Norwich have scored late goals this season. Bradley Johnson’s goal at Blackburn, Cameron Jerome’s header at Charlton and Jamar Loza’s last touch at Huddersfield all come to mind. But nothing tops Gary Hooper’s 93rd-minute flick to give City a 2-1 win over Bolton at the Macron Stadium. Here are five things to take away from the cardiac Canaries.
1. Utter chaos
Chris Goreham’s call of Simeon Jackson completing his hat trick vs. Derby in 2011 has been the best finale for the club in recent history. Perhaps Goreham’s call of Hooper’s goal will surpassed Jackson’s in significance (the future is unwritten). But in a dramatic promotion push, those are the moments separating the best sides from their competition. The Eastern Daily Press’ Patty Davitt said it best: “Jackson, Derby 2011. Hooper, Bolton 2015.”
2. Hoop there it is
“Get Gary in the box and he will score you goals.” –manager Alex Neil.
The beauty of Hooper’s goal is that no one knows what it truly means. For now, it keeps City in an automatic promotion place on a one-goal differential. In Europe’s tightest promotion race, Norwich are still in a better position than not. But Hooper’s goal could prove to be the difference between guaranteed Premier League football and potentially another year in the Championship. For now, there’s reason to celebrate, but even the goal scorer himself said the team has moved on to Tuesday’s billing at Leeds.
3. Away days
Alex Neil remains undefeated in away fixtures. Since his debut match 10 Jan., Norwich have taken 20 points from a possible 24—eight wins and two draws. Even with Johnson serving the first portion of his suspension, the manager adapted and kept the winning form. At a time when most clubs are losing players from various injuries, the Canaries seems to get all of their players back. Lewis Grabban made his return after a four-week absence, but Ryan Bennett also made an appearance on the backline. Thought they were unused substitutes, Elliot Bennett was a potential candidate to see the pitch, with Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe as well.
4. Three upfront
Along with Grabban’s return, Hooper and Jerome were also on the field together at the same time. City were able to bring a Premier League-quality forward off the bench, in addition to one of the best Championship goal-scorers. That’s the sign of a solid outfit. But it also indicates Neil’s belief in attacking play, forcing opposing sides to adjust to Norwich on a weekly schedule.
5. Good for Graham
Credit to Graham Dorrans for getting his first goal in the yellow strip. The Scottish international has been influential throughout his loan from West Bromwich Albion, but hasn’t had the statistics to support the claim. He got a goal early vs. Brighton, igniting the Canaries to press Bolton back in their own park (before the home side scored on its first attacking opportunity). At a time when Dorrans could’ve been classified similarly to Kyle Lafferty, a decent player who struggled to find the net, Dorrans got his goal. With Johnson missing the Leeds match Tuesday, hopefully it provides a spark toward another three points and one day closer to Friday’s massive match with Middlesbrough. Strap in.
