After ten difficult, but chiefly successful Championship games, Norwich find themselves at the top of the pack, albeit on goal difference. The table, which is starting to mature like a cheese in its early days of production, is beginning to reveal indications to who the teams challenging will be come the end of the season. Nottingham Forest and Watford both sit level on points with the Canaries, but it’s Norwich City’s goal scoring touch that has been the difference – and I say difference as it’s the one problem they have sourced, and most importantly, solved since last season.
At the back, things still remain uncertain, with Hooiveld having a run in the team before being dropped for Martin, in our last game versus Charlton. Ignasi Miquel and Carlos Cuellar’s roles in the side currently seem a little cloudy; you can’t help but think that the latter wouldn’t have been bought if Adams knew he would be bringing in both Miquel and Hooiveld on deadline day.
If Norwich wish to retain the top spot for another week, they’re going to have to find a way to replicate their away form at Carrow Road. The opposition comes in the form of 17th place Rotherham – a game that Norwich will expect to get all three points from. Unfortunately, at home this season, things haven’t been as simple as perhaps they should have been. The boys have managed just eight points from a possible fifteen – certainly not promotion form; luckily their away excursions have rescued them.
Charlton on Tuesday night was another example of such disappointment, or more appropriately, misfortune. The Referee’s inconceivable dismissal of two ridiculously clear penalty claims was enough to send me through the roof – it must have been one of the poorest Refereeing displays I’ve ever seen – at least in terms of big decisions.
Other than that we played pretty well. Okay – it took us a little while to get going (as usual) but we certainly created the chances worthy of winning the game. Most players didn’t put a foot wrong in the second half; the only criticism I could have had was that I feel Redmond has to finish his effort in front of goal better than he did. The winger’s run, adjustment of his body, and idea were spot on – just the execution. ‘Keeper Randolph did well to get down but the ball either has to be right in the corner, or lifted above the goalie. What is a breath of fresh air is the fact Nathan Redmond’s crossing has clearly improved. And now we’re scoring. Coincidence?
Rotherham will obviously be without on-loan Norwich striker Luciano Becchio, as his contract agreements state that he cannot play against his parent club. Since moving to Rotherham, Becchio has managed two goals; his first, a looping header – the second: a mix up with Blackburn keeper Steele who cleared the ball straight into the Argentine, and consequently, into his own net. Becchio’s goal sealed a 2-0 victory on Tuesday, which was their first win five games. Rot over for Rotherham.
Boss Steve Evans will look at Charlton smash-and-grab result on Tuesday and is likely to replicate the defensive tactics that Norwich found so problematic to break down. Hopefully, any negative thoughts will have been flushed out of the system come Saturday at 3pm.
Predicted Team
Verdict: An emphatic reaction performance following the disappointment of Tuesday night. 3-0.
