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Showing content with the highest reputation on 25/08/21 in all areas

  1. 19 points
    Much like we aren't playing Man City every game we aren't playing a hacked up Bournemouth. This place is insane sometimes.
  2. 11 points
    Mrs Ricardo said "don't forget your lights", as we biked off down to CR this evening to run the rule over some of the new boys. Lucas Rupp was the only survivor from Saturdays debacle so I surmised it might be a bit of a "getting to know you" game. As I was soon to discover, it was anything but, and from the off everything looked nicely in synch. There was little of note in the opening exchanges with Sargent bustling clear on the right to win a corner while at the other end a long ball from the left went right across the City six yard box without anyone getting a touch. However we didn't have long to wait for some real action as on 12 minutes McLean floated a long pass into space for Tzolis to run on to and the Greek lad was cool as a cucumber, taking the ball in his stride and guiding it past the keeper with the help of a slight deflection. I have found over the years that it really doesn't take long to see if a young player has got what it takes and although I don't want to go over the top with Tzolis, anyone who couldn't see what I saw tonight is really wasting their time watching football. We were treated to it again on 25 minutes when his speed of thought and action found time for Dowell to set up Kenny McLean to thrash a twenty yarder just inside Nyland's left post. Bournemouth had dominated possession but never really got within striking range as City picked them apart with some deft passes. Tzolis was panicking the visitors defence by looking to run off the defenders shoulder everytime City came forward and it was no surpise just after the half hour when his sharp cross found Rupp on the penalty spot to slam a in a third with the keeper helpless. I don't want it to sound like a one man show because there were excellent contributions from Dowell and Sargent, while at the back Mumba, Zimbo, Williams and Omobamidelle were solid and seldom under any pressure and Sorenson was calmness itself in the centre of the park. However the real buzz came when the ball reached Tzolis, he just seemed capable of making things happen. I posted on the Pinkun thread at half time about his speed, balance and control, its hard to put into words but to me he just looks every inch a footballer. Wow! whoever scouted him should get a big Xmas bonus. I wondered if the second half would live up to it but if anything City whipped the ball about even quicker and we were treated to some really good stuff. Dowell picked up a stray pass 30 yards out and his cute ball left Tzolis with a run on goal. Nyland managed to get a hand on it but Sargent was on hand to tuck in the deflection to get his own scoreboard up and running. Fifteen minutes later the big strker returned the favour by winning the ball on the edge of the Bournemouth area and sliding a low ball across for Tzolis to ram in his second of the night. With a quarter of an hour to go nobody would have blamed Tzolis for going for his hat trick when bursting through on the left but he unselfishly fed Sargent who bundled home the sixth goal of the night. He might well have got his third but the next time he burst away he was just off target. Hmm, human after all. Gianoullis, Idah and Gilmour all had little cameo's but I can really only talk about one man tonight. As my son remarked as we were leaving, "wherever did the find him for that price"? Oh where indeed. I got wet on the ride back but it was well worth a soaking to witness that.
  3. 8 points
  4. 5 points
    If you have a problem, If no one else can help And if you can find them Maybe you can hire the B-team!
  5. 5 points
    Did his left foot look okay?
