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There was a good old blow on in Norfolk this morning but when I looked out of the window at tea time it appeared to have improved somewhat and by kick off it didn't seem to bad at all. I hardly need to report on the team line up, for without injuries we know by now that there will be no changes. City looked well in command from the first whistle and there was none of the extended periods of opposition possession that marked the Swansea game. City were stroking the ball about confidently but the first effort on goal came at the other end when a Hull free kick flicked off the edge of Krul left hand angle. City however were soon on the front foot again and when Hull failed to get the ball away Stieperman, picked up the ball on the City left and worked his way past a couple of defenders into the box. He avoided another couple of tackles before opening up his body and powering the ball past Marshall for a superb opener on ten minutes. It got the crowd rocking and even my initial nervousness evaporated as the home side began to turn on the style. In the forteeenth minute Hernandez turned his full back inside out and although the cross was blocked away with more than a suspicion of hand ball, the pressure was just too intense and Emi Buendia was on hand to guide the ball past Marshall to put City in dreamland before the quarter hour. Hull seemed shell shocked and for a while flowing City attacks had the visitors defence at full stretch. A succession of corners threatened a third goal and Stiepermann again burst through only to hit his rising shot a yard over the bar. Minutes later only a superb stop from the Hull custodian prevented Buendia getting on the score sheet again. The little Argentine's shot was bound for the top corner only for the agile Hull keeper to dive to his right and turn it aside for yet another corner. Things weren't running for Pukk,i but he had a glorious chance on the half hour when he latched onto a pass on the edge of the six yard box only to not get a proper connection and see his half hit effort roll across the face of goal with nobody near enough to apply a touch. It was all going so well and I doubt if I was alone in thinking this could be the night we give someone a real tonking. I expect those in Yorkshire, watching on the red boutton, must have had very long faces as we moved into the final few minutes of the half. All that was required was to see time out and get back to work after the break but yet again we became the architects of our own downfall. I couldn't see Hull scoring without our help but that is just what happened. Godfrey chose to play it back to Tim Krul who might easily have smashed it away upfield but dallied a split second too long and instead tried to stab it up the middle to Trybul who for once wasn't there. Hull intercepted and when the ball was played forward it was Pugh who turned the ball into the corner of the net from eighteen yards. It was so disappointing but in the light of far too many home games this season it has become pretty much par for the course. A game that was looking out of sight for the visitors was now very much back in play and it left a sour taste in the mouth as ref Madley whistled to end the half. To their credit City pushed Hull back from the start of the second period and Hernandez might have got himself a goal had he not dallied and wanted a touch too many. Hull's attacks were rare but you could feel the tension from the crowd every time there was the merest hint of danger. Thankfully Krul fielded a couple of crosses and Zimmermann and Godfrey generally looked fairly comfortable. It badly needed a third goal to get the home side back on track and it looked like Pukki might supply it when set free by Buendia's spectacular flying back heel. It appeared that the chance had gone when he stumbled but he recovered enough to lay it back to Buendia who beat Marshall with a low angled shot through the keepers legs. Once again all was right with the world as City created several more openings but were guilty of trying to score the perfect goal when putting a foot through the ball first time might well have brought a better result. With a quarter of an hour left it seemed the ideal time to give the likes of Vrancic and Leitner a bit of a run and see it out the game and I have got to say that I don't think I'm the only one left wondering why that didn't happen. Hull brought on fresh legs and started to have much more of the ball as we moved into the final ten minutes. When Chris Martin came on you could almost guarantee he would score and he duly did with a typical Chris Martin header from a cross from the left. Leitner and Vrancic did eventually appear but far too late for any meaningful contribution. The four minutes of added time were seen out without many alarms and although the three points are all that matter, I have to admit that I left the ground shaking my head in disbelief. On any other day this should have been four or five nil but somehow we contrived to make extremely hard work of it. The concession of far too many goals at home has been a problem all season. Yes there is lovely football on display and lots of goals but some of the tension I can well do without. Buendia my MOM.

