Monday 19 October 2009

Vs Leeds United - First questions about the manager

Let's not blame the keeper for the loss today at Leeds. For me there were the first real question marks over Paul Lambert's decision making.

With 75 minutes gone, Darryl Russell should have been sent off. After already being on a yellow card stupidly gained for a pointless lunge, Russell spent the last 15 minutes carrying a passenger in midfield who could not make a challenge because he knew the next foul he did would be punished with a red card. What was the result of this ? A total lack of bite in the midfield and 15 minutes of hanging on which led to the Leeds goal.

The Sky commentators were raving about the Leeds sub ignoring the fact that in effect Norwich were playing with 10 men.

What did Lambert do ? Stood their with his collar up whilst three midfielders sat on the bench until the dying seconds.

I know the keeper will take the blame, but Lambert needs put his hands up and accept he got it wrong.

P.S. And let's also not get carried away. Leeds United are far from being a great side. If only every Norwich player except Holt didn't need at least two touches before shooting, the game would have been well won before the 92nd minute.

PPS. And less than 20,000 fans at Elland Road. A pathetic attendance. I wonder how many glory hunters will turn up if they go up ?

Sunday 4 October 2009

Returning to the fold

It is pleasant to see the Norwich revival in recent weeks including not just youth team players coming through our own academy, but also include those players who were, just a few weeks ago, being shown the door and encouragees to leave.

Gary Docherty, Wes Hoolahan and Darryl Russell have all played outstandingly well in the last few games and their experience will be vital to making out younger players better players in the future.

As for yesterday's match, the result was never in doubt for me. Even when they equalised, the crown stayed buoyant and nobody seemed to think that we still would not go on and win. I told people before hand we'd win every home game from this point of the season by at least two goals, and I will stick by that. There is a real momentum at Carrow Road at the moment, and long may it continue.