Let\’s be \’Avin You

Saturday 23rd January

LEAGUE ONE: NORWICH CITY 1 – BRENTFORD 0

(Goal: Martin 77)

“We are top of the league, say we are top of the league…..”

Ok - I fully appreciate it might not be for long…but that’s why I thought I’d get it in now – enjoy it whilst it lasts!

Despite the sending off of captain, Grant Holt, City fought their way to an incredible victory at Carrow Road yesterday afternoon, courtesy of Chris Martins 77th minute strike. The win saw City draw level on points with Leeds, and with a superior goal difference, it means City are currently heading the League One pack, albeit having played two games more. It’s definitely good times at NCFC right now! (Despite what the journalists at the News of the World think – although I’ll have more on that later.)

THE CITY SPIRIT

Yesterday’s win did all to confirm the excellent team-spirit and attitude that Lambert has created amongst the City squad. There was added pressure before kick-off, with City knowing a win would lift them to the top, and I’m sure I wasn’t alone in thinking that there might be a small chance we would slip up. After all, Norwich have made a habit in the past of ‘bottling’ it when it matters – the play-0ff final in 2002; Craven Cottage in May 2005; the Valley in May 2009, just three of the more obvious examples – and whilst on paper, everything pointed to a City home win, us fans are far too aware that football is not always that straight forward. Especially when Norwich are concerned.

So when Holt saw red just before half-time for an over the top challenge on Brentford’s Toumani Diagouraga, there was that ill-filling that maybe it was a sign it wasn‘t going to be City’s day. That those concerned had conspired to agree that City’s luck was about to run out.

Fortunately however, this City side is built of stern stuff, and whilst in the past, we would’ve seen our side crumble once down to ten-men and bolt under the pressure, we instead saw a side so desperate to win, so up for the fight, that they worked their absolute socks off to make sure that there would be no excuses for not getting the win. It’s testimony to just how good a job Lambert is doing as manager, and just how united these City players are. And my word…..it makes you proud to be a City fan, doesn’t it?!

He’s the man…

PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS

As I’ve already said, I had that niggling thought we might slip up, despite logic telling me we should win – that’s past City experiences for you. I wasn’t alone – most City fans I spoke to had at least considered the possibility, but the hope was that Lambert would have the boys in the right state of mind to get the job done.

TEAM CITY

Adam Drury was able to shake of the knock he picked up at Colchester, meaning City remained unchanged for the fourth consecutive match.

Brentford had Carl Cort amongst their substitutes….so there were no real worries there.

FIRST HALF

What I wanted was an early goal, as my thought was, if we got that, it would settle the team, and the fans, and all being well, lead to a comfortable home victory.

Unfortunately it didn’t quite work out that way. City did create chances, and but for Brentford’s ’keeper, Wojciech Szczesny, would’ve taken the lead I’d hoped for. Nelson, Martin and Drury were all denied by smart goalkeeping from the man they call, ’the Big Pole,’ (it’s certainly easier to pronounce, that‘s for sure…) however, City were at least looking confident and in control…

Then, Holt got himself sent off. At the time, I was one of very few City fans that thought the referee was right – I saw Holt go in over the top, and these days, as soon as you do that, you’re heading for an early bath. I know Brentford’s Diagouraga had committed himself with both feet too, but it was the way in which Holt stamped his foot down, that made the challenge look nasty. A silly foul really, which would’ve been prevented had the referee actually stopped play for what was a foul on Holt leading up to the incident; the advantage he had played, ultimately leading to our disadvantage. Holt was dismayed by the card, but in reality, he could have no complains.

Holt sees red against Brentford

At that point, my heart sank. Here we go…typical City, making it hard for themselves. Why? Why do we do it hey? We had to hope that City had enough character to ignore the fact they were a man down, and still go on to win…but I’ll admit, I wasn’t so sure.

SECOND HALF

Lambert showed just why he is earning the reputation of being a manager to watch. Two tactical decisions ultimately led to City getting the all-important win they wanted.

Firstly, not content with staying as they were, Lambert decided to go positive. He took off Russell Martin, and brought on Zak Whitbread, which led to a change in formation; three at the back, four across the midfield – with Drury occupying the unfamiliar left wing role – and two up top, with Hoolahan given the job to provide support to Martin.

It was a good move by Lambert, as City began with urgency. Again Drury – who it must be said, was brilliant yesterday in getting forward to provide attacking support – went close with a header, but again the Big Pole was up to the challenge.

Brentford were also busy bees…ahem…and making chances of their own, and with a man advantage took the opportunity several times to get down the right channels in an effort to exploit the lack of cover at the back. Luckily for City, Fraser Forster was again in fine form, making a couple of outstanding saves to ensure the score remained 0-0.

