I think it is a bit early to be drawing any conclusions. We all hope that this form can be replicated and expanded across the season, but last season was two good spells and long spells of struggle and dross. This time last season we won 5 drew 3 lost none, before turning to steaming brown stuff after Tettey was over worked and picked up an injury. Sound familiar? Tettey got a rest last night so maybe Farke is learning, but he did play 3 games in a week again inspite of us having two viable alternatives. Have we really solved the goal scoring issues? Last year we started with a dodgy defence but scored a few, then suggenly tightened at the back and became reliant on one player for our goals, but were only able to score 1 a game. Again sound familiar? OK so JR scored some in the cup last night but I think we can draw little conclusion from it, being lower league opposition and a team with 9 changes that also conceded 3. But we aren't scoring many, are over reliant on Pukki for them and could very easily slip into another slump if the wrong player e.g. Tettey or Pukki got injured. We do look better as a team than this time last year, we have a stronger squad and that gives me hope that we can if not maintain this form, avoid a full slump and keep some level of momentum. Three of our last 4 opponents have all been poor and at the wrong end of the table. If we can however do as we did in the one tough fixture i.e. Boro, win against Derby and Wigan or even avoid defeat. Less than a win vs Wigan as a home game will be disappointing but show where maybe we are, mid-table and where we will likely remain. Win of course and hope springs. Bah!
I wasn't drawing any conclusions, as 'if we can...', 'seems to...' and 'If the defence can...' was meant to suggest. We've now gone six games unbeaten, five of which were wins and five of which were also away. That's grounds for optimism to me, but not predictions, thus the 'ifs'. We've scored 13 goals in 9 league games and 10 more in 3 cup games which again is grounds for optimism. Our goal difference over the last 6 games is 12/6 and the defence has improved from the mistakes of the early games. There's still a way to go before we draw any conclusions. The next 3 games will tell us more.
Some great words from Ian Clarke n the EDP website - 'Amid all the new-found glow, there’s one word which neatly sums up most why I feel so positive – togetherness. It was there during that excellent win over high-flying Boro, was certainly in evidence at QPR and manifested itself after the cup win at Wycombe.' IMO, the 'togetherness' is something that has been missing for many years and it was great to see it in evidence against Koo Pee Aaargh on Saturday evening. I thought this was BRILLIANT Pukki’s song!!! (To the Only Fools and Horses them tune) “No panic buy, no transfer fee, No Holland flop, no poor* loanee, head or foot, knee or chest, Teemu Pukki you’re the best, God bless Pukki’s Feet, Viva Pukki’s Feet, God bless Pukki’s Feet, C’est magnifique, Pukki’s Feet…” (*word changed for a family publication!) http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city/ian-clarke-s-norwich-city-column-1-5712208
So Ian Wright eulogising about the undeniable skills/talent of JM - “I’ve saw him do some beautiful touches, some lovely one-touch stuff the other day, and he topped it off with his goal,” Wright said. “Of course at some stage this season he will get an England call-up." “I would (have him in the England squad) because we need that kind of player, with that kind of confidence, with that kind of ability.” Let's hope that Southgate gives him the call up he deserves sooner rather than later!!!!
I think JM was in the U23 squad last international break to strengthen it for their qualifying matches. I would hope that will not be the case for the next break. He deserves a call up to the top table now.
Who fancies a cheeky little bid for Sergio Busquets? Just the small matter of meeting his half a billion Euro buyout clause! Football's getting madder by the minute!
We've been drawn away to Bournemouth in the cup. Full draw: AFC Bournemouth v Norwich City Arsenal v Blackpool Burton Albion v Nottingham Forest Chelsea v Derby County Leicester City v Everton/Southampton Manchester City v Fulham Middlesbrough v Crystal Palace West Ham v Tottenham Hotspur
A few stats from today’s PL game. Possession was slightly in favour of Cardiff. JM (Murphy!!) scored the Cardiff equaliser.
