With the sound of Chris Goreham’s commentary in the background I pinched myself in hope that this was one horrific dream. Sadly it wasn’t and we really were 4-0 down to Middlesbrough.
The game started as expected from this current Norwich City team – slow and not very steady. After just 4 minutes the hosts were already ahead thanks to a diving header from Patrick Bamford. Albert Admoah broke down the right hand side after intercepting a pass from Lafferty and crossed beautifully into the lethal Bamford. It was a fantastic break from Middlesbrough but one that should have been defended with ease. Whittaker was out of sight and Turner lost his man far too easily.
Soon later it was 2-0 after a penalty was awarded. It was a soft one for Middlesbrough to win but no less than they deserved. This time Russell Martin was at fault and it was unlike him who has been very good for the majority of the season. Grant Leadbitter formerly of Ipswich Town sent John Ruddy the wrong way and wheeled away in jubilation after scoring his 8th of the season.
Norwich showed some fight after going 2-0 down and Gary O’Neil had arguably the best chance but even he couldn’t get this train wreck back into the game. Alexander Tettey was trying his best to hold together the slowly deteriorating Canaries but the Norwegian rock struggled to cope with the high intensity that Middlesbrough showed.
Half time : Middlesbrough 2-0 Norwich City
Gary Hooper replaced Alex Tettey in the hope that a more attacking team would test Middlesbrough. Aitor Karanka’s men were very well drilled and had lined up in the second half identically knowing that this game plan would carry them through the 90 minutes.
For the early stages of the second half Norwich created some chances mainly through the ever present Nathan Redmond and Cameron Jerome but were poor when it come to finishing them chances. Middlesbrough on the other hand were the more fired up for this game and tore us to shreds on the break. It was clear what the game plan was and fair play to them. We have seen a lot this season just what teams can do to us when they set up like this. We need to find a way to defend and attack against this tactic – something we currently can’t do effectively.
The third goal came after 60 minutes when Leadbitter scored his 2nd of the night. Norwich at this point looked like a team that had just been put together and well out of their depth. The defence was falling to pieces in front of us and the rest of the team looked utterly dejected. Adams once again tried to change things by bringing on Josh Murphy but even Josh’s flicks and tricks couldn’t change this sorry state of affairs.
Whittaker remained clumsy at the back giving away possession on numerous occasions and never looking comfortable when Middlesbrough players ran at him. I have been very critical of Whittaker on recent occasions but tonight he showed just why Norwich fans shiver when they see him on the team sheet. His only good performance this season come against Bolton where he had the protective layer of O’Neil in front of him. Tonight, O’Neil was no where to be seen and neither was Whittaker’s defending.
Ruddy got in on the act just before full time as he dropped a corner at the feet of Wildschut who tapped in from close range.
A truly miserable night for all Norwich fans, especially the ones who made the long trip up North.
Full Time : Middlesbrough 4-0 Norwich City
Match Ratings :
Ruddy: 4
Whittaker: 3
Martin: 2
Turner: 4
Olsson: 4
Redmond: 5
O’Neil: 4
Howson: 4
Lafferty: 5
Jerome: 5
Tettey: 5
