We have arrived! Todays performance along with a few this season proves to me that we ARE a proper premier league team, I am a little tipsy on whisky but please bear with me as I try to explain what I mean. Last season we ended up in the premier league and we battled our way to victory and draws by relying on our team spirit and fighting abillity which was born out of having 2 back to back promotions. The performances were not technically great but we got through and battled our way to a second season in the premier league which was fantastic. This season things have really changed. We have a strategy now and do not only rely on team spirit and the wounded animal sydrome that we got used to under Mr L. This has been rebuilt and replaced with a proper defensive system that at times can seem negative but is reaping rewards, see Arsenal and Man u. We have a solid base and a settled formation under Chris Hughton, something that we never had last season and we can build on this and improve season on season. Onwards and upwards (hopefully). I am having a few whiskeys tonight and I will raise a glass to the team, the staff, the board but most of all Chrissy Hughton because I think everyone was a little concerned when we lost Mr L and some people didn't give Chris the time of day, good on you Chris, well done.
Top post. Agree 100% with your assessment. I was gutted when PL went and worried about this season. But that was tempered a little bit by the nagging feeling that the team rotation last year didn't always seem to work. Happiest by far with the increasing miserliness of our defence. I still think we will have the odd game when we ship a few, but beginning to believe that we're heading in the right direction over-all.
I think with a club of Norwich's resources you have to play one of two ways: 1. We will score more than you. - We did this last year to good effect, but I have to agree some of the rotation was a bit puzzling at times, but it probably put the opposition off not knowing what side/ formation will be against you 2. Defend as a unit, try to score one and keep a clean sheet. - We are beginning to do this, this year and now to good effect. We would not have had the defense to do this last year, we can now and we are reaping the rewards.
Although we do look solid, we still play some good football. We created the better chances yesterday in my opinion. In no way do we look like Stoke, who are also a solid team - certainly two contrasting styles. Also, I think Rus may find it difficult to get his place back as Whittaker has been brilliant since he got into the team.
He seems to grow in confidence with each game he plays - he looked good on his home debut in the Celtic friendly before limping off after 20 minutes. Yet there were some on here (you know who you are) who, when we signed him said "He'll never be any good as he's been plying his trade in Scottish football" Plus he can play anywhere along the back four, which gives us extra options if and when injuries or suspensions kick in
Strange that he was singled out as a weakness by that clown on the Ladbrokes site the other week.A pundoit who certyainly should be looking for a new job.
........those of you who saw the arsenal-spurs game earlier will come to the conclusion that we got the better deal by signing whittaker and not naughton. naughton, playing left back, was ripped to shreds by the arsenal right side players and was substituted at half time.
