Even the most hardy Ipswich fans must surely admit none of their regular starting players are better individually than ours. It makes it all the more frustrating that we wasted so much of the first half of the season messing about with Adams – we should have had this division near-as-damn-it wrapped up by now. The fact we still might win the league despite that merely highlights further how strong this group of players is. We coasted along in neutral with no direction from above but Alex Neil has now given everyone, from players down to fans the belief that was lacking for the first 25 games. Those City fans who have posted above are correct - the Ipswich fans are fearful about Sunday and I'm not really surprised – because if both sides play at the top of their game Norwich will win. If Norwich play below their best and Ipswich play well, it'll be close. If Norwich play well (as we have been) and Ipswich play poorly (as they have been), well, it could be total carnage again. Ipswich absolutely have to score the first goal to give themselves any chance at all. If they have to start chasing the game we will tear them apart.
I think the part in bold has been the key these last few games. We've been much more solid at the back so teams hoping to just sit back and counter us aren't getting the same joy as earlier in the season. Then the moment they start pushing for a goal our skill, pace, and energy just dismantles the opposition. Plus I can't imagine many defenders relish playing against a fresh Jerome for the final 30 minutes when they've been chasing the likes of Grabban and Hooper around for the first 60!
Joking apart Guru, Mick Mc has done an excellent job for you and squeezed everything out of a squad that should be mid-table at best and fair play to him for that. We had been underperforming until AN arrived, but seriously, since his appointment, would you really rather watch Ipswich?
we play a lot better then you guys give us credit, yeah we go long sometimes, but also we play some nice short stuff. its all about the right mix.
For sure there is some banter and leg-pulling Guru but hey what do you expect. there is no doubt that he has done really well for you and of course you are not as one-dimensional as some of my colleagues will have you believe.
When I saw this thread, I did think, "Oh, here we go again" I would certainly argue that our galvanised squad are considerably better than people give them credit for. Past reputations don't really mean an awful lot. And that works in both directions, good reputations and bad I wouldn't say I'm any more scared of this game that any other.We went to all of Derby, Brentford and (especially) Bournemouth when they were all at their highest league position and best form and managed to come away with 5 points. After all, this game is just another 3 points towards the end of season total. I do also see a sense of irony in all this. Back in 2010/11 our team of expensively assembled players with pedigree and good reputations were comprehensively beaten by a team of unfancied and up and coming players that were seeing a resurgence to their careers. All be it, somewhat different in terms of league position, but the confidence & gloating over 'individual' brilliance is all too familiar and all very irrelevant if they simply don't do it throughout the season
" Ipswich absolutely have to score the first goal to give themselves any chance at all. If they have to start chasing the game we will tear them apart. " Seem to recall going 1-0 down at both Bournemouth and Derby ( both within 15 minutes ) and not getting torn apart
