.
The 3 points has had the effect of pushing us up the table and steadying frayed nerves. It does not for one moment absolve all concerned of blame for the mess we find ourselves in but it does give us all 2 blessed weeks relief looking back at our last game, a victory.
We now must beat Queen’s Park Rangers after the break to establish some momentum or we will be back to square one.
I am probably going to be the odd one out, but I believe Wagner deserves to stay on. Yes, the Placheta experiment was bizarre and could have cost us the game, but the way the team responded in the second half spoke volumes about their attitude to the coach. Batth showed today he can be a real asset, and with Barnes due back soon and Sargent’s return on the horizon, a good run is distinctly possible. Thanks to the mid-table congestion, City are only six points off a playoff spot despite all our injury problems. If the squad gets back to full strength I see the glass as half-full rather than half-empty.
So how on earth (given Saturday’s performance) has Wagner managed to ignore the fact that he’s had one of the division’s best centre backs sitting on his bench when his preferred selection(s) have been leaking goals like a sieve??
Apart from Saturday’s second half he has been shown to be one of the most tactically inept coaches we’ve ever had.
O T B C
I do not think anyone can criticize a win, any team can only beat what is in front of them, something others have found easier to do that City.
Yes I thought at the star Wagner had fell on his sword and could not care a rat’s arse what happened, by half-time it looked like I was right. Changes he made along with Idah’s appearance , was the turning point, credit for seeing he was wrong and doing something about it. Being honest the state and position the team are in, silly experiments are certainly not needed. Go with square pegs in square holes, and stop trying to make them fit.
I wish Mark Walton was a regular on radio norfolk, the guy is a pleasure to listen too, honest forthright and full of knowledge. Shame Butler has to be there to take over the decreasing number of calls after the game.
As to the guard of whatever. I cannot see much to get up the nose about. Only he didn’t acknowledge the fans. The staff and players see a different side to him than we do, and are possibly assigned to a D Notice. For whatever reason they decided to do that, I still say good riddance with a big thanks for Mr Farke. but a very half-hearted for the rest
Now we wait for the green behind the ears one to arrive, with the hope he is given some reins to make the right choices, his way and not the ruddy cook etc interfering.
I still think Wagner has to walk, and the Stowmarket duo have to as well as we will just head towards this all over again .
Hi Canary Lad, yes, I thought Mark Walton was excellent, he gave such calm and reassuring advice – I’d love to hear him every week.
Completely agree. Wagner picked the wrong team as ever and had to make changes. His selections have impacted on several games and lost us points, eg Swansea and things like closing out a game which good teams do.. If we carry on with him we will reach this point again very soon (please not at Portman Rd).. Don’t forget if Duffy wasn’t injured he would still be picking him. Delia has as ever muddied the waters by her call to DW. I wish Knapper every success but it is going to be difficult with interference from above and reporting to the wife of the previous incumbent. Only at NCFC…
The Placheta left back experiment needs to stop now, and never resurface. He seemed to be marking Danny Batth for the first Cardiff goal, with no idea there was a player in yards of space behind him, and for the second goal, although he was closer, there was no pressure on Robinson. Even a slight nudge in the back would have been enough to put the Cardiff man off and stop him getting his header on target. A winger he may be, but a full back he ain’t! Wagner’s team selection at times seems suicidal. Three youngsters in a back four alongside a centre half who was starting for the first time!
I’ve only seen the ITV and club highlights on YouTube, so I don’t know if Cardiff are justified in their claims for a first half penalty not given by the lady in black, but thank goodness it wasn’t. 3-1 down would have been too big a mountain for even Stuart Webber to take on! As for his guard of honour, regardless of fans’ opinion of him, it does show that the players have respect for him, because I’m certain they wouldn’t have done it otherwise.
I’m pleased that Idah scored, and apparently put himself about a bit, but he doesn’t do it anywhere near enough often. If he really wants to be a centre forward, he needs to watch a few videos of the great ones, and learn some lessons from them. Maybe a word with Grant Holt would be a good starting point.
Agree and with the comments from Mystic Kev and Chris. I would go further and say McLean can, along with Warner and Baath (occasionally Hanley), play in midfield and defence. It occurs to me that knowing Webber was there present may have led to the players all putting on their best efforts …
However unlike Deano’s last stand (1-0 backs to the wall nearby at Swansea) I would give Wagner some more time. He did react tactically and subbed wisely – and in time – to good effect. What I want to see is how Sara and the midfield functions when and if Sorensen finally mends and plays in his best position, as central defensive midfielder breaking up opposition attacks and instigating our own.
Great read Gary! Big three points!💛
Hi Gary, a great piece and after spending the afternoon listening I thought, yes this is playing out exactly as I thought. I thought, yes Wagner is going to get a win today and there we are, back at the place we were two years ago. Would the board sack him after a win? He knows, one way or the other. Don’t get me wrong, I think Wagner is one of the most decent humans to have ever been our manager, but his ways are not working and he’s perhaps a bit behind the times. His heart is in the right place which is a relief after Smith, but for me, he’s not right for NCFC. The purist in me doesn’t want to see a team scoring more goals from corners than in open play.