The Duracell Bueni !!!🐰

Fantastic result tonight. Should’ve been easier but we don’t do things like that. Few points though: No changes tonight yet I still thought McLean was poor overall. Particularly first half he gave the ball away a number of times and it was Trybull (who had a great game) who was looking for the ball. McLean seemed unsure of what position he was playing and I think Leitner should be back in for some more control in midfield. The calls for changes to the line up surprised me by quite a few calling for Stiepermann to be rested. He was and is always pivotal to how we play and again showed it tonight. Not just his majestic goal but his all round play, holding the ball up, running at the defence and his strength mean he (if fit) should play every game. What a player Buendia is. It’s been said many times but what a find and what a talent. The flick for Pukki was sublime and worth going tonight alone. Along with that he seems to be learning game by game. One particular moment he pulled out of a challenge, the sort he was making and giving away dangerous free kicks and penalties only a few games ago. He never stops running and is highly critical of himself, wanting everything to be perfect. A joy to watch and hopefully will be lighting up the PL next season (with us!). Rotherham next, presumably same again. Not going to argue with that, Farke knows what he’s doing and will hopefully be doing it until 2022 at least!

This kid is up there with Hoolahan, the two most technical footballers that have ever graced Carrow Rd. Some of the stuff he did tonight was just beyond ridiculous, he was on a different level. He will set the Premier League on fire, make no mistake - I’m blown away by the technique he displayed this evening, scary!

The best result is we get 3 points at Rotherham. Whatever happens in Leeds vs Sheffield United is of benefit to us, but only if we win our game.

Ipswich?

It wasn’t excitement in the crowd Lakey, it was just all far to relaxed, assuming we were going to coast to the end of the game. Oles in the middle of the 2nd half? Hat throwing for no reason but a bit of a laugh? Save the party games for promotion and let’s get the matches won. Many players, Farke and Webber have stressed the importance of the fans, particularly recently so let’s do our bit and get the team through games.

No, that's just sh yte that the not too bright seek to try and understand the game. The current 'stats' are that we are top by two points. The rest is just meaningless guff consumed by those with mild Aspergers.

Liked the comment about our third goal being a series of lucky flicks and ricochets

A special mention for Chris martin for not celebrating his goal - I know it is expected, but it is happening less and less, and he really showed no joy.

If you think we piddle about at the back then you haven't understood Farkeball.

Was it Mick McCarthy?

Anyone know the earliest date that a team has been relegated from the Championship? Asking for a friend of course.............

We play the way we play - Krul wasn’t given the best ball to start with and didn’t get it right. No need for him to be scapegoated for it, but of course he will be.

One more defeat and Norwich will equal that of Wolves last season. Eight more goals and Norwich will surpass the total scored by Wolves last season. Not sure how the cost of both squads stack up.....

Providing we win at Rotheram a Leeds win means Sheff Utd have to get a better result than us over 3 games. I don't think they will do that.

https://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/35671/lambert-playford-road-shut-down-and-cleaned-to-get-rid-of-sickness-bug

Yes, assuming we get three points from Rotherham. Fair enough. But if we make that assumption I'd rather have Sheff Utd 7 points behind with a worse goal difference. Lets have Leeds stuff them 3-0 please...

Westcoast, I'm just wondering....you're not Morty re-incarnated are you? He used to love a debate too.

Thanks for that Lapps, I now have a profile pic!

Well , I think a Leeds win... But the game against Rotherham is no gimme...they're fighting for survival , let's get the job done there!!!

Probably best, it upset me😀

Promotion first, title second for me, obv i want us to win v Rotherham, Leeds to win v Sheff. After that i want us to keep winning and both of them to drop points elsewhere. Would not be too upset with Leeds /Sheff draw but if Sheff finish saturday 7 points behind us, then thats three games at least that we would have to slip up in and them take advantage of, for them to overtake us.

