There isn't any, unfortunately. I've been advocating just that for years. It's a key weakness in our defence.
Can you watch the whole 90 minutes and not just the highlights, Rick? The original was so bad that it was almost impossible to follow the first half and it would be interesting to watch a decent version of the game.
Yes. The full 90 minutes is available free to everyone on Canaries TV on the Official site. The full 90 minutes of the Barnet game is also available. I think all pre-season games will also be available the following day.
Thanks Rick. I've just watched the first half. The stream on the day was so poor that it was impossible to come to any judgement at all about how it went. The first half performance was much more coherent than the second, wasn't it? The players just seemed to knit together so much better than those of the second XI. Partly I think because Nunez did a far better job than either Sorensen or Gibbs in controlling the tempo of the game. Also the pairings on both wings worked very well. Even Placheta looked like a footballer. And most of the experienced older heads (Barnes, Duffy, Gibson, McLean, Krul, Stacey) played in that half, so maybe we shouldn't be too harsh on those in the second, which was much more makeshift. EDIT: I thought Rowe and Mumba looked OK, though. But personally I was disappointed with Sorensen, Gibbs, Tzolis, Hernandez, Idah.
Agree about the first half being more coherent for the reasons you give, Gozo. I've been impressed by Placheta and Rowe in both games. Placheta's shot produced the opportunity for Sargent's goal and he had an assist for Barnes's second goal. His pace and acceleration has always been there but now he's showing an end product as well. Agree about Núñez controlling the tempo and Wagner credits our new Spanish coach for helping his improvement. In the second half, I was impressed with the interplay between Stacey and Springett throughout and am interested on how things develop against tougher opposition in Germany.
Regarding Tzolis, I think he has to outgrow being a whizz-kid in Greece. His superior technical ability probably put him head and shoulders above most other players of his age there so he could rely on that only. Now he's in a competitive situation, with equally gifted players such as Rowe and Mumba challenging him for a place, plus players like Springett who has great confidence in himself and is much more willing to put himself on the line in games. I personally think that Farke getting sacked was very bad for Tzolis. I know he was on the naughty step with Farke, but I'm sure Farke would have brought him back fairly quickly because he was the kind of player who would fit well into a Farke side based on high technical ability. He didn't suit Smith's pragmatism as much, and Smith seems to have made little or no effort to develop him. Tzolis seems even less suited, perhaps, to Wagner's high-pressing style. I feel coming to Norwich was probably a terrible decision for him personally at such a crucial point in his career, but it's up to him to fight for his place and to adapt to his current situation. The fact that he's shed that layer of blubber is a good sign, but can he do the tough mental stuff? If not, he's going to be yet another highly gifted young player who never realises a fraction of his potential. At least Wagner gives the impression that he's on the case. I hope so, for both the player and NCFC.
A goal or two would help Christos. That miss at Barnet was unfortunate. We can only comment on what we've seen so far, GE.
please log in to view this image That looks closer to a first choice XI? Nunez or Gibbs in the advanced midfield role?
Could also be a 4-3-3. Why no Barnes? He is on the bench though, so it may be to get time with Idah. Still no Gunn either. Who's Berry?
Yeah 4-3-3 was what I was suggesting but PinkUn think it will be Nunez behind Sargent in a 4-2-3-1. Barnes played 60mins against Kings Lynn and 45 again Barnet so I gues they are just getting legs into different players. Gunn has only just returned to training but I expect him to play the next game. Dylan Berry is one of the youth keepers, not sure where Barden is?
