.... and his behaviour seemed to rub off on the rest of his team. Disappointing to see any team play like Norwich did yesterday.
Nice to be talking about options to change a winning team that’s lost 1 in 14 in the most competitive league in world ain’t it.
“Lost 1 in 14” is a brilliant reminder of how high our standards have become that it’s felt like more than that. Love this team.
These last two wins (comebacks from behind home and away) are hopefully where a young team stops being inconsistent (to be fair 1 loss in 14 and their position in the league shows they’re maturing well) but the manner of the comebacks (anyone can concede in this league) has shown patience, maturity and a belief in themselves. The next big test is looking to not get beat in front of a huge away following against a top six side. I’m not worried at all. They’ll be up to the task.
It was great that Ballard's goal came from a foul by Sainz who was still moaning as the free kick was taken. Also that Cordoba was sent off for a clear 'studs up' skip into Mepham. I was in the South Stand and there was a dad with an 8yo lad. Before he was red carded the kid said to his dad, 'Do you think that man, with the yellow hair, will be sent off?' ... ... five minutes later
If Norwich mirror Sunderland and watch the game back, as RLB says, then surely they'll feel ashamed. They're either acting that way on the manager's instructions or he can't control them. They're already missing their captain McLean, after a 4 match violent conduct ban, and the keeper is up on a misconduct charge. When they watch the game back you'd hope they'd look at the cheating, fouls and yapping at the referee then have a good think. I was talking to three Norwich fans, at Central Station before the game, and saw them again at Sunderland station after the game ... ... they totally ignored me
That's what we thought. I've spent quite a bit of time there in the long ago, really okay people generally, and they've usually been a good team to watch. But the rehearsed falling down, moaning, snide elbows and the rest must have come from this coach, as most of the same players weren't like that before he came. Awful, and made the win doubly sweet. I hope Norwich get rid of that bloke.
And we've had to see both games out for 20+ minutes which is a challenge in itself...speaks volumes the belief these lads have in each other. Can't remember a time or team like this lot.
I said to the lad I sit next to at the SOL this is unlike any Norwich team I have ever seen , I associate them with being a good footballing side but today was anything but and they got their just desserts for their cheating . It was not lost on me that they were playing for the Friendly Cup - they obviously did not realise !!!
Norwich made me cry in 1985 (or was it Clive Walker) so I've never felt the love for them. Also always felt they were a bogey team but I bet we've got quite a decent record against them. Great win. Great run we are on. Behind in the last 3 games and 9 points. Merry Xmas.
I think overall we have had a bit of a drop in our performances compared to the start of the season, where we rarely gave the opposition a sniff of a chance and created chance after chance up the other end. But they are still getting points on the board and it's crazy that we have still only lost once despite me feeling dissapointed in the performance and results at times (mainly the draws where we chucked it away after looking comfortable or where we created very little going forward). The start of the season was a real purple patch and I knew it couldn't be sustained, as I said earlier there were matches in them first 5 or so where the other team didn't even get near a half chance. It was incredible to watch but the lads are good but this league is too close for anyone to carry on like that all season imo.
That’s a fair summary in my opinion However we have to remember all the absences of key players and, recently, that the club has had this sickness bug going around … … I agree with FellTop that we’ll have better second half, of the season, with various players coming in. It’s worth remembering Aouchiche was written off as well as Poveda, etc. Our coaches seem to be doing a cracking job.
Good summary mate. I am the same. We have actually dropped our performances IMO but the results and the character have been outstanding.
Bit of a sore head this morning but great result yesterday. Massive show of character coming from behind again. Thought we were average for the most part first half was poor but yet again we’ve won whilst not being an our best and that’s a sign of a good team. Love the players standing up for each other and the gaffer when he had the little to-do with Sainz, we’ve gone from that team of nice, young lads who played decent football and were gracious in defeat under Mowbray to a ruthless team who know how to win and fight til the end. Mepham looks like a real strong character to have in the squad too he wasn’t taking any of Sainz’ antics and was straight over to him when we scored the second, sending him running off to the linesman whinging. Hope we can get him on a permanent he’s been quality since coming in.
