Norwich City were recently promoted. Apparently referee Simon Hooper was too. Manger Alex Neil’s debut match overseeing a Premier League wasn’t the start originally planned—a 1-3 defeat—but it hasn’t left the squad in shambles either. After last season’s ‘five things we learnt’, time to usher in three thoughts.
There’s plenty of promise
Saying the Canaries deserved a 1-3 defeat—or anything close to it—would be a completely inaccurate description of the Premier League opener. City showed spark early on, grabbing momentum within the match’s first touches. Of course Lewis Grabban should’ve finished the three-yard sitter. He knows that. And perhaps in the ideal world he comes on as a substitute if Cameron Jerome was fully fit. But those are the chances that Premier League clubs capitalise on. Crystal Palace, despite sitting back for the majority of the match, were clinical and finished their opportunities, even if they were seldom. In time Norwich’s attacking prowess should come. After all, that seems to be the typical City start.
Filling the void
As if it was a point that needed to be reinforced, there are a few positions that desperately need improvement. Stephen Whittaker had a few moments of creativity in the Norfolk sunshine, but he also was caught drifting on Palace’s first two goals. But blaming the right-back for all the mistakes isn’t fair. Ideally, Russell Martin should leave his central role for a spot outside, meaning a new centre-back is a necessity. In terms of the left side, Martin Olsson is desperately needed—not because Robbie Brady isn’t capable—but rather due to Premier League consistency with Bradley Johnson at left mid. Johnson was Norwich’s player of the season in the Championship, but he’s unproven in the top flight. That’s not a knock on Johnson, it just means the squad need someone who can challenge him.
And then we come to the forwards… There’s no point bringing up Grabban again. Jerome also showed creativity—so much so that the Yellows were penalised. Leaving the no. 9 available hints that Norwich are after another man up top. Hopefully good business is completed soon.
The other Hooper
I don’t like complaining about the referee. It’s poor sportsmanship and just another excuse that often tries to overlook the club not playing well. But Saturday was different. Simon Hooper was overwhelmed. He called unnecessary fouls for both sides, and even overreacted to City not playing the ball out after an offsides whistle in the right spot, leading to three attempts. Carrow Road had its largest attendances since the ground became an all seater, yet Hooper and his linesman might have been the only two spectators to call Jerome’s goal dangerous and miss Sébastien Bassong getting bulldozed.
Time to regroup, improve, put together some midweek business and prep for the Stadium of Light.
