Well someone had to bring it up... I was sat in the last seat before the away fans in the Jarrold, a few at the front being prats trying to get onto the pitch, and a beer can or similar got thrown onto the pitch, but none of the players were within 20 yards of it. Seemed like pretty standard drunk away fans to me. Back to the game, and what a game it was!! Really impressive attacking-football, and some really strong individual displays too: Bunn-6.5-Might seem high for a 'keeper who let in 3, but he made some very good stops, and his distribution was much better than I remember last season. Martin-6-Probably the poorest full-back we played, but mainly because he offered less support to attacks than the others. Pretty good defensively R Bennett-8.5-Very nearly my MOTM, seemed to win everything in the air, and very assured on the deck too. We missed him when he went off, and I do hope he's back at the weekend. Bassong-6-Not his best game, but he's probably not really match-fit yet. Good to see him back Olsson-9-It'll be a travesty if Garrido starts this weekend. Solid defensively and excellent going forward, making plenty of very clever runs, which deserved to be picked out more than they were. Lovely finish for his goal, I can't remember the last time I've seen our LB in the oppositions 'D'. Johnson-6.5- I actually thought his distribution was better than last season, but perhaps that was more because he seemed more confident looking to play more difficult balls, that offered greater reward. Usually tough-tackling stuff, and did get forward more than usual. Fer-6-Neat touches, tough-tackling, but I actually felt he was strangely quiet tonight. Felt like he was being asked to hold back more, and let Johnson push up. Snodgrass-7.5-showed plenty of signs that he'll be back to his best by the weekend, a constant thorn in Bury's side and a major creative influence. Hoolahan-7-Still ever-frustrating, but was involved in a lot of our best moves, and did help link things up. Didn't lose possession quite as much as usual. Pilkington-7-Quieter than Snodgrass despite scoring, but the way he drifts inside offers a lot more support for the lone striker, and Olsson provided the width. Didn't look far off his best. Elmander-8-Really impressed with him tonight. A bit quiet early on but became increasingly influential, and wasn't afraid to drop deep to get involved in building up attacks. Some great finishing, deft touches, and he played the full 90 minutes, so I'll have to eat my words wondering if he'd have the fitness left. Showed a bit of the "inner-Holt" in never giving things up, and was really committed to the cause. A slide tackle by the opponents corner flag in the 80+min really showed how up for it he was. Whittaker-Not a lot of time to assess, but scored possibly our best goal of the night, his runs with and without the ball were a threat, even if he perhaps wasn't as solid defensively as Martin. Would like to see him continue to start in the league. Becchio-Very quiet, possibly the poorest yellow shirt out there really, and didn't seem to be that involved, despite a 4-4-2 that should have created chances for him. Redmond-No time to assess, but I think his introduction was more tactical as Hoolahan on the left was giving Bury a lot of space as Wes kept moving central. Really enjoyed the game, probably the most goals I've seen at Carrow Road, and despite conceding three, defensively we were generally pretty good, although we did miss Bennett when he went off. Hughton has a really interesting dilemma with our attacking options for Southampton. Elmander looked very good, but I'm not sure if that was due the influence of Wes helping him, or more of his own making. RvW certainly has to be considered, but playing 2 of those 3 probably means dropping Howson, which would be harsh as I thought he was one of the few to come out of the second half at Hull with any credit. I'd like to see Elmander behind RvW, but I'm glad it's not my choice to make!
I think Bennett has to start on Saturday. I am not sure if he hasn't been fully fit going into this season but I would have had him in the starting 11 from the very off. Personally I think he is a better option than Turner, I am sure that will be debated, but I really think he is starting to hit the potential Lambert identified when we signed him. I think the fact he went off probably suggests he hasn't quite been fully fit to be honest.
GOING DOWN!! About time too! It's a total joke seeing little old tinpot Norwich City in the Premiership!
Sounded like a good game! A bit annoyed I missed it. Quite the dilemma know with Elmander bagging a few goals and trying to fit him, RvW and Hooper in. Certainly a good dilemma to have. Add to that Pilkington coming back and potentially having Bassong and the team should be very strong for Southampton. Hopefully they can carry some of this momentum into the weekend!
Just watched the build up to Elmander's 2nd goal - fantastic pass from Pilks for Snoddy, excellent cntrol from him to slip a pass to JE to score an emphatic goal. Let's have some more dispays like that please CH - starting with Sat!!!!
Cracking cup game. Fantastic some if the newbies got some minutes in Yellow and Green - quality goals - smiles all round. Olsson must have played himself into contention, likewise Elmander did his chances no harm. Just what the cup should be about - entertainment and some important team development. OTBC