  6. 4 points
    Back from the game and trying to let the buzz get out of my head. Was a great atmosphere in the upper Barclay even if we had only just over 20k in the ground. Reminded me of some of the games in the late '90's as a 16/17 year old when we were getting 16-17k at most, yet still rocking the ground, even if we lost! Anyway, attempting some reasonable observations. Gunn - had one save all night, a header from a player that had to shove Mumba into the ground to win, straight at him. Other than that, a very quiet game for him. His passing and long balls were accurate, at times clipping nice balls out to Mumba and Williams who were often in acres of space. Put a few long ones onto Sargent's head too. Mumba - some of the skill... wow. Just turning players with ease. Solid enough game, has a real turn of pace. Almost seems like he is toying with opposition attackers at times, letting them get level with him, or even a bit past him and then boom, off he goes and leaves them for dead. He's very nearly there, without me being able to put a finger on exactly what it is that makes me feel he is a little off Aarons yet. I would go with others in saying that he put in a very good performance. Zimmerman - a rock. Of the two CB's on the night, by far the better, as you'd expect of a player with much experience. Calm, collected, lead well. Considering folks feel he is slow, he wasn't beaten for pace once that I can recall. And he did have a few foot races to win. He's strong and physical as ever. From what we could see, he got a yellow because the ref sympathised with Bournemouth for bouncing off him a lot. Pinged some lovely long range passes. Lots of praise but I don't expect him to dislodge Hanley or Gibson at this point in time. Omobamidele - clearly a very talented youngster. Very calm though I feel at times, a little too calm. He played some hospital balls to Williams and against better opposition would have been punished for them. Needs to know when to just punt it to relieve pressure and when intricate passing is only good for so long if you play yourself into danger. Solid otherwise, quick, nothing really troubled him. I don't see him pushing Hanley or Gibson aside either, but like Zimmemann, he is enough of a unit to be able to push back. Williams - quality. Considering he has only been with the squad for a couple of days he took to it like he had been around for months. AND considering both he and Tzolis (whoop whoop) had such a good understanding. Overlapping, underlapping... he was unlucky not to get on the score sheet himself. Very neat and tidy and he knows how to get tight to a player and ruffle some feathers. Very clever little player. Good passer, good mover and constantly looking to be open for the ball. He and Tzolis had the left hand side sewn up all night. A real dilemma for Farke here. I can see him starting Vs Leicester. He certainly has a shout for it that's for sure. McLean - At this point I think it's important to point out that you could name two or three men of the match. McLean is one. Absolutely on fire, stood out head and shoulders, popping up all over the pitch defensively and in forward positions, tackling, passing - always on the move. If he doesn't start Vs Leicester I'll eat Farke's coat. He looks stronger too, really bustled hard and kept the others gee'd up. Rupp - solid if unspectacular. He seemed to do more of the mopping up but was instrumental to our passing and moving and played some very good balls. I think I can see why people mistakenly don't rate him, he sort of has a quiet way of going about his role. I felt he had a solid game but if it's between him and McLean Vs Leicester, on this performance, there is no argument, it has to be McLean. It was good for him to get a goal, and a finely taken one too. He is a hard worker and gets a fair bit of clattering which wasn't always picked up on by the utterly useless ref tonight - more on that in a bit. Sorensen - again, like Rupp, quietly gets on with his job, but he did it very well. His reading of the game and positioning is superb. At one point rather than go diving in like Mumba and Dowell had down the right hand side, he held a line down the edge of the penalty area when many would have gone straight out to the ball and left the right hand channel of the penalty area vacant. The player took him on and failed. Had he had closed him down, the player only had to knock it past him and he had a free run, albeit on an angle, into the area. Made Pearson look like the mug he is. On this showing I certainly think Sorensen has what it takes but it might be a bit of an adjustment to step up against better opposition. He certainly has the passing range, composure and intelligence to do it. Not sure he will push for a start Vs Leicester. Tzolis - MotM. Two goals, two assists and a shot Nyland could only push into the feet of Sargent. I don't want to get too excited, but it is really hard not to. He has a bit of everything, he's happy to go down the line and cross, he's happy to take on his man, he's happy to cut inside, he's the right mixture of selfish and selfless and he has a lot of confidence... a second half shot from well within his own half had the legs but not the height. Would have been a spectacular third. He's calm, he knows when to use his skill and when not to. He tracks back - something we were told not to expect. He's strong, he's physical. At times he reminded me a little of a young Wayne Rooney... albeit a midfield version. The caveat to all of this is that he is still a little raw at times. At others, he is just sheer brilliance. The assist for Sargent at the end shows he puts the team first, it certainly was a pass too. And he fizzed a delightful ball into Rupp to score when many would have just played it hard and low into the edge of the six yard area. He and Williams were superb down the left, as mentioned earlier. Part of me really, really wants him to start against Leicester, but I will sort of understand why Farke might not - but surely, surely you can't leave out a player that has scored two and assisted two including one where he denied himself a hat-trick in preference of a sure goal for a team mate. Was being double marked by the end of the game. He certainly earned his WHOOOP WHOOOP tonight! Dowell - first