The next challenge lay in the shape of Cardiff, who being a relegated side like us, could potentially be a real indicator as to how Norwich might fare this season.
Norwich couldn’t have possibly started any worse; a slow and laboured midfield was dominated immediately and consequently the defence suffered. New signing Jos Hooiveld was thrown into the deep end, and Whittaker relieved of his duties, with Martin moving to right-back and Olsson returning for the first time since his suspension.
Within the opening minute, Wes Hoolahan was needed to clear an in-swinging corner that deceived the whole defence, who were preoccupied with the hustling and bustling of Kenwyne Jones. It was clear he was going to cause trouble.
As Cardiff pressed, an increasingly negative mood floated around the Norwich following, as if wary of what was to come. Ralls picked up the ball unchallenged as the City defence sat further and further back, shrinking into their shells. He was given the space to swipe the ball past Ruddy from distance, and already Norwich were on the back foot. A very disappointing, and equally frustrating beginning.
Surprisingly, Norwich managed to retain the sheer lack of cohesion that they had started with, and within 20 minutes of the first goal the second went in. Kenwyne Jones who had been the focal point of Cardiff attacks thus far, was involved once more. The ball found Gunnarsson in the box and he slotted it right into Ruddy’s right-hand corner, kissing the post as it crossed the line.
We had got everything we had deserved. Hoolahan had gone missing, and Lafferty had struggled again out wide. Grabban also anonymous.
Towards the end of the first half Norwich showed a little more urgency as Cardiff took their foot off the pedal, content that they could ride it out until half time. Unfortunately for Norwich, they still failed to create any clear cut chances, with Lafferty’s curling attempt from distance being the biggest test for Marshall.
Something was needed at half time, and Adams recognised that. The mentality was all wrong; his response was to introduce Cameron Jerome into the game…and what a masterstroke that turned out to be.
It was a classic “taste of your own medicine”. Jerome replicated Kenwyne Jones’ input at the other end of the field, and gave Norwich a whole new identity. Switching to a 442 formation gave the Canaries a renewed sense of purpose, and Jerome has an instant impact. He found the ball in the box and supplied the onrushing Olsson after realising he could not finish the job alone. There, the left back cracked it home from inside the box, and the comeback was on. 2-1.
Johnson and Tettey now bossed the midfield, as Cardiff crumbled. They were not proactive in response to the first Norwich goal and so a second followed; Jerome once again instrumental.
This time a beautifully flighted Redmond cross was met by the ex-Palace striker, and he drew a dramatic save from Marshall, who in recent seasons had been Norwich’s nemesis. Not this time: Hoolahan lashed the rebound home.
It was so refreshing to see Redmond play on the right side, and therefore being less inclined to shoot. He showed today a glimpse of the ability (in terms of delivery) that we need him to be consistently producing.
Ole Gunnar Solkjaer hoped ex-canary Adeyemi would help his side as he replaced ex-canary Pilkington, but a third followed. This time a driven ball from Tettey was met by Grabban on the goal line – he bundled it in via Turner. Neither player really knew whose goal it was, but it didn’t matter!
Finally Jerome rounded off a man of the match performance, with a wonderfully timed run before rounding the keeper and making it 2-4.
An excellent response by Adams to what was an awful first half (or at least first 30 mins). Impressive to see a manager identify a problem, be proactive, and find the solution before the game is out of reach.
Roll on Brentford on Tuesday – hopefully Norwich can show the same resilience if they fall behind again.
Ruddy – 7: Crucial save with his feet at 2-0 as a third would have put the game to bed. Nothing to be done about other two.
Martin – 6: Much prefer the Scottsman at RB than CB, often offered himself as an overlap.
Turner – 7: Put in some strong challenges and scored the goal which put us in the lead.
Hooiveld – 6: Difficult to analyse his first Norwich game – obviously the two goals were poor but where the blame lies is unclear; probably equally spread.
Olsson – 6: Caught out several times in first 10 minutes but got himself together as game ran its course. Good finish too.
Redmond – 7: Much more effective on the right side of midfield. Perfect ball for Jerome which eventually led to Olsson’s goal.
Johnson – 6: Grew into the game as it went on – overrun in first half, however. Spread the ball well.
Tettey – 6: Lacklustre and clumsy in possession in first 30 mins, but key in pressing Cardiff when Norwich were on top.
Hoolahan – 5: Lost and outmuscled in the first half, and punished for dithering with the ball in midfield. Much better in second half, and well followed in for his goal.
Grabban – 6: Barely given anything in first half, but combined well with Jerome in second half, drawing out defenders to create the space to run in to.
Jerome – 8.5: A real focal point up front once on the field. Impressive hold up play, eye for goal, and clinical with his opportunity. Very impressive.
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