Back from the game; Take your time, take your time Norwich City...

... playing football the Norwich way!

And so goes the classic time-wasting chant but never has it been so true as last night as City essentially played the same “Farke” style as they played on Saturday and last Wednesday; possession based with plenty of recycled ball through the holding midfielders and centre backs. So what was different? Why were there no impatient moans and boos? For me, three key differences; the players did it well and made very few individual errors, we took the chances we created, and we were solid at the back once we took the lead. The last of these meant Cardiff had to press further and create more space which our patient build up and excellent link play exploited.

For those so quick to wax lyrical in as many media platforms as possible about negative play, Farke’s “inexperience” and football by numbers, this was an example of just what is possible when it works. Yes, it can be exciting and give the appearance of an attacking force with passion and emotion.

Okay, but it was only Cardiff’s second string... well maybe but there were some experienced players out there and in both Bobby Reid and Gary Madine you have two experienced strikers and the latter is the type (strong and tall) which Norwich have failed to keep a tight reign on in numerous matches. Cardiff also play a pressing game, getting the ball over the top early so not so different to some a Championship teams.

So what if the cast of players? It is difficult to single out individuals as everyone had a really strong game. Srbeny will deservedly get much if the limelight for his brace and despite the first being a real cracker with a top quality flicked assist from Bundia, I think the second was a better finish. Great build up and excellent work by Stiepermann to create the opening but his cross was a bit long and Srbeny did fantastically well to get the ball which was slightly behind him and still get enough direction and pace to beat the keeper.

Maybe they won’t get the plaudits but Tommy Trybull and Stiepermann were the driving force behind the victory, the former owned the midfield and the latter showed some real quality link play which created a number of openings.

Bundia showed some great touches and looks a real talent, probably needs a little more fitness. Passlack looked good and whilst he got forward, he did his defensive duties well. Aarons looked really good and did brilliantly against the experience of Bobby Reid. Great finish for his goal, so pleased for him. A real prospect. Cantwell worked hard and should really have scored at least two, much improved on his last appearance.

Defence looked comfortable until Ward came on when his class created a few jitters. Godfrey looked comfortable at CB and Zimmerman was also solid. As for McGovern, he made some really good saves and had probably put himself in contention if Krul’s form doesn’t improve.

A great night and a worthwhile trip (despite my tweet which asked why I was going!… I had to tweet the answer to my own question after!!) This is how the WBA game could have gone, perhaps Saturday could have been the same if we’d got an early goal during our early period on top. It’s the same style, same philosophy and that why we need to be patient and take our time... us fans I mean.

Great confidence booster for Sunday. Personally I’d start Srbeny with Pukki in behind and bring Rhodes on in the second half to get the obvious goal against his former employers.

Sorry, went on a bit and too many words... and not even a recipe 😉

OTBC Wrathers 💛💚

Posted By: Worthing Yellow on August 29th 2018 at 02:02:33

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