Having shrugged off Wolves last weekend, Norwich came into the game on the back of a run which would continue to grow if they could win today. There was plenty at stake in what was a crucial battle between 6th and 5th; the teams began the game 3 points apart so it was the epitome of a ‘six pointer’. Norwich very much rose to the challenge, firstly by nullifying the danger of free-scoring Ighalo, as well as coping with the quick interplay of Watford’s midfield. A changed line-up including Jerome and Hoolahan instead of Hooper and Redmond respectively proved sufficient in the second half, where Watford crumbled.
But it was a game which took a while to really ignite. Norwich failed to notch a shot on target in the first half, while Ruddy had a fairly quiet first 45 at the other end. Hoolahan struggled to impose himself on the game and, consequently, Norwich often lacked penetration without the option of wingers. But the referee stole the show, with his backing vocalists the two linesmen, and between them they managed to put in a fairly incompetent performance. Cameron Jerome drew one of the few fouls the referee was willing to give to Norwich, but indicated that it was outside the box; however, the striker contested this decision strongly. The resulting free kick was played short to Whittaker who blazed over the bar. The referee chose to book both Tettey and Johnson late in the half after the former committed a foul on the edge of the box. The anger from away fans however was mainly due to the sheer number of 50:50 challenges which we’re being given in Watford’s favour.
Troy Deeney came closest for the Hornets when he fired the ball across Ruddy’s goal; fortunately beyond the far post too. A difficult chance considering the angle, but he nearly made the most of it. That remained about the only opportunity Norwich allowed Watford in the first half. As I say, it was a nitty, gritty, close-fought first half, and clear chances were certainly at a premium. While that didn’t completely change in the second half, the opportunities which did materialise we’re taken in superb clinical fashion. It was like someone had picked out the DVD of the Brentford match from earlier this season and set about watching it on a mild February Saturday afternoon; the events were almost in parallel.
The breakthrough came after some tricky footwork from the ‘Irish Messi’ – or ‘Wessi’ for short – who drew a foul which I originally thought warranted nothing other than a penalty, being clearly in the box this time. However, having viewed replays since, it appears very soft (it’s debateable as to whether there is ANY contact), and perhaps just another example of the referee’s inability. Grabban, who had already missed two this season, stepped up confidently clutching the ball in both hands. I wasn’t overly confident, and he gave me a mini-heart attack when his effort hit the paw of ‘keeper Gomes…but it then nestled in the back of the Watford net. Relief. Euphoria. One-nil.
There have been plenty of examples of Norwich failing to kill games off in the past, but such days would not be repeated in this occasion. The momentum shifted after that penalty, and Norwich capitalised. Jerome has scored some lovely goals this season and he added to his portfolio with another exemplary striker. Like at Bournemouth, it curled delightfully beyond the ‘keeper whose body was helpless to the trajectory of the ball. A satisfying bit of dip meant it dropped into the back of the net, and suddenly Norwich looked certain of the three points.
Grabban made absolutely sure when he latched on to a Pirlo-esque lobbed through-ball which split the Watford defence in two. The in-form striker made the finish look easy, and it rounded off a beautiful move and second half display from the Canaries.
Over 2000 loyal Norwich fans left Vicarage Road with a smile on their face, knowing those three points mean City move to 5th, four points off second, and crucially one off Ipswich with the derby fast approaching. In stark contrast, most of the Watford fans had surged out once the second found its way in; empty seats and a faded, drum-banging mascot was testament to their fairly awful home support.
