In the 95th minute there were 22 players on the pitch and 2 goals scored. In the 98th minute there were 21 players on the pitch and 4 goals scored. Supporting Norwich is never boring is it?
Alex Neil made some changes coming into this game, leaving out Tettey and Hoolahan for Hooper and Redmond. Most fans could have predicted this considering Wes probably turned up to Huddersfield with a pint of Guinness in his hand celebrating St Patricks day whilst Tettey hobbled behind with his jelly knees.
The game started with real pace and both teams having chances early on. Whittaker broke down the right hand side straight from kick-off forcing Huddersfield into defending whilst Miller caused problems down the other end which ended up becoming an all too regular occurrence throughout the game.
The game then settled before Norwich thought they had taken the lead through the ever present Bradley Johnson. Johnson had already wheeled away in jubilation after Jerome’s knockdown before the referee disallowed it almost a minute later. The final conclusion was that Johnson had handled the ball into the net and was consequently booked. The decision was correct but the way the referee changed his mind due to Huddersfield’s protests angered some fans.
It was Huddersfield who posed the most threat after the disallowed goal as Miller and Vaughan combined to cause Norwich problems and Bassong did well to clear off his line from a Joe Lynch header. The front line of Butterfield, Scannell, Miller and Vaughan were causing Norwich real problems on the counter and soon after going close from a few corners Vaughan had a great chance but dragged his shot horribly wide to the relief of John Ruddy.
Half Time: Huddersfield 0-0 Norwich Much like the first half Norwich were quick out of the blocks in the second half and Johnson should have done better with his chance that had been created by the dangerous Nathan Redmond. Despite the good start Norwich found themselves behind as Miller spun the grounded Martin before rounding Ruddy and coolly finishing to Norwich’s despair. It was woeful defending from our captain and proves why he isn’t cut out for playing in centre back.
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Norwich tried to get back in the game straight away but to no reward and this prompted a substitution from Alex Neil as he brought off the already booked Johnson for Wes Hoolahan.
It was evident that Hoolahan was the man to create chances against a flimsy Huddersfield defence and he starlight away made an impact as he played a deft one-two with Redmond before finishing low under Smithies legs.
Norwich were back in this game which prompted the arrivals of Jamar Loza and Tony Andreu which would add more attacking flair to Norwich’s frontline.
Who would have thought that these substitutions would have created such chaos in the dying embers of stoppage time?
Norwich were once again cut open by Huddersfield and Martin was again to blame- you can see where this is going. The ball eventually made its way to ex-Canary Vaughan who finished well past the distraught Ruddy who lay helpless on the floor after another defensive meltdown.
Any functioning human being with a functioning mind would surely think the game was over after a 90+5 min goal, correct? Wrong.
There was still time for another goal as Jamar Loza scored his first ever senior goal to send the travelling Norwich fans into pandemonium. The ball fell to the Jamaican international after Dorrans’s cross-come-shot met him at the back post before firing home.
Full Time: Huddersfield 2-2 Norwich
So in all it was a game of mistakes and ridiculously late goals. Norwich will look back at this as a game they should have won and really should have done considering the chances they had. The Canaries now lay 5 points adrift of 2nd place with another uphill battle on their hands. After tonight’s happenings though, I wouldn’t want to predict anything.
Do you want Jack’s honest opinion on the game in a video style review? Click the video below!
