Following the Preston FA cup exit, Neil Adams announced he would be resigning, feeling that he did not have the ability to take Norwich forwards. His replacement came in the way of Hamilton’s Alex Neil, and although he had a very limited amount of time, his arrival created a buzz. With that depressing cup defeat in mind, most Norwich fans were expecting a real thumping away from home to top of the league Bournemouth, but the game that unfolded spat out something rather different.
Phelan and Holt took charge, with the new manager looking on from the executive seats, which – at Bournemouth’s relatively small ground – are only a few rows further back. The two caretaker coaches opted for a team that had regularly been utilised under Adams, save the replacement of Tettey for O’Neil. The game plan was to shut out Bournemouth’s quick midfield interplay that has proved so deadly this season, but doing so would take a great deal of hard work, not to mention discipline. Regardless, the 1500 away fans who had made the long journey were hoping their side could get something from the game.
The tempo was quick; both teams were fired up for this. Whittaker, who has often come under criticism this season, provided ample evidence to reinforce those claims. His pairing with Redmond was clearly weak – neither knew which man to mark as left-back overlapped left midfielder, causing avoidable havoc. The warning signs were there, and that leaky hole needed to be closed before the a water came gushing through. For what Redmond lacks in defensive capability, he usually makes up in dangerous runs and difficult crosses, but today his performance was a little hit and miss. On the occasions where he did get beyond his marker, Bournemouth looked worried. But too often in the first half were Norwich being ‘patient’ and ultimately letting the opposition regain solid defensive positions. However, Norwich came closest to opening the scoring when Hooper’s header looped up waiting to be attacked – unfortunately it was adequately defended.
Bournemouth continued to trouble Norwich, though, and they made it count when Whittaker – for about the 6th time – failed to prevent the cross. His ineptitudes were mirrored by the inability to organise the centre if the defence, and consequently Ritchie ghosted in to stroke the ball in. It was a remarkably good finish considering the trajectory of the ball when he hit it – somehow he kept it down, on target, and with enough power to beat Ruddy. The defenders argued between themselves, and there was a brief sigh in the away end that very much said “here we go again”. But City were resilient, as were the fans who soon picked up the volume once more.
The best opportunities appeared to be on the break for Norwich, but often an inadequate pass or the lack of attempt to make one meant they were wasted. Too much sideways passing.
Tettey was unlucky to see his goalbound 30 yard strike ricochet off a Bournemouth body and behind, with the resulting corner not coming to anything. The pressure was sustained, however, and one corner did pay dividends. Crossed in from the right, creating chaos as it bounced around in the 6 yard box, allegedly striking a Norwich hand, before being lashed home by Hooper. Both sets of players looked to the officials, but it would stand. The away fans had the goal they were routing for and they celebrated confused at the ongoing Bournemouth protests. Their reactions suggest the goal shouldn’t have stood, but it was about time Norwich were given some luck.
The away side survived various free kicks that the referee awarded unwarrantedly to the hosts; each one, although dangerous, didn’t find the net. Norwich were worthy of their position at half time, and the second half provided opportunity for either side to take all three points.
Whittaker’s abysmal performance threatened poverty upon the team, but his replacement didn’t come because of his display, nor did it arrive at half time. Ryan Bennett came on when the former appeared to have an injury, with Martin going wide to right-back. Bournemouth piled on the pressure and before long disaster stuck for the substitute Bennett. His Norwich career has been blighted by injury and things weren’t about to changes; he pulled up with a hamstring issue and had to be replaced. But City had no other defenders left! Alex Tettey was positioned at right back while Martin played in the middle. An open game was feisty and well competed, and both sides were eager for the victory. In the attempt to regain possession Howson overcooked a sliding tackle, and took one of there players out. However, it appeared that he originally won the ball with his leading foot, before catching the player with his trailing leg. Most couldn’t believe it when Howson received a red card for it, especially with Foy standing so far away. Perhaps it levelled up the debatable handball in the lead up to Norwich’s first.
Now there was a mountain to climb.
It was to be a combination of gritty defending, tireless running and a clinical nature in front of goal for Norwich. Whilst they survived many a Bournemouth attack, their one chance manifested from some beautiful hold up play, ending in a scintillating effort from Jerome that sent euphoric pandemonium swimming across a raucous away crowd. ‘Keeper Boruc stretched till he could grow no more, placing a fingertip on the ball’s skin, before kissing it goodbye like some sort of sad love story. The sphere went swirling only to be caught by the Bournemouth net. Ten man Norwich had risen again – in fantastic style too.
Now the easy task of defending a lead to top-of-the-league, with ten men, Tettey playing right back, and with some utterly shattered players. Manager Alex Neil descended from his lofty position to help his counterparts as City looked to secure an unlikely three points. He belted orders from the sidelines, giving the lads the extra boost they needed to see this through.
A nervy last 10 minutes, with an additional 5, was nearly too much to handle. Resilient defending and harrying up top, as well as a bit of ball retention in the corner eventually sealed the three points. The referee’s whistle was met by some of he same celebration that Jerome’s wonderful goal had merited. How sweet it was too!
Norwich remain in seventh, but instead of being 14 points off the top (where Bournemouth and Derby stand head-to-head, they are just 8. A resounding difference, and psychologically it could have a huge effect on the rest of the season.
The perfect start for Alex Neil.