That’s how I thought it might end too, as despite City’s sterling efforts, it appeared the goal wasn’t going to come. Until 65 minutes, when I was convinced Brentford were going to take the lead. Firstly, Sam Wood was able to strike a tremendous shot, which beat Forster but thankfully not the woodwork. The shot fired off the left-hand post, and into Brentford’s Cort – as in Carl – who took the ball around Doherty, and shot again at goal. Fortunately Forster was there to palm his shot away. A mighty escape for City. The nerves were beginning to take over me…

Five minutes later, Lambert made his second big decision of the game. Surprisingly to some City fans, he took off Hoolahan, despite the Irishman appearing City’s best threat of attack. However, my theory – and I’d like to believe Lambert would agree – was that Hoolahan was merely a luxury we could not afford. Yes, he was City’s most creative player, but the danger was coming as City could not keep a hold of the ball up top. Martin for all his efforts, had his work cut out, and needed help. Hoolahan provides you with many things, but not aerial prowess and strength to hold of burly defenders. Therefore, I could see Lambert’s thinking, and by bringing on Oli Johnson, City had two strikers capable of hustling the Bees backline. It was a risk…but oh how that risk was about to pay off.

Just as I was beginning to think it might not be our day, Oli Johnson picked up the ball on the left-hand side. A neat step over, allowed him space to pick out the most sublime through ball to Martin, who despite the narrowest angles, was able to take one touch, and finish superbly with his left-foot. A terrific strike; the City fans erupted! The celebrations around me were crazy - a complete stranger hugged me, and I too hugged him back. A mutual expression of our delights enough to ensure neither of us were at all offended. Come on City, Come on!!!

Celebrated the signing of a new contract in perfect style….

The chants did start…”we are top of the league, say we are top of the league”…although they soon faded. I think we all knew the risk of taiting the slender lead if we got too carried away, and we really didn’t need Brentford to prove us wrong. So that chant made way for “Ole Ole, Ole Ole, going up, up up….” It was magic.

Of course, there was an agonising 17 minutes to play (counting the four minutes of stoppage time, wherever the ref got those from.) I hate that nervous feeling a Norwich one-goal lead leaves you with. The obligatory nail-biting, and rapid tapping of feet began as I tried desperately to settle myself.

My heart was definitely in my mouth on 83 minutes as Brentford went oh-so close to equalising. O’Connor’s effort was again brilliantly saved by Forster, but the ball fell straight to Weston. The Bees winger should’ve scored, but a desperate Doherty threw himself in the path of the ball, and it was enough to see the shot whisk narrowly wide. Gasps from the crowd, City were just about holding on…

On 90 minutes, the City fans were dismayed to learn they would have to wait a further four minutes before they could celebrate. It was enough time for Brentford to have one last chance, but Cort’s header sailed happily into Forster’s arms.

Then, that was it, the final whistle was sounded. Huge cheers from the City fans, and a standing ovation for the ten men that had worked so hard to earn the victory. The celebrations of the players told you they knew just how big a win it was, and Lambert was straight on the pitch letting everyone of them know just how important they had been.

Enough excitement to make you want to take your clothes off?? Ermm….

Fraser Forster deservedly picked up the Man of the Match reward, for yet another fine display. Let’s hope those rumours of Arsenal, Spurs and Stoke wanting him are just that. He’s a big part of out team, not just literally, no doubt about it.

The atmosphere of the City fans as they left the stadium was buzzing. This was a big day for Norwich. Not so much a turning point, but the acknowledgement that City had gained a psychological advantage on their rivals. In the face of adversity, City had still come through the challenge fighting. You have a feeling it’s going to take a lot to knock our boys down.

TALKING POINTS

Obviously the red-card. No complaints really. Of course we’ll miss Holt, but at least it will the likes of Oli Johnson a chance to come in and shine. He’s looked good in his brief appearances so far, so I’m excited to see more of him. Also, another positive I considered, was that at least the three-match ban for Holt will allow the fella a rest. He might not need or want one, but I suggest he makes the most of it, so he can come back fresh and ready to lead us into the end of season battle.

Perhaps the other talking point was the referee. Not taking into account the red-card decision, I thought he was fairly poor. Put it this way – you certainly couldn’t argue he gave everything to the home side!

TOP OF THE LEAGUE

Like I said, we’re under no illusion it will last. I expect Leeds to recover it at some point, but for me, it’s better to have the points on the board, rather than the games in hand. Leeds now have a run of games which sees them play twice a week for a month. They’re a good side, and I fully expect to see them promoted, but that’s a test for even them. If they do let slip, we must be ready to take advantage.

In saying that, I expect us to drop points to. Promotion run-ins often see one if not several teams at the top suddenly drop unexpected points. It’s likely to happen, but when it does, we mustn’t get too distracted by it.

Still, let’s enjoy being top whilst it lasts. It’s five-and-a-half yeasr since we last topped the Division One league.

EQUALLING RECORDS

Victory over Brentford meant City equalled a club record ten consecutive homes wins, set in the 1985-86 season. They won the Division Two title that year by the way. Omen anyone??

City could beat it with a win against Hartlepool next Saturday…Come on City!!

Until next time City fans…enjoy!!!

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