I understand what you're saying Swindon, and there has to be slightly better judgement from our players at times, but hoofing the ball forward to Pukki/Steip and inevitably losing the first or second duel also invites its own pressure. At least holding onto the ball keeps the opponents working hard and eats up valuable time. I also think Hogesar is correct when he suggests it's integral to how we play. Without question, keeping hold of the ball gives us a greater element of overall control in the game, whilst encouraging that high press (which Hull did less than Swansea incidentally). In my opinion, this tires the opposition out allowing us to finish strongly and I think it's no coincedence we usually pick opponents off towards the latter stages of matches.

There were actually several different chants, one being "Delia show us your hat"....which I misheard at first and it made me feel very uncomfortable.

Being in the Barclay I found it a bit distracting and in a sense it clearly shows a sense of complacency from the crowd because people are concentrating on antics on the touchline rather than the match itself, which was clearly far from won. It's a bit disrespectful to the players, I suppose. I accept it probably didn't have a direct impact on the second Hull goal, but equally it didn't help us. And quite tangibly it must make it a bit uncomfortable for the subs who don't want to look humourless (which I accept I'm looking like in typing this, but hey ho) and ignore the banter, but equally are trying to focus on their warm up in case they have to come on. In future we'd be better just urging City on and save chanting about hats etc till we're four or five goals ahead. (Btw, I do realise that this isn't a major issue and I don't feel that strongly about it, but as we're always keen to give constructive criticism on here to various players, then I guess it's ok to do the same to the crowd...)

Wish I was there, but too late in applying 😡

great pub...used this for the last few times we've played them. Can't make it this weekend but hope you have a great time. enjoy!

You can't underestimate what his experience brings to the defence too. A young defence, being asked (and doing well) to play Farkeball. Of course he knows the best time to hit it long, but was given a poor pass last night and unfortunately didn't deal with it as he ought to have done. That set the tone in the 2nd half with the stupid, ironic cheering from the river end when he launched it long (resulting in us losing possession). There are still too many people in our crowd who need to learn how we play these days.

Made some great saves too...

I wouldn't compare him to Wes. Different era, different players, different formation. Like for like I would compare him more with Maddison, same coach etc and say that at the moment he is as good as Maddison if not better. Maddison wanted to do everything from tossing the coin to taking penalties, throw ins, free kicks, cleaning the showers because that was his personality and you couldn't miss him. Emi is no shrinking violet as his willingness not to be bullied shows but he is more of a team player. His energy in still closing down late on in the game speaks volumes for his attitude. We seem to think skilled can't or won't work hard but he is non stop.

Not forgetting that little bit of extra pace, never Wes' strongest suit. Love Wes, but Emi is another level of good.

Don’t worry HC, Bill will doubtless post an antidote fairly soon.

The most damning indictment of Westcoasts opinions yet.

A draw is definitely the best result purely because it's one less point between our rivals. If one team wins it then Leeds is preferable. I think Sheffield Utd would be less likely to be able to bounce back and challenge for 2nd place after a defeat, but that's just a guess.

As good as we are wouldn’t want the play offs this year, a wBA with a new manager and who knows a Preston unbeaten in the run in with a manager that master minded us in the same way a Villa that are finally getting there. So based on that and Sheffield Uniteds slightly more tricky run in I would prefer a Leeds win. If we can then win 7 points clear with 8 games less would mean beating Reading, QPR, Blackburn and Sheffield Wednesday at home would almost garuntee promotion and let’s face it we are not exactly pants away. The only reason we have doubts is we support the club, others looking at our position and remaining fixtures would say we are nailed on.

Farke is a great coach but his approach to substitutions is not one of the things about his coaching that are top of my list of likes. I feel we tend to flog our players into the ground too often and he simply won;t change it if we are winning even when it appears obvious that a change may be needed. i feel the midfield last night was an obvious example of this although to be honest i also think he should have started one of Leitner or Vrancic anyway. Individual brilliance and the ability of our full backs and front four are at the moment masking some flaws with the midfield and Krul continuing to be a bit of a liability. It may not matter because we don;t play many teams who are better than Hull or Swansea and we've shown we have enough to beat these sides even without being 100% convincing but i would really love to see us put Leitner or Vrancic back in the team, play our "best side" and get back to controlling games a little better.