half Dowell was exceptional, at times reminding me a bit of Maddison. Played some brilliant balls and got up and down the pitch well. I felt he faded a bit as the 2nd half wore on. Very neat and tidy, lots of nice movement and some lovely exchanges with Tzolis, McLean, Rupp and Sargent going forwards. I am a fan of his, just a big big dilemma for Farke with the attacking side of the line up now. Sargent - again, on any other day could rightfully be crowned MotM. Hard working, bustling, fast, got two feet. Won headers and flick ons. Shrugged off players with ease. New when to keep fighting and go down, on one occasion kept going despite being pulled, for another ten yards before going down to get a free kick on the edge of the area rather than 30 yards out. Very clever player, full of running and appears to know where to be in the box at the right time following up shots. Again, selfless, setting up team mates. There were a couple of times where I felt he could have found pockets of space when the Bournemouth defence was stretched with on of the CB's being pulled wide by the combined efforts of Dowell/Mumba and Tzolis/Williams were really pulling them out of shape. He'd stay on his CB rather than making a dart into the space vacated by the other CB forcing his marker to make a choice in sticking or going with. Shouldn't be done all of the time, I just felt a couple of breaks he could have done that and we would have broken them down again. Very good debut and two goals, the result of good movement and following up. At times was a bit Holt-esque, at others even a little Ashton-esque. Another dilemma for Farke, stick or twist with Pukki? General plus points - our corners were dangerous. We were winning headers, the balls were consistently getting past the first player and causing discomfort for Bournemouth. In this regard, we certainly do not miss Buendia... sorry, we just don't. For the little amount of time some of these players have had together, it was really quite some performance. I know people will downplay this by suggesting it wasn't Bournemouth's strongest line up and that it's just the cup... but I don't believe for a minute that they turned up to get stuffed as badly as they did. Pearson - some people on here have suggested, in the recent past, that we should get him as our DM. On his showing tonight, get me a gym membership and I'll do it. Utter sh!te! Barely broke into a sprint, barely left the centre circle, rarely passed more than 5yards. Offered little to no protection. I just do not see what Bournemouth saw in him. Honestly, he may as well have just been a chap having a stroll in the park. Did absolutely nothing useful that I could see, certainly didn't really give his defence much of a screen. So yeah, 6-0... much to ponder. Farke has some real dilemma's on his hands. Can you leave Tzolis out of the next starting line up? Can you leave Sargent out after scoring two and assisting one? Will Farke drop the previously dependable Pukki? Who does he drop out of Rashica and Cantwell if he believes Tzolis has done too well to leave out? Williams has a good shout too, but has Giannoulis really been bad enough to drop? McLean in for Rupp for me, not sure there is that great a dilemma there, although Gilmour was a little wayward when he came on. If I had one quibble it'd be that at times we close down a bit too quickly... I know that sounds a bit daft, but a couple of times they almost broke past us because we went too them too quickly meaning that they could knock and run past or pass it quickly and leave us dead. One time Sorensen read it and stopped them, on another Gunn had to make a save, though straight at him. Tzolis put in a block-tackle to cut out a cross too. Against better opposition that could be exploited. I suppose I should throw in a minor quibble too in that at times we overplayed it at the back resulting in us playing ourselves into danger. I can't remember the last time Farke genuinely had this sort of decision to make with so many good candidates to pick from. Like I say, I don't wish to get carried away, and I won't, but boy was it a good game to be at. Edit - forgot the ref: Seemed to let the game flow, though there wasn't much for him to do... which might explain why he gave Zimmermann a yellow card for getting shoved about, still managing to win the ball and then waltz away with it. It almost seemed like sympathy for Bournemouth, I mean it must of bean, it was never a foul, let alone a yellow. The tackle on Mumba on the other hand, from behind, sliding tackle... straight yellow, not even given as a foul. As if to make matters worse he couldn't have moved any slower to get over to the clearly in pain Mumba, and then took a very long time to let the physio on, as if almost to say "it aint nuffink get up yer wimp" - there aren't physios in Sunday League but I have seen speedier responses for injured players than that even if it's just a manky old bucket with rain water and a sponge last used on a filth tractor. Not particularly impressed is an understatement. Also missed a rather nasty kick from behind on Rupp.
  7. 4 points
    I was really impressed with Williams, him and Tzolis were like a marriage made in heaven down that left side, would start them both Sat
  8. 3 points
    That is truly inspiring. In fact I just made a poster saying “can I have one week of your wages? which I’m taking to the Leicester game 😊
  9. 3 points
    I tried the same thing with Kylie and her underwear. I simply got ejected!
  10. 3 points
    Going to be slightly controversial here, but I think Mumba is going to go on to be better than Aarons......
  11. 3 points
    I actually think Placheta would have looked dangerous in that team last night as we played more on the counter-attack. Hernandez is good in the Championship but you'd think both Tzolis and Rashica can cause the problems at Premier League level he doesn't always do (Project Restart notwithstanding). On a human level, it'll be sad to see Onel go. A guy who loves it so much he gets it tattooed clearly has an affinity with the regime that's priceless in many ways, but as Vrancic and Stiepermann found out, it's a fair leap up to the Premier and there's no time for sentimentality. But if he does go, I'm sure he'll be remembered as fondly as the other two.
