Norwich City dispatched Bournemouth 3-1 with the execution of a perfect game plan.
Alex Neil opted for new signing Matt Jarvis on the left which gave more structure to the midfield, and as a result City profited. His link-up play with Brady was excellent and he posed a danger all afternoon. The early encounters largely featured the two teams cancelling each other out, however the quality and intent was still there. Norwich found the breakthrough on 35 minutes, and dominated from then on, surviving a momentary period of pressure before the break.
Wes Hoolahan was again influential, finding Jerome for the opening goal before smashing home for himself. The West Ham loanee rounded things off with City’s third, cutting inside and curling into the far corner.
Before Dieumerci Mbokani could make his debut, Norwich City conceded a sloppy consolation goal from a Bournemouth corner. Unmarked, Steve Cook headed past Ruddy. However it takes nothing away from the fact that Norwich were dominant and deadly over the ninety minutes. That win takes the Canaries to eighth, putting three points between them and the visitors this afternoon.
Here are all the photographs from the encounter:
Half and half: Opinions were split as to which way this game would go. A real ‘six pointer’, despite how early on in the season it came.
Eddie Howe and his players check out the pitch ahead of the afternoon’s 3pm kick-off.
With both teams having four points after four games, this would prove to be a big match. The national media’s ‘love-in’ for Bournemouth, and more notably Eddie Howe, had frustrated fans in preparation to this match. The battle between two young, ambitious managers would eventually fall Norwich’s way.
Flown from the nest: Andrew Surman – formerly of Norwich City – now plies his trade for the Cherries, enjoying a second chance at the Premier League. Here he is back in familiar surroundings.
New signing Matt Jarvis was eager to make his mark.
Matt Ritchie, who had been so influential in the Championship meetings, was relatively quiet. Bassong may be to account for that.
Rumour has it Wilson and Bamford are very cosy together in Bassong’s back pocket.
The Irish Messi was at it again, darting past a Bournemouth defender before teeing up Cameron Jerome for his first Premier League goal in Canary colours.
A sigh of relief for Jerome whose position had come under scrutiny; Lafferty had been impressing in the Euro Qualifiers while Mbokani was hoping to start. That goal was not only crucial for Norwich, but Jerome’s confidence too. Off the mark.
Hoolahan made it two on 52 minutes with a driven shot into the bottom right corner. Bournemouth’s defence were in tatters, backing off helplessly before the Irishman pulled the trigger. Carrow Road erupts.
That goal put City firmly in the driving seat. Its importance felt by fans and players alike.
Cherry on top: West Ham reject came up trumps, cutting inside, curling a wonderful shot into the far corner.
Boruc stood and watched…
…Jarvis wheeled away in celebration.
The coaching staff were jumping for joy as Jarvis sealed all three points for Norwich City.
Jarvis’ teammates congratulate the Englishman on his debut goal.
“Oh Glenn Murray, it could have been you…”
Unfortunately there was still time for Bournemouth to get one back. Steve Cook, unmarked, headed past John Ruddy to secure a consolation goal on the road for the Cherries.
Left scratching heads: Bournemouth were tactically outplayed and Eddie Howe, despite his best efforts, had no response.
The captain applauds the fans after another three points.