Last night’s fixture marked the 80th anniversary of Carrow Road, and while the score wasn’t to Norwich’s liking, it did provide another useful run-out. There were chances at both ends, but it was Harry Toffolo’s late own goal that decided it – not that he knew much about it. Unfortunately for Norwich they failed to adapt to West Ham’s changes in personnel in the second half. The visitors’ strength-in-depth proved decisive.
Equally, Norwich fielded a very different side than the one we expect to see versus Crystal Palace in a week and half’s time, so take the result at a pinch of salt. However, Alex Neil is unlikely to have a section headache based on the performances of those did feature.
Overall, it’s just another step in the right direction for Norwich who have so far been encouraging this pre-season.
Carpet: The Carrow Road pitch (above) was looking rather splendid.
Firing blanks: Alex Neil opted for striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel to partner Gary Hooper up front. The best chance of the game fell to him just before half time but he failed to take it; Adrian saved the low strike with his legs. His movement was impressive, but the Dutchman needs goals. He slipped and slid about the pitch, each time yielding ironic cheers from supporters of both persuasions, unfortunately. He’s in desperate need of a confidence boost.
John Ruddy (above) was in fine form and regularly denied West Ham, including a superb double save in the second half. Here he is outfitted in the new grey and pink third goalkeeper strip.
Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe (left & below) and Alex Tettey (right) formed a three-man midfield along with Gary O’Neil. The Belgian provided numerous surging runs forward and his strength gave him a lot of presence on the ball. However, he will still have a lot to do to displace Johnson, Howson, Dorrans, Hoolahan, Tettey…
Gary O’Neil (left) captained City and played the full ninety minutes against his former club. Howson (right) was introduced as a half-time substitution for Alex Tettey.
Toff-oh-no: Unfortunately for the youngster (left), it was his leg that the ball ricocheted off for West Ham’s goal. A shame considering how well he coped in the match otherwise. Elliott Bennett (right) played a full ninety minutes at right-back, his newly established position.
Nathan Redmond (left) came on and made an impact, darting in and out, committing West Ham defenders, but he failed to get any really challenging shots away from the edge of the box. Josh Murphy also enjoyed a short 15 minute stint towards the end of the match.
Ryan Bennett (right) was given a chance in defence and played relatively well for the majority of the game.
Hooper (left) had fewer efforts on goal than his strike partner, but did offer some decent link-up play. You also tend to feel if he was in the position the Dutchman was right before half time, he would have scored. Then again, van Wolfswinkel’s positioning probably provided him with the opportunity. Both remain behind Jerome and Grabban in the current striking pecking order.
All photos expertly taken by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