  12. 3 points
    Like I have pointed out in the past he has excelled at doing all the things you want a striker to do.. work hard, bring others into play, all of it. He has just consistently lacked service. Hopefully you guys can get him that service. As an outside observer I thought it was tactically questionable to not start him against City but maybe its better for the long haul. He has done grunt work a long time and against better sides maybe that is better for Pukki. Keep matches tight. Let Sargent work his tail off and bring on Pukki, who is definitely capable of being clinical for the final 20 minutes to nick results that people will write off beforehand. I have no idea what he will become but Im excited to see him get a chance in a league that I think he can do a good job in. If nothing else he can be a scrapper. There is definitely room for that in teams needing to scrap. Like I alluded I think that will help an aging Pukki be the best he can be as well. Very interested to see how you do on the weekend. I suspect he wont start mainly cause Pukki has earned the chance to lead the line out of the gate. Incredibly hard start to the season. I do think that come week 4..there is real opportunity to put the nail in Mikel Arteta's coffin.
  13. 3 points
    I was sitting more or less in line with that in the 2nd half with the ball played towards me (we switched seats to be near my father in law for the 2nd half, like the naughty lads we were). As Ricardo says, a think of beauty... just stunning. Spinning through the air with the whip and movement only the outside of the boot can create, the floodlights glittering off the fine rain soaked artificial surface of the ball. That wonderful "punk" sound when the ball is hit that way. The fizz of the spinning ball through the air. The gasp and then applause of the crowd. I may have shouted "YESSSS" very loudly.
  14. 3 points
    Because they hammered Bournemouth's U21s? Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
  15. 2 points
    Well done to the Club last night not only for an excellent football performance but for getting 20,000 people in the ground at prices which gave everyone including young people a chance to see many of the new signings. This was the Clubs best affordable football success since the subsidised bus trips to Wigan. The turnstiles in the South Stand worked well too. It just leaves the questions as to why one of the most travelled sets of supporters in the country have a pay wall for away ticket access and will be charging a standard adult casual price of £48 this Saturday for a match at which £30 was charged only 18 months ago?
  16. 2 points
    When I was a wee lad and went with my grandad, we used to get there at 130. Literally as soon as the turnstiles opened we went in. Used to read the programme and watch the players warm up. Sad we grow up and times change 😔
  17. 2 points
    Home draw against Championship team or lower would be good. Another game for a tenner, bumper crowd, opportunity to shuffle the squad about a bit.
  18. 2 points
    You ejected or got ejected.. either way, that's a win in my book with Kylie's help!
  19. 2 points
    in the old days, it was just a deep lying playmaker. now every role has a fancy name
  20. 2 points
    Ipswich have also been busy in the transfer window by the looks of it.
  21. 2 points
    It's Knorr Witch isn't it? Like a stock cube spellcaster
  22. 2 points
    Jollis it is. Good to see that cleared up.......might start a new thread on it..........
  23. 2 points
    I think we've probably outgrown Argos which is a shame. Placheta I just don't think is anywhere near good enough, especially now you see what we've brought in.
  24. 2 points
    People on here could never get Houghton right either.
  25. 2 points
    You need to travel a bit if you think that studying the quality of clothing you've purchased is a first world problem. Even in the poorest areas of the world they appreciate and seek quality garments - for many it's what puts food on the table, and the only indicator of status they have. Over-judgemental keyboard warriors though, that IS a genuine first world problem, so congrats on adding yourself to that pile.
  26. 2 points
    He only is 63 rated silver rated card on FIFA, sure he is what we need ? Only 65 pace to.
  27. 2 points
    No, no and no. With Ajer it apparently was not only one or two million more, and as far as I am aware he is not the prime example - he is the only example. We certainly ended up paying a fair bit more than we originally offered, and quite possibly more than we intended, for Sargent and Tzolis. And Lotus replaced BK8 so we didn't lose all the £5m. Added to which if we'd kept BK8 we probably would have lost the money from other sponsors.
  28. 2 points
    Missed these reports Ricardo. Excellent as always.
  29. 2 points
    I also noticed he had a bit of bite. More than once did he give a player an impolite shove as he pressed. Not afraid of the physical aspect despite his years. And Williams doesn’t mind leaving a bit in either. I like it.
