On City’s last away trip they managed to avoid being stung by the hornets, before clinically dispatching three goals in impressive fashion. It provided three crucial points, but as Alex Neil and John Ruddy were quick to explain, the next game would be the ‘most important of our season yet’. Not only were they keen to thwart those getting carried away with potential derby day delight on the horizon, but also to make sure Blackburn were not underestimated. Rovers approached the game on the back of a solid season, and more notably an encouraging recent run of form. They would certainly offer a different test to that of Watford; fortunately, and it’s becoming an increasingly prevalent feature, Alex Neil seems to have a specific game plan for specific games, hence his absolute nullification of Watford’s front line (including the free-scoring Ighalo).
It proved to be a game which lacked quality, but one which Norwich dominated from start to finish, flirting with the idea of scoring before almost passing up the opportunity altogether. Norwich rose again to extend their win streak to 5 games, with goals from Jerome and Johnson paying dividend after City found themselves behind.
A changed line-up once again – involving Dorrans and Redmond for Tettey and Jerome respectively – were eager to get going. On the subject of change, the Norwich team chose to play towards the away end for the second game running – perhaps a nifty tactical move instigated by Alex Neil.
Bradley Johnson was instrumental in the earlier moments (and most of the game), creating the first chance with a lovely lofted ball which any player in the parallel Champions League game between Man City and Barcelona would have been proud of. It found the onrushing Martin Olsson who failed to adjust his legs which wobbled like jelly as he attempted to volley goalwards. A similar opportunity arose when Hoolahan cut inside, floated the ball in the same direction, but this time it met Martin Olsson’s head, and he cushioned it into Grabban’s path. But, like Olsson, the killer touch deserted him at the vital moment. A big chance missed as Grabban kicked air instead.
Twenty-one minutes in, Norwich committed a foul as Blackburn threatened to break. The resulting free kick was taken by Tom Cairney who scored in the reverse fixture, and Baptiste was given an unforgivable amount of space to head past Ruddy. A terrible goal to concede considering the run of play.
Other less gaping chances materialised for City, but an unwillingness to run from Redmond, as well as Dorrans drifting unconvincingly in and out of the game left many in the away end frustrated. Grabban had worked hard up front but it was beginning to feel like City might pay for those missed chances. They entered the break without a shot on target to show for their efforts; instead a whopping 70% possession.
Alex Neil likely had a stern word in the dressing room, before sending the lads out early for the second half. They had work to do.
The frustration remained and some around me were beginning to worry that their 6hr coach journey on a Tuesday night with work the next morning would not be worthwhile.
Redmond had been disappointing and so was replaced for Cameron Jerome just nine minutes into the second half. It took the leading goal scorer another 10 minutes before his chance came, and it was pretty much the first City had created since the break, save a Johnson header which went straight at ‘keeper Steele. The ball somehow found its way to Jerome’s feet, and he made sure he hit it hard, and low, and into the back of the net. Game on.
Tettey, who was originally supposed to be coming on anyway before the goal was scored, entered the fold and helped bolster the midfield significantly.
With the thousand-strong Norwich support now fully confident their team could win, the players went in search of doing just so. However, with the nerves creeping in, City fans had to wait until the 82nd minute until that crucial goal was found…and what a goal. What a way to finish it! The ball was collected and laid back by Whittaker to Johnson, who in turn unleashed a turbocharged rocket which travelled without deviation, crashing directly into the top corner of Steele’s net. Stunning is one word…’again’ is another! Bradley Johnson has regularly been the saviour with nine goals this season; he in fact got the winner in the reverse fixture with an equally superb effort.
Jerome nearly put the game beyond doubt moments later, but a fabulous save from Steele denied him, allowing Blackburn the chance to try and nick something in the additional four minutes.
A barrage of attacks on the City goal were just about survived. Concerning crosses met by determined defending. A goalbound Tom Cairney strike fortunately ricocheted off the body of Bassong and went behind for a corner. However a further three corners were the result as Blackburn piled the pressure on. Gestede came closest with a header which was dropped perilously by Ruddy, before being hacked away by Whittaker.
Eventually, after what seemed like a long four minutes, time was up. The referee’s whistle came as music to the players and fans’ ears, and the former came together in a passionate, relieved, and proud huddle which was testament to their efforts and character to come from behind.
A fifth win on the bounce – the sort of run you would perhaps want if you had an important derby the following weekend. Oh! Looks as if we do! It’s a fixture that will do more than just settle a rivalry; it’s another huge match in City’s campaign for promotion.
So far, so so good for Alex Neil. But surely such excellence can’t be sustained; or can it?
