After a howler of an opening game at Wolves (if you’ll pardon the pun), Norwich looked to set things straight this weekend against Watford. Not only had the performance been poor last weekend, the departure of Pilkington sent more negative energy swirling around the club, and Adams had become increasingly (and possibly prematurely) unpopular. Suddenly, the game today against Watford had become a must-win – not in terms of points tally, but so that the Norwich City fan base didn’t implode.
Eager to get going, an amended Norwich squad containing Tettey and Lafferty pressurised Watford straight from the kick off. The addition of the aforementioned Irishmen meant that there was more width – something the Canaries were highly criticised for at Wolves; both Grabban and Lafferty could pull out into the channel to stretch the play. The tried and widely trusted partnership of Johnson and Tettey returned after Surman failed to replicate any of the form he displayed in pre-season. It was a partnership that proved to be a masterstroke for Adams.
Watford had shot themselves in the foot before either side had even built up any speed. Defender Joel Ekstrand was judged to have elbowed Redmond as the winger nipped away from him, however replays showed that the infringement wasn’t as clear cut as first believed. After just five minutes he walked for an early bath – actually, he probably didn’t need one.
Lafferty’s powerful physicality helped give Norwich an attacking outpost that they lacked 6 days ago at Molineux. Not only did he offer an option up front, he was also willing run back to help his teammates out in defence – much like a certain Grant Holt. His involvement seemed of paramount importance, as he laid the ball off for Bradley Johnson, who managed to chip Gomes from the edge of the box – rather out of character for the big central midfielder. Still, the nerves around Carrow Road dissipated and euphoric joy replaced them; the weight of last week’s loss started to lift.
Norwich’s dominance continued due to the positive pressing style that had been implemented from the beginning.
Hoolahan fed Grabban minutes from half time, but he failed to convert from what was a tight angle. Regardless, the Canaries went into the break far happier than last week.
They had to be wary, though, as Watford came out after half time fired up to find an equaliser. Shots from Dyer and Vydra were thankfully saved by Ruddy, who had had a predominantly quiet afternoon up to that point. After successfully weathering the danger with some impressive blocks by Turner and Martin, Norwich rallied again.
Redmond had caused problems all day with his pace (unlike at Wolves), but so far his final ball had let him down. On this occasion he managed to get a shot away, and although he failed to score, Grabban picked up the pieces. Like Johnson, he chipped Watford keeper Gomes from close range. It was becoming a day for the more acute finishes.
Tettey made it three (yes, three) before the cheering had even died down for Norwich’s second. Receiving the ball from Grabban, he slotted it home; Adams and the rest of Norfolk breathed a huge sigh of relief.
Many thought Fer would never pull on the shirt again after his goal at the World Cup, but he returned and played out the last ten minutes. Gary O’Neil also made his debut, and Lafferty made way for Bennett receiving the standing ovation that he deserved. Looks like he will be an all important player this season.
Despite the scoreline, we have to bear in mind that it was against a ten-man Watford. Norwich’s performance was impressive, but it’s not a full indication of how much they’ve improved in the last week. It was however, a professional display, with City prevailing in what was often an ‘attack vs defence’ battle.
Whether they can continue this form against Blackburn is another matter – it would certainly be nice to go into the Old Farm Derby on the back of consecutive victories.
PLAYER RATINGS
Ruddy: 7
Whitts: 6
Turner: 7
Martin: 7
Garrido: 5
Redmond: 5
Tettey: 8
Johnson: 7
Bennett: 7
O’Neil: 6
Hoolahan: 8
Lafferty: 8
Grabban : 7
