Manager Alex Neil has said it before—win the matches on your schedule and hope other results fall in your favour. Saturday afternoon was packed with Championship surprises—but one of them was Norwich’s 1-1 draw with Rotherham.
Here are five things learnt from the fixture in New York Stadium.
Walking in a Turner wonderland
The opportunity was there. After City’s 1-0 fall to Middlesbrough last week, doubts crept in on automatic promotion hopes. But those thoughts vanished when loanee Michael Turner headed Fulham into the lead over Boro just before halftime. The goal gave Norwich a chance—a chance that went unconverted in the end. It was a valiant, 10-man effort, that came to nothing.
Losing Lewis
It was Lewis Grabban’s first start since the East Anglian Derby. And after a first half red card, it may be his last. Grabban, unless the three-match ban is overruled, will miss the season finale against Fulham, in addition to both leagues of the play-off semi-final. Yes, City’s automatic hopes are over. Had Grabban kept his composure, perhaps the 2 May clash with Fulham meant a bout for promotion. Instead it’s a final “tune-up” before the Canaries enter the playoffs. Playing most of the match a man down, Norwich’s backline emulated a dam: storing up water for so long, only to crack.
What now?
Sitting in fourth place, it’s safe to say the league’s late theatrics are complete. Norwich, Ipswich and probably Derby can map their courses to get to Wembley, hoping for promotion. If the table stands as it currently sits, the East Anglian Derby will have a third and fourth edition this campaign.
Any positives?
Well, they’re hard to find, but there are a few positive takeaways from the match. City remain unbeaten away from home under Neil’s tenure, which can be pivotal with the club needing to play another match away in the play-offs. But earlier in the season it was Neil Adam’s men who went top of the league at Portman Road, thanks to a Grabban goal. That won’t be happening this time around. City just need to find the winning rhythm again. They went five matches unbeaten before Boro and Rotherham. Adams has a week—perhaps more—to get the club back to the form that assisted the club into the automatic positions.
Yellow in the Premier League
Credit to Watford for getting promoted. Over the last month, the Hornets have always been the side with the most venom destined for first-tier football. Even when Norwich were above on goal differential, it felt as though Bournemouth would slip from the top more than Watford. So one spot is certain. The second spot—depending on next Saturday’s fixtures—will be filled by the Cherries or the Teessiders.
Now, for the first time since Neil took over, City have complete control over their finish. And that’s exactly what Neil wants.