  30. 2 points
  31. 2 points
    I heard he was s*** and a waste of money, before he signed, maybe I misheard.
  32. 2 points
    Love your write ups Ricardo, they are legendary now. I only wish I could come remotely as close with your use of words. Better than I have seen in professional publications. This in spades. I am really trying, like REALLY TRYING... but boy oh boy. No, STOP IT! It was almost pinch yourself stuff tonight. Not because he is the complete article just yet, but like Farke says... this is him NOW, at 19... FUDGE! Must. Stop. Typing. About. Tzolis. He was a bit good wasn't he? Just a bit..
  33. 2 points
    Thought he was fantastic, worked really hard and his close control was good. Looks capable of scoring ‘ugly’ goals because he’s willing to get into the box and throw himself on the end of things. 21 and with Farke should get better, a potentially great bit of business.
  34. 2 points
    Realistically, I think McClean and Williams probably starting. The rest will be as you were but Tzolis and Sargent are hammering at the door.
  35. 2 points
  36. 2 points
    Pretty much the whole model relies on this kind of transfer. Hate to break it to some of you, but Tzolis and Rashica didn't grow up dreaming of Carrow Road. We got 3 (?) years out of Emi, witnessed some fantastic moments, and turned a huge profit. Hopefully, that profit helps us to the next level..
  37. 2 points
    i'm so bored of this... If you want to support a "club" that is an investment enterprise for the sovereign wealth of fubar middle eastern country - feel free to f**k off. We don't have 100m to invest in one player - f**king get used it.. We can't compete on/off the pitch with Liverpool and Man City - what a surprise. If you can't deal with reality then stick to computer games.
  38. 1 point
    We need to win or there will be calls to ban us from the competition for not trying.
  39. 1 point
    Used to love getting in there early, finding your favourite spot and watch as the ground gradually filled up until the bulk of the ground was full 30 minutes before kick off, atmosphere building all the time, the noise building up to when the teams come out. Now it's either go and quietly sit in your place until five minutes before kick off, or go into a concrete bunker for pre-match "atmosphere". Much better to have the atmosphere in the ground rather than in the half light of the concourse.
  40. 1 point
    Well I'm going, just to stop some plastic having my seat.
  41. 1 point
    Just remember you won't be classed as double jabbed until 2 weeks after your 2nd jab. Get the NHS app, if you haven't already your covid passport can be activated in there.
  42. 1 point
    National 35,847 - 149 rate of Increase 12.1% (7 days) slight decrease from yesterday Local Norwich infection rate 355.9 down 1.4% on the week (16 patients in N&N ( updated to 17th Aug)) Vax 1st Dose 55,410 87.9% done Norwich numbers 76.6% 2nd Dose 130,676 77.4% done 64.1% In Hospital (fairly static) 24-08-2021 6,874 23-08-2021 6,955 22-08-2021 6,689 21-08-2021 6,481 20-08-2021 6,475 19-08-2021 6,468 18-08-2021 6,429
  43. 1 point
    I'm not sure Normann is making the right noises for me. IF he's reluctant to come on the basis that he doesn't want to drop down a league and already looking for a get out clause, then I would steer clear. We need a lot more commitment than that if we are to break our transfer record on him. The videos I've seen of him seem to highlight dribbling skills rather than tackling ability. Looks a very good player but not what we are after right now?
  44. 1 point
    You ever considered guesting on Talksport?
  45. 1 point
    Always Used to spell Kevin Muscat ****ing ****
  46. 1 point
    People used to always spell Steve Morrison incorrectly too. Probably because they're so used to Morison supermarket. (Well, if other people are out fishing, I'll have a go).
  47. 1 point
    I like Onel and would be happy to keep hold of him as a squad player but the harsh truth with these two is their end product is lacking for premier league level.
  48. 1 point
    Its not how football works, but I imagine 2 or 3 have forced themselves into starting. - McLean - Williams - One of Tzolis / Sargent One of the main players tonight was Rupp and some of the people already saying play the same 11 said Rupp wasn't good enough to play for us after Man City so im already seeing double standards.
  49. 1 point
    French report that a 'newly promoted team' is after Mahdi Camara. He is an excellent young defensive midfielder and as Watford and Brentford have both already signed new defensive midfielders, it feels most likely it is Norwich in for him. https://www.leprogres.fr/sport/2021/08/24/mercato-a-l-asse-