There you go PC! The first home game of the season brought the Canary faithful to Carrow Road with mixed emotions after the Fulham shocker. Hughton had made changes and had gone for a 4 4 2 formation, which many wanted. Two new signings started, Garrido and Bassong and who would have thought Mr Leon Barnett returning to the team. Also returning, Robert Green got a appreciative round of applause as he took up goal in the Barclay End. A rousing chorus of OTBC rang out and we were off. The first half saw Norwich largely dominate possession with Pilkington and Snodgrass creating openings. Holt was a nuisance and wound Clint Hill up something rotten leading to a booking mid way when he turned nicely and was flung to the ground. Jackson looked lively all game and it was particularly good to see City hassle the opposition. On 11 minutes a cross from the left by Pilkington, was headed in by Jackson for a well worked goal. Minutes later a dodgy Clattenburg penalty evened things up despite Ruddy's saving the initial Cisse shot. He was furious at the defenders for not being sharper. The rest of the half saw City create chances but lacking the clinical finish, which was a theme continued in the second half. QPR did try and play the ball but their final third work never troubled Ruddy. The second half saw City again mount numerous attacks but lack the killer ball. One move saw numerous passes that created an opening for Garrido to deliver a peach of a cross from the left , which Snodgrass really should have scored. QPR's best attempts came from through balls to Cisse who was always adjudged off-side. Their back four defended well and although City threatened, again the finish was missing. Late subs by Hughton brought Morison and Chris Martin into the fray but with little effect. The game finishing 1- 1. For me, this was a good performance by City who should have won. QPR were poor for me but will be encouraged by the point gained, but I think they will struggle. As for us, a much improved performance , which has made me more optimistic but still feeling we will face a battle this season. Player ratings Ruddy - 6 unlucky with the penalty and rightly angry with defenders but largely untroubled. R.Martin 6 - solid performance and got forward well Bassong 6 - good debut. Locked aware and partnered Barnett well L. Barnett 6 - not everyone's Favorited but did really well and looked solid. Garrido 6 - looked assured and put in a sound display and some decent distribution Howson 7 - worked hard and harried QPR Jonhson 7 - a good game and got stuck in to say the least. How he did not get a yellow card after one challenge and speaking to I do not know! Snodgrass 8 - MoM for me. Not sure why a woman on Canary call disagreed. He looked decent on the ball for me if a little one footed. Pilkington 5 - decent first half but went anonymous in the second half. Poor choices at times re passing/shooting. Jackson 7 - looked very lively and gave 100%. Sometimes looks a bit too keen to shoot and some attempts wildly off target. That said he is a striker and took his goal well. Holt - 6 average game and should have scored. Needs some more games but not quite there for me. CV lint Hill loves him!! Morison and Chris Martin 5 too late to do anything. Hughton 6 - more attacking line up and got the performance he wanted. Left subs too late to make an impact. Overall verdict. A confidence booster for City and the fans after the Fulham nightmare that gives some optimism for this season. QPR looked poor but we did not beat them so they will feel good at getting a point and can also move on. I would have Snodgrass on the left and replace Pilkington with Elliott Bennet but otherwise the team did put a good performance in that give heart although it will be a long season!We could do with another striker also IMO. OTBC!
But surely (1) the cross for Jackson's goal was provided by Pilkington, and (2) Garrido's great cross was headed over by Snodgrass not Holt.
Yes Robbie you are quite correct and beat me to my editing. Got Holts header against the bar mixed up with the Snodgrass effort. Your turn next week?
Hi surgeryman, nice clinical assessment. CH surtured last week's wounds and keeps the patient on the road to recovery. Hope he moves us to the recovery ward quite soon.
If we keep improving at this rate, we'll be out of the recovery ward and shagging one of the nurses soon!
Yes Mr. Hughton operated on the team applying a tourniquet to prevent goal haemorrhage.A better choice of instruments was laid out that ultimately achieved good cosmetic results and healing scars. The surgery was performed with out anaesthesia unlike at Fulham were most played as if under under either a general anaesthetic or regional block.Prognosis much improved!
