It was a sense of a new chapter for Norwich. After an unbeaten pre-season and a few good signings coming into Carrow Road, the fans were feeling quietly optimistic. Norwich travelled to Molineux to face Wolves in the opening game of the competitive season for Norwich.
Norwich lined up with the back four that had been on show in pre-season and a new look midfield diamond took to the field, with Redmond starting up top. The game started slowly with both teams not wanting to give away an early goal. Wolves had the best chance of the early stages as Edwards blazed over Ruddy’s bar from ten yards.
Norwich were looking slightly nervy but after 10 minutes they settled. Hoolahan was the man running the game and trying to carve out chances for Adams’ men. Wolves had clearly researched Norwich and their rigid banks of four were counteracting Norwich’s fluid set up. The Canaries were being suffocated of all possession while Wolves tried to make the most of the few chances that were arising. Sako’s powerful approach was giving Whittaker some nervy moments down the right hand side.
20 minutes had passed and neither team were troubling the opposition’s goalkeeper. Both teams had set-pieces in good positions but couldn’t create anything with Surman wasting a few good opportunities for the travelling team. After a cagey start Wolves looked to be on top of the game holding the ball much better than Norwich. Hoolahan slowly but surely was getting marked out of the game and Redmond looked lost in his new position while Sako and Diko looked adventurous going forward for Wolves with lots of space to play in. Despite Wolves’ possession, Turner and Martin held strong while Olsson and Whittaker never looked assured which was proving to be the weak link for Norwich.
Half Time: Wolves 0-0 Norwich
It had been a tough first 45 minutes for Norwich who had failed to create even a shot on target in the first half. They had lacked a man who could hold the ball up and the creative talent of Redmond was being wasted in a more central position to what he is used to.
No changes were made by Adams at half time and Wolves were the more confident of the teams to go on and win this one.
Norwich started the second half well with long spells of possession on show. Surman and Johnson both creating space in the middle of the park which allowed Bennett and Hoolahan to get forwards on a more frequent basis. 50 minutes had passed when Grabban arguably had the best chance of the game so far. Martin sent a long ball forward for Grabban to bring down nicely and shoot goal wards but it was well saved by the keeper. Redmond also got into good space a few times but never looked convincing delivering the final ball.
After a great spell from Norwich, the game was dramatically turned on its head when Olsson was sent off for a second bookable offence, it was fully deserved and the push on the referee and kicking of a water bottle summed up the swede’s dismal afternoon. The resulting free-kick from Sako was well saved but Norwich knew they would have a tough time in getting anything out of the game now.
Minutes after Olsson’s red card Dave Edwards headed home for Wolves. A delightful ball was swung into the danger area which wasn’t defended by Martin and Edwards attacked the ball powerfully to beat Ruddy. This is all what Norwich had deserved and a mixture of sloppy passing, erratic defending and poor decision making had meant Norwich were behind.
Tettey replaced Surman and Lafferty replaced Whittaker soon after the goal to try and salvage something for Norwich but they never looked like scoring. Redmond was still lost and Grabban struggled to make an impact. The only positive from the second half was a good first impression from Lafferty who could be a key player for the yellows this season.
Next up for Norwich is Watford, who will provide another tough test for Norwich.
Full Time: Wolves 1-0 Norwich
Adams will need to have a real think this week and try and change his errors, something Hughton didn’t do.
Player Ratings:
John Ruddy: 7
Steven Whittaker: 4
Michael Turner: 6
Russell Martin: 5
Martin Olsson: 3
Javier Garrido (SUB): 5
Andrew Surman: 6
Alex Tettey (SUB): 6
Bradley Johnson: 6
Wes Hoolahan: 6
Elliot Bennett: 6
Nathan Redmond: 5
Lewis Grabban: 6
Kyle Lafferty (SUB): 7
Man Of The Match: John Ruddy – Gave Norwich a chance when they were 1-0 down. Made some crucial saves and commanded his box well.
