The buzz of an evening game was all around Carrow road as the Canaries, winless this season hosted Arsenal. An interesting line up was announced with the inclusion of the much critiqued Turner partnering Bassong. Good to see Pilkington back and Elliot Bennett on the other side. From the start Hoolahan looked excellent and sharp and indeed the whole team harried and hassled Arsenal who for all their possession did not really threaten Ruddy. Arsenal on many occasion over passed in the final third and their finishing was poor with Gerviniho particularly bad all game. At 19 minutes the energetic Tettey shot from distance and the parried shot was put in the back of the next by Holt to rapturous celebrations from the home fans.Arsenal kept pressing but to no avail and indeed City were looking good on the break and Turner should have scored from a corner. Half time 1-0. The second half started in the same vein with Arsenal for all their possession not making any in ways and Norwich countering well, with Hoolahan instrumental. Holt had a couple of chances when through on goal but could not finish. Some resolute defending from Bassong and safe hands of Ruddy, combined with Arsenal wastefulness saw City over the line for Chris Hughton's first win of the campaign. OTBC! For me at last the formation worked. We had width and harried the opposition all game. The defence stood firm and the fitness levels were exceptional. Credit to them all. Also credit to the fans. The best atmosphere all season and carried the boys over the line. Ruddy 7 - safe all game R.Martin 7 - good solid game and got forward more influenced by the covering of Elliott Bennett Bassong 8- superb and some cracking tackles ( ask Oxllay Chamberlain!) Garrido 7 - good getting forward and crossing good Turner 7 - considering his poor start with us did well Johnson 7- harried and got stuck in all game Tettey 8 - what an engine! Up and down the field all game. Pilkington 7- very good and looked dangerous. Tired in the second half E. Bennett 7 - covers Martin well and injects pace Hoolahan 9 - creative, worked hard , offered options all game. When he gave the ball away(rare today) he tracked back to get possession back. Holt 8 - linked well with Hoolahan and seemed to win everything in the air. Getting back to his best. Subs: Morison, R. Bennett and Snodgrass briefly on but matched the effort levels from the other players. Hughton 7- got it right today so lets hope he keeps it going
That's pretty much how I saw it, Surgeryman, but would give Hughton 8 or 9. He got the line up and the tactics just right; and he was brave enough to start Turner, who has clearly done well in training, but could have been still suffering from his awful start to the season. As it was, Turner repaid his faith. These are the brave decisions which a very good manager makes. (When Turner's name was announced a fool behind me boo'ed, and received one of my withering looks. He had the good grace to murmur 'fair dues' at the end of the game! I don't take prisoners!)
Fair assessment of the game surgeryman, apart from the 0-0 half time scoreline. But was Garrido that poor he doesn't even get a mention I nit pick...... Hoolahan the standout City player for me also, but we had heroes all over the park who put in a great shift against our more illustrious opponents. Got in their faces all game and never allowed their free flowing passing game to develop. Tactics spot on Mr Hughton and finally an atmosphere from the Carrow Road faithful to be proud of.... OTBC
Certainly good performances all over the pitch, but it was through the middle we were sensational- Bassong; Tettey; Hoolohan were the difference imo. Tettey is like a classy version of three-lungs Gary Holt. He was amazing!
Well spotted Kris. 0-0 half time Was rushing and typing is not my strongest point! Have amended. Was also disappointed in boos when Turners name was announced.Yes he has not been great but showed yesterday that he can play.
Fortunately the cheers outweighed the boos when Turner's name was announced; very disappointed in those that did, he doesn't deserve it. (Just thought I would use a ; seeing as everyone else is!)
Tettey and Hoolahan absolutely bossed the game. I think Tettey and Johnson work well in the midfield it's allowed our wide players to get forward and allowed Hoolahan to work his magic.
I've always like Johnson but have been aware that he has given the ball away 50% of the time. But yesterday, I lost cont of the times he got a foot in to break down and change direction of the Arsenal build up play. Hoolahoops was my MOTM and Tettey was immense but I recognise just the little things that Johnson did to make their job that little bit easier.
I thought I was back at CR of last season when I heard the cheering/chanting/renditions of 'On the Ball City' etc. I know it's a 'chicken and egg' situation in that if the team isn't performing than the fans don't sing, but from what I saw/heard yesterday, we were getting behind our team from kick-off to the final whistle!!!
