Just watched the match back and............. Yes not the best first half. But the way some were talking we were getting pummelled by the Canaries until Gardner scored. We were actually playing a very high line. Which helped for their second as they broke behind our TWO defenders near the half way line. They had eleven men in their half for a lot of the the time too. Killgallon and Cuelar were standing on the half way line FFS! What I would say is we didn't take our chances, just like we didn't second half. So we clearly were going for it! But the players were coming up short. MON on the touchline kicking and heading every ball was amusing mind. Now for my Ricco replacement Larsson. Even though I still think Ricco was getting away with murder for years football wise after scoring "that goal"! If he played well I was always willing to say so. (Didn't happen often enough though IMHO.) Larsson at this moment in time brings nothing to the table, wherever he plays, and hasn't for quite some time. Our Deadball specialist can't even get the ball into the box from a corner! And MON has clearly told Gardner he is now our freekick taker. Therefore we are now carrying a passenger. A slow witted and slow moving passenger. I truly believe having one or two players in a team that are just taking up space, can cost that team big time over the long term. This is especially true in the Prem.
He doesn't do it for me either mate, just can't see how he gets a start ahead of Vaughan TBH??? He's slow, weak as piss in the tackle, can't head a ball and way too negative in his passing. To be fair you could say the same for any of our midfielders (bar Catts) prior to today. We must strengthen the middle with some creativity in January.
Just typed this for another thread;;;;;;;;;;;; The most inept 44 minutes I have seen in 32 years of watching SAFC (I'm 46) the second half we could of had 6. Because we are SAFC we got none. Killgallon. Oh my frigging god. hang your head in shame. I have a little optimism for Mclean Who tries but just has lost the plot and Larsson who should take up a new career as a professional lazy well paid useless c+nt.
I was one of the ones raving over Sebs set pieces mate. It all seems a long time ago now. I'm a big Catts fan and have been even when he was with the Smoggies. We really don't have anyone in the squad that comes with his skill and determination in MF. PS. Just reread my OP, and need to say I'm not claiming we weren't bad first half. Just not as bad as some made out. hahahahaha
Must have been typing same time mate I have just added an addendum to my original post. I'm not claiming we weren't bad first half but? Worst 44 minutes in the last 32 years haway marra. I have seen whole runs of games that have had me near to tears.
HOW, can any team pick a player who, last year did SFA baring take corners and free kicks (yes he scored a couple but contributes nothing) poorly. Is so lost in midfield he needs a map, Is slower than a dumper truck and doesn't know what a fowl throw is. It's beyond me. Not a big fan of Vaughan or Colback but Larsson in a liability. BIG STYLE
The pity about Colback and Vaughan for me is they are too easily out muscled. Vaughan as a point is a canny footballer but is brushed off the ball to easily. But I do think he reads the game better than Larsson and gets into position quicker.
Norwich were well on top first half. Completely controlling the pace of the game and handling Sunderland very comfortably. If they'd went in 2-0 Sunderland could have no complaints. Once the goal went in the whole complexion of the game changed. As I noted on a thread they were very high energy first half, pressing the ball hard. They completely ran out of steam and Sunderland got a shot in the arm getting a goal they didn't really deserve. Carbon copy 2nd half but with roles reversed. Sunderland did all the pressing and created just as many chances (if not more) than Norwich did first half. One of which was gilt edge in Kilgallon. Draw was a fair result, a perfect example of a game of two halfs.
Disagree with the draw. One offside goal and a badly defended second wasn't Norwich controlling the game. We had more shots at goal and more shots on target then them. Their keeper kept them in it, with help from kilgallon.
Norwich well on top for 30 minutes. Even for 5, SAFC well on top for 55. The stats are there for all to see. Shame that they scored 2 when they did. But that's what counts at the end of the day The strikers of the top 15 teams would have scored (minimum) 5 in that second half. We scored NONE. Fact. 1-2
All true. Hughton even said our class players started to shine through after we scored. I would like a bit net rippling with my shining please.
We were nowhere near them for vast periods in the first half MR. They took their chances we didn't if we had two strikers on maybe it would have been different who knows. Again it takes the other team to score before we start lacing our boots up. First half or 44 minutes were terrible second half with a better finisher we could have had 4,5 even 6 but, again let down by the final ball and the finish. For me very similar to the WBA game at SOL last week and, if MON doesn't get them playing from the off in games we will be in trouble this season.
We played well as a team overall for the duratiion of the game, were without an influential defender and midfield (JOS and Cattermole) and the goal chances fell to the wrong people. Norwich on a good run at the moment and have not conceded to ManU or Arsenal. There were alot of plusses in this game and on any other day we would have won. There is alot of ability in this team but we do lack strength in depth.
No argument from me mate. My worry is lack of effort from a couple of players early doors is costing us. The lack of two up top can be laid at MON's door though. Fair points mate, Hughton has got them well organised. But a bit more composure and we could have turned them over easily second half.
Lack of effort from most of the players mate for the first 15 minutes they looked as if they didn't want to be there yesterday. The players need to put a shift in and not just turn up and hope for the best. I think we have about 5/6 decent players in the first eleven but, with a couple of injuries and or suspensions we are relying on in my opinion dross to get a result. Worrying times ahead mate and although I support MON and think he needs at least this season to sort it my opinion doesn't count, it's what Ellis Short thinks and to be honest being a business man it'll be all about results for him. Can MON turn this shower of ****e into a team that can keep us in the PL this season? I think yes but, it'll be a very bumpy ride maybe the magic carpet has run out of magic and is touching down in reality.
