If it wasn't for Van Persie we would of been celebrating a league double over Arsenal today. They are ****ed if he leaves!
I thought that was a superb game of football. We missed too many chances today but fortunately it was one of those games wehere the next chance was not far away. We should have had 2 pens, but then so too should Arsenal. Frantic stuff.
Wow, what a match. We should have had two penalties, one when the Arsenal sub hacked down Hoolahan in the area, and then another for when Russell Martin was pulled down when he would have had a header a few yards out. Arsenal were denied a stonewall penalty for a blatant handball by Lappin, but the push on RVP by Naughton maybe was right not to give due to Gervinioh being offside. Arsenal should have had Ramsey sent off for two poor challenges, but only the first was booked. Maybe if he had been sent off, and the penalties given Arsenal would never have come at us like that at the end. But on the balance of play for their chances created Arsenal deserved a draw and could of had more. Let's face it though, Arsenal were a shambles at the back. Szecney was awful today, but all the way through their game Gervinioh (Damn I can't spell his name!) and Van Persie caused problems aplenty. Ruddy - 9 - How often have I said this? The only goals he shipped, no 'keeper in the world could have saved. Perhaps he was lucky that Arsenal hit most of their stuff straight at him, but boy was I glad he caught all those crosses! Naughton - 7 - Crucial in our first goal, he struggled abit with Arsenal players running at him though. Martin - 9 - Superb at CB against world class strikers. Couldn't fault him for any of the goals and wouldn't want to. R Bennett - 8 - Blocked two certain goals, and unlucky to have been on a team that conceded three goals. If Rusty can teach him everything he knows about positioning, he will be the best defender in the world! Lappin - 7 - I don't want to be too critical but to be honest he was out of depth today - playing in an unfamiliar LB position against top players. He was excellent for most of the game, but responsible for at least two Arsenal goals. But, that shouldn't overshadow an excellent match for the King of Spain, who deserves to play against Aston Villa next week too! Johnson - 9 - I thought he was great. The steel the midfield needs, I'm not sure why he is ever out the team. If only his shooting wasn't so wild! E Bennett - 7 - Playing more centrally, he wasn't that involved in the game, but he always has done well backtracking to defend, and his pace was a nuisance for Arsenal. Howson - 7.5 - Played the inch-perfect pass for Morrison's goal. Ken Bate's attempts to convince Leeds fans that we paid over the odds for him look even more laughable! Hoolahan - 7 - Much better today! His goal was a little lucky, but at least he looked more like the Wes Hoolahan we love. But he got himself a really silly booking and for that I am annoyed with him. Jackson - 7 - He was lively all match, included for his pace and used it to good effect. Missed some guilt-edged chances though. Holt - 9 - A real thorn in the side, but hey, he's done it all season long, hasn't he? I swear his passing improves every game too! His goal was lucky too, but deserved the chance for a hat-trick with two attempts from the penalty spot! Subs: Pilkington - 6 - Not much to say, came on when it was all Arsenal and I wonder if a more defensive option would have been better employed. Morrison - 7.5 - Hopefully went someway to silence his doubters. A great finish and several great crosses in his brief cameo. Lazy and doesn't create chances for others? Wilbraham - 6 - See Pilkington! So, I'm very happy with the result today, at first it seemed like points dropped, but Arsenal were unplayable in last thirty minutes and had penalty shouts of their own, so a draw it a good result. But to me, the performance is what really mattered!
And thats fifty league goals for the season and although we missed some today, thats the reason we're staying up. We are never totally out of a game if its possible to score. Got to keep the same team for the season finale. The diamond is back.
Proud Norwich fan!!! What great performance, showed so much hunger and determination and a great team performance! Didn't let questionable refereeing decisions get the better of us and played for the win.
Be proud lads...and im glad to have you back in the PL next year..well bloody played...and if we get 3rd..im sure youll get a few more thanks...but no you cant keep Naughton forever n ever.... for that performance against a homer ref aswell.
After the frustration of the last three results it's nice to feel that the team did their best today and gave a good account of themselves. And there certainly won't be any question marks over the Lambert's team and tactics this week. Here's one though, Morrison or Jackson to play alongside Holt next? For someone with no emotion, Steve looked pretty chuffed with his goal!
Generally agree, but: - I'd rate R Bennett higher- phenomenal performance from him and has really shown he can perform at the highest level - Naughton higher because going forward he is incredible - Howson and Hoolahan deserved 9s IMO. Hoolahan was never picked up, the commentators sang his praises and was generally awesome. Howson is simply incredible and was everywhere. - Wilbraham unfortunately doesn't deserve a six, he was lucky to stay on the pitch...
For what? Jumping for a header and accidentally catching someone with his hand (Not even elbow?) What did you make of Yossi's kick at Lappin or Alex Song pushing Grant Holt?
Tell you what pisses me off! On a day when our result was likely to be first up, there's no ****ing MOTD!