I want to mention though how pleased I was for Adam Idah, so much has been said about him, and that contract, he’s not Pukki, no, and maybe we won’t ever see another like him (and his sidekick of course) but I’d love to see Adam move on from this and become a regular in the side. Of course, I love Sarge too (though he does play to Wagner’s tactics) but more importantly, he will be sold in January to nullify the debt.
I don’t want to spoil yesterday’s buzz at winning a game by mentioning HIM, but only to say the man has a chronic case of narcissism and wants to make everything about him. He had to even make yesterday about him and as expected, completely ignored the travelling support who had spent time and a great deal of money going to support the team. Similarly, the thank you and goodbye statement, seriously that was an Oscar acceptance speech.
Good riddance. I will never forgive him for sacking Daniel Farke, and all that followed. So glad he’s not going to be at Colney or Carrow Road again. Welcome to Ben Knapper and I hope that he’s not worn down and indoctrinated into doing what Delia and co want, but does what is best for NCFC.
Large numbers of supporters have been singing “We want Webber out” for the last year or so. How thoughtless of him not to give them a another chance!
It was a suicidal back 4, the type of defence that you would select for a cup game. It can only be justified by the performance of the full backs last week, at least Fisher and Placheta were back trying to defend, against Blackburn the full backs were nowhere to be seen when we conceded. It’s unfair to judge Placheta- as it was with Sorensen- in an unnatural position. I’m losing patience with Hwang, he ducked put of the way of an easy header for the first goal, stopped a goal bound shot from Fisher and missed an easy chance when set up by Placheta. It makes you wonder what damage Idah could have done to the shaky Blackburn defence
The team selection and tactics have got to change, if we sacked Wagner on Monday we would have to appoint someone already at the club as caretaker- so perhaps little change and we have to pay compensation. The club will definitely not extend Wagner’s contract in January, we have to make a decision on his replacement in the meantime.
Webber had some success and some failure in his time here,his treatment of some of the players was unfair, his manager selection was inspired, atrocious and then lazy. But as fans we now expect much more than we did when he arrived.
Gil, maybe the reason Huang “ducked out of an easy header” was because he got a shout to leave it from Fassnacht, who then had a very easy tap in. It was good work from Huang that led to Sara’s saved shot and the corner that gave us the first goal. Stopping a goal bound shot isn’t deliberate if it’s hit straight at him. Easy to pick on a couple of incidents and ignore the other good work. Placheta wasn’t doing much defending for the two Cardiff goals.
I doubt that in that split second Hwang would be able to recognize the shout and that Fassnacht would be daft enough to tell him to leave it. He didn’t move quickly enough from an offside position which is why Fisher’s shot hit him. Placheta is an easy target but it’s a selection problem because he’s not a defender.
A bitter sweet result I guess. A heavy defeat would surely have cemented Wagner’s exit but boy did we need the points. I too was happy to see Idah get the winner as I believe he has been poorly served by successive managers. When the “GOAL CITY” came up on the Pinkun I was saying please let it be Idah.
I think we are stuck with Wagner for now unless we see more heavy defeats. Pity, he is a nice bloke but sadly not up to the job.
Hi Gary
A wins a win and 3 points on the board plus we moved up one place in the league nothing to be sneered at in our present predicament and Ipshite goes from strength to strength and set a new record for most points accumulated in the Championship after promotion from league 1 so says sky.
Will the club release a statement early this week with praising the egotistical Webber’s guard of honour followed by the aims of BK in the short term.
Anyway has Idah given his career another boost or is it another false dawn he can’t have many of the later left in his city career personally I think he might have developed better if he’d gone out on loan but now he really has to start showing he is the answer to our poor scoring record this season.
Thanks Gary
Credit where credit is due on the win.
Agree on Webber bringing us DF and some great times.
Shame we are £96m in debt ( that’s the figure being banded around ) and shame we are still paying Mrs Webber 425k per annum. Can anyone enlighten us on what she brings to the table, other than talks a good game ?
I like to know where this 96 million figure comes from it was 26 mill loss two weeks ago and this seasons parachute money to come How’s this figure been worked out its bull to me .
Personally, I’d keep Wagner and
allow him the proper time to pull a squad and style of football together rather than all this chopping and changing managers.
It’s the same people calling for Wagner’s head as it was Farke who now wish otherwise.
They got their way and the club went backwards and now we have to listen to them all over again,
Norwich city is a great club to be proud of, it does not rely on dirty money and represents Norfolk extremely well, so lets be thankful and less petty.
Finally 3 points!
However, poor team choice, players played out of position, players injured to allow better team selection?
Concerning? Absolutely!
More concerning, any other football club would have sacked Wagner weeks ago!
I watched Ipswich play the other night, truely dreadful and second in the league!
That is how bad we really are.
The new sporting Director needed to, win ?loose?draw? sack Wagner.
We are only delaying the inevitable.
There are to many holes in Wagners CV now. Supporters who are not highly paid football managers are identifying issues which he cannot address himself?
Luck was the reason for winning, not great tactics nor team selection? Hopefully for Wagner the moons of Saturn will continue to stay aligned?