Agreed 100% Alex, how our recruitment team found him is beyond me. I am a massive fan of Wes who is a club legend, but TBH I think Emi is a more complete player lacking some of Wes's limitations. That flick last night was just sublime. I saw Maradona play in person at Wembley in 1981 when he was just coming into the Argentine national side and although England won, every time Maradona got the ball it was terrifying because you knew he could do stuff which the defenders couldn't deal with. Buendia has a similar ability to receive the ball under pressure and just step past a challenge and open things up. We are so lucky as City fans right now

I agree with this . I felt it was time for a substitution around the 65th minute mark. We were three one up and the game needed managing. I don't think we managed the game like we should have ... Naturally , if we had taken our chances we would have been out of sight. One thing ... their first goal was mainly down to our keeper Lakey...imho

Yeh MB was certainly frustrated, and I agree with the points he made. Leitner or Vrancic on earlier would’ve given fresh legs and more than likely gained us more control in midfield. I’ve never watched a game and not noticed Mo or Mario and that was exactly how I look back at the 2nd half of McLeans performance, just pretty anonymous. Also agree with the complacency in the crowd with the whole hat throwing nonsense. Hopefully the time for a party will come along soon (and a double one with the binners going the other way) but it’s far from a done deal yet, the players need and deserve our full support and concentration for the 90 mins.

Yes. looking very lonely down there... these are today's table v's same stage last year and points change.

It’s the way Farkes teams play, it’s not going to change. It’s also the reason we’ve scored some beautiful goals this season. Embrace and enjoy or come back once we change manager (at least 3 years time hopefully). Also it’s not faffing. It’s dominating possession, dictating play, making the opposition chase. It’s worked pretty well so far this season

Not making a scapegoat of him (have been very complimentary before) but am I not allowed to have any criticisms of tonight’s performance? This is a forum of opinions. Give yours but let me have mine. In my opinion we control the midfield better with Leitner or Vrancic starting. Also a lot around me commented on the tempo of our play at times, it was disjointed and often a bit plodding. I believe Leitner is a better player in midfield to set the tempo, knows when to speed the game up, play the quick ball and generally looks for the ball more often to get the play moving. This role was left to Trybull tonight leaving McLean all too often anonymous and putting the onus on Trybull to be the DM breaking up play but also to receive the ball from deep and start our moves (Leitners role).

Simon Lappin on radio Norfolk said McClean misplaced 2 passes all night ( his first 2 ) and then was outstanding ? Is somebody not very good because you want a different player in ? If my memory serves me correctly we have won every game since his return ?. He is keeping 2 of our best players ( Leitner and Vrancic ) out of the team, surely there should be no scapegoats in this squad of players, probably as good as we have ever had.

westcoast, you're a better fisherman than John Wilson!

The thing is that we are playing some more than decent sides, especially the last two games. Decent sides with some class and some expensive players. This includes more than a few forwards. One of their forwards tonight had a full England cap, yet for the most part he was neutralised and had a poor game. Are they expected just to lie down and give way to Norwich City just because we are top of the league and play some truly amazing football. Give way to our attacking prowess without a fight. The old adage that there's no easy games in the Championship becomes all the more relevant when faced with the constant fault finding of WC Canary. We are not perfect, no team is, but we happen to be top of the league. A league which contains squads, including defences ,that have cost many millions more than ours. Talking about glass half empty. This is not the time for blanket, and rather over-cooked, nitpicking complaint. It becomes, eventually, a ridiculous example of entitlement.

Well clearly they let teams into games more than we do as we have won more games.

Would have won 3-1 if that pre-match announcement hadn't been made... 🙃