I share Dunc's concerns here. I'd regard myself as one of the usual happy clappers in general however after being at the Wigan game, it's clear there's still a lot of work to do. Wigan not having a shot on target is only half the story. They hassled Norwich in a big way and I think half the reason TC and other youngsters had a harder time that game was they had no time on the ball. Tim Krul absolutely saved Norwich in the first half too getting up ahead of one of the Wigan defenders at a corner who was nailed on for a simple head in. The positive is that Norwich had the most chances, though not finishing them (Pukki / Stieperman in particular). The big standout for me was the team "togetherness". Klose is a natural leader and several times he could be seen giving Zimmerman and the kids a gee up. I think him and Tettey in the spine gives us a lot more than just their individual skills. There's a genuine excitement in the team and i've not seen individual players wanting it as much since Jerome left us.
<hitsnailonheademoji> I have to say DD that that was one of the best posts I have read on here in some time. You’re right in what you say re the results, but the main difference IMO is that this season, we are playing as a TEAM and that is something that has been missing since PL was our manager. We also have strength in depth that we didn’t have last season and I think the start of our abysmal run followed our epic battle in the replay at the Emirates when DF opted to play mostly first team players and that was the catalyst for the start of our abhorrent run which lasted until Xmas. For sure, we may well go on another losing streak, but I’d be AMAZED if it lasted more than 1 or 2 games, as DF has FINALLY woken up to the demands of the Championship and that was obvious with his subs on Saturday – 2 just after an hour and the 3rd on 75 minutes. Last season, we’d have been lucky to see one sub by 75 minutes. Talking to other fans, there is a ‘feel good’ factor returning to the NCFC and DF has at the very least earned the right to remain as Head Coach until Xmas at the very least!!! I’d love to see him stay MUCH longer, as his work with young players could be absolutely critical to our survival as his success with JM, Lewis and Aarons shows and I’d love to see what he could do with Idah. One of the websites ran a poll asking which youff player they’d like to see integrated into the first team and Idah won the poll with about 80% of the vote!! I sit just behind the River End goal and there was one shot that was blocked by a Wigan player that he knew nothing about and I think we had 6 or 7 shots blocked and that is something which a 'poacher' such as Rodes could be beneficial coming on as a sub.
From an article in today's EDP by Jack Reeve (aka TNC) - 'In a world where whatever you say remains online forever, I’ve been reminded plenty of times over the past few weeks about comments I made regarding Daniel Farke. I wrote both in this very newspaper and also on my social media platforms that it was game over for Farke. I don’t think many would have disagreed with me after that crushing 0-3 defeat to Leeds United back in August. Skip forward just over a month and we’re fifth in the league and three points from the top of the table. The Championship is mad. It’s hard to understand how Farke and his side have turned things around so drastically. Over the space of a month Marco Stiepermann has turned into one of the best midfielders in the league and 18-year-old Max Aarons is looking like a seasoned Championship player. Should Norwich City fans be getting carried away? Absolutely.' Nothing to add!!!! I think that this statement speaks volumes 'This past month has been joyful though, Carrow Road feels a happy place to go to and fans are genuinely daring to dream. Long may this continue.' http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwic...-reeve-daniel-farke-proved-me-wrong-1-5718045
The problem and slump in form last season came about not only because he didn't use his subs and went fully ballsout for the Arsenal and Chelsea cup games. He failed to manage his players, Tettey in particular. It was no coincidence that we were awful last season before Farke realised he needed someone who could actually do the ugly side of the game. Once playing we had the 8 game run, but he played him every game after stumbling onto that team that finally had resolve. Tettey of course predictably blew up, and so did we till his return for the boxing day game against Brum. Tettey I think started the campaign following an injury hit pre-season and I think it showed in early performances, but since he has returned to match fitness we are a tough nut to crack (Also coincides with Zimmerman coming in for Hanly this term, the reverse of last season, go figure) Once again I think he is taking a monumental risk playing Tettey 3 times in a week, but at least he left him out of the cup games. Only winning 1-0 or by one all the time leaves the pressure on and prevents him from resting Tettey and giving his two heirs apparent game time and exposure to then be ready to step up. That makes me nervous. As said above, we are improving and I hope that we are not as fragile and dependant on Tettey's fitness. Maybe we are at the start of better things? Maybe we will start to see the odd 2 goal margin as the players further warm to task and the injury hit players return. I still can't wait to see McClean get a proper run, but who would you drop? It is very hard to justify a change in a winning team, other than for rest, but might McClean be the catalyst to turn the 1-0's to 2-0's? I doubt Marco would agree, but I'd like to see it happen from the bench at first and see what happens. I think we could splutter to mid-table mediocrety as easily as continue a charge for promotion or the playoffs, but as JReeve suggests you've gotta dare to dream when on a run like this and for the first time since this time last year, there is the glimmer that the playoffs may not be beyond us. COYY lets stay in the hunt till the end. Bah!
Your comparison with last season's run is well researched and argued DD but, like others, I think there are important differences this time around. Last year the squad had been decimated by necessity and the new players, Madders included, were still finding their feet in a challenging league and Leitner, Hernandez and Srbeny weren't even on the scene. DF was also adjusting to the challenges of an unfamiliar league. This year, both he and the players are far more experienced, Aarons and Buendia perhaps the only exceptions. The unbeaten run has occurred without Hernandez, Hanley, Pinto, McLean and Marshall, showing just how strong the present squad is. Stiepermann's new role has also been a revelation, especially considering he was struggling to cover at LB at this time last season. Even if the run is ended tomorrow, as JMF and HMQC have said, this squad has the experience and togetherness to cope with that and push on.
Thanks man. Has anyone been to a home game this season, where the atmosphere has been buzzing? I've been to 4 games so far. It's been like a library. I thought there was a scheme to make a singing area? Never heard any of that. I was really looking forward to the Wigan game, as, with our run, spirits should be high. No difference. It was so dead. I was in the South Stand, shouting the start of chants. No one joined in and my gf was embarrassed by me shouting YELLOWS. We are playing well, doing well. If they stadium isn't electric now, then what more does it take? Carrow Road use to be electric. Win, lose or draw. The atmos feels really off.
Well FML, I haven't experienced a particularly good atmosphere in quite some time - probably the Reading 7-1 game. I think part of the reason is that the fans have been pretty much 'starved' of excitement for such a long time and it will take a while to return IMO. Yes, there is supposed to be a 'singing area' in the Barclay in the area next to the away fans, but I can't say that I've really noticed it- #shame
Could well be another side effect from nervously playing out a 1-0 win. Everyone's too nervous to get into a party atmosphere.
DF recognising the importance of Tettey - “But we have Alex Tettey, and if you judge him he is outstanding and looking like he can be a threat near the opponents’ box. He is like a Claude Makelele at present, maybe even better.” http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwic...d-of-derby-county-championship-test-1-5720297 Pretty much my thoughts!!
Hmm, same. No, that singing area doesn't have an impact. Can't make Stoke now, on Saturday. Which is a shame.
Regarding Tetty, I get the impression that he is now playing better than ever for us. playing slightly higher up the pitch seems to be ideal for him. Cannot remember him having so many attempts at goal in any season before this, and the (temporary?) captaincy seems to be working exceptionally well.
