A late Cameron Jerome header saved Norwich from embarrassment at the hands of Charlton who had found themselves 0-2 down at the break.
The game started brightly with a high tempo and real swagger, something that Norwich have really lacked recently. The main speaking point in the early stages was the creativity and drive of Lewis Grabban. It seems like Alex Neil has taken Grabban under his wing and given him real confidence.
One thing that Norwich have been guilty of this season is not doing enough with the ball when in possession. Today was a different story though and was proven in the early stages when an incisive break through Nathan Redmond won Norwich a corner which was nearly met by Bassong.
The next piece of real action was a goal which came through Jonny Howson. Bradley Johnson won the ball back on half way before playing Lewis Grabban through who done well to cut it back to Howson who finished with real prowess. It was fantastic to see Norwich score a goal with such a clinical edge.
We had talked a lot about Charlton’s dip in form since we last faced them but all knew that Norwich seem to end bad run’s. It didn’t seem like Norwich wanted this name tag again today though and were patent in possession but quick to break when the time was right.
Just before the half time whistle Grabban added a second goal for the Canaries. Johnson won the ball back on the half way line wonderfully heading the ball into the path of Grabban who lobbed the keeper with composure. It was nothing less than what Grabban and Norwich deserved and gave themselves full control.
Charlton were booed off and and the annoying drummer had stopped playing-two signs that Norwich had ruffled Charlton’s feathers and were on their way to a romping win.
Half Time: Charlton 0-2 Norwich
Norwich started the second half as they did the first, the tempo was high and possession retention was fantastic. Despite this we reverted back to old ways and struggled to do much with the possession we had. We missed a few good chances through corners but that was about it.
It seemed like Norwich wanted to simply catch their breaths and jog along to a 0-2 win. Charlton had other things in mind though.
Tony Watt had been brought on at half time and knows what it’s like to score big goals, he scored the winner against Barcelona for Celtic in a Champions League game not so long back. The one he was about to score wasn’t so big but I bet Alex Neil has different opinions on that. Vetokele put a lovely pass through and Watt finished well past Ruddy.
The Norwich fans felt nervy as they know just too well how Norwich like to make things far harder than they should be.
Soon after it was 2-2 and the provider for Watt became scorer. Vetokele found himself on the end of a parried shot from Ruddy and he fired home. Ruddy has to be at blame for the goal and should have done better.
Charlton had somehow turned this game around and now Norwich looked most likely to walk away from this with nothing.
Norwich had to dig really deep and that’s what they done. Ruddy commanded his box well and Bassong brought a sense of calmness at the back – exactly what we needed.
Hoolahan had been brought on for Hooper and lost possession on many occasions frustrating City fans but done what he does best on the 83rd minute mark. He picked the ball up and crossed into the leaping Cameron Jerome who headed home for his 15th of the season to send the travelling City fans into rapture.
There we have it, a nervy win against a team who can’t buy a result at the moment. Norwich were far from professional tonight but picked up all the points they could and go into a huge few games in a good position. Alex Neil will not be happy with the way his team capitulated but Lewis Grabban’s performance and the late winner will surely make the Scot smile.
On to Wolves now who thrashed Huddersfield 1-4 tonight.
OTBC!
