The final whistle brought too many mixed emotions Tuesday night. Whether fans are happy or not, it’s in the past. Here are five things that stood out from the midweek fixture in Huddersfield.
Take it as it comes, Pt. 2
A point away at Huddersfield is hardly the performance necessary for a return to the Premier League. That said, scoring in the 98th minute, after conceding in the 95th, left City fans torn between happiness and bewilderment. At this point in the season, Norwich is stuck between playoff security and an outside shot at automatic promotion—five point recovery in seven matches? Certainly there’s better places to be rest in, but…
Playing catch up
…Here are a few fixtures this weekend that may help Norwich make up some ground as the season winds down:
Wolves v Derby, Bournemouth v Middlesbrough, Watford v Ipswich
Additionally, City play at home against Nottingham Forrest, a side that play Wednesday and will have less recovery time. Of course Forrest scored two late goals to beat Norwich last time (which was eerily similar to that Huddersfield ending), but the Yellows should manage a point minimum, hopefully keeping the club in the promotion race.
The Grabban Effect
Lewis Grabban has gone from receiving “boos” at Carrow Road to the in form forward City desperately need. The problem: he’s injured. Cameron Jerome and Gary Hooper have had tremendous seasons, but it’s obvious both are fatigued and could do with some rest. Sure, manager Alex Neil can use Carlton Morris or Jamar Loza (who we’ll talk more about momentarily), but perhaps the best option is to bring someone in on loan. The window closes next week, so Neil’s timetable is slowly shrinking, but if he does add players, who would it be? There were rumors for Blackburn’s Jordan Rhodes, yet that deal would make absolutely no sense for the Rovers, who still have a slight chance at finishing in a playoff spot. It hasn’t been mentioned, but what about recalling a player, such as Ricky van Wolfswinkel. The Dutch-international has had a respectful season at this point, and it would be another fresh set of legs capable of scoring goals. Of course there’d be a financial penalty, but how much are the club willing to spend to ensure promotion out of the Championship?
Loza
First off, congratulations to the 20-year-old Jamaican-international on scoring his first senior goal for Norwich. It couldn’t have come at a better time (cough, cough, thanks James Vaughan). Loza looked promising last year with City in his debut against Arsenal in the final match, so it’s evident confidence isn’t an issue. For Loza, how much can he provide the club? Was this one goal, or the first of many? It’s important that he’s an option, it’d just be preferred if someone proven was ahead of him.
Luck of the Irish
Of course it had to be Wes Hoolahan to score Norwich’s first goal on St. Patrick’s Day. The Irishman was on the field for a mere five minutes before scoring his third goal this season. Even if fans were slightly worried about him replacing Bradley Johnson as a sub, the tactical change quickly paid off. Now, if only the team could perfect it’s midfield lineup (Dorrans out? Vadis in?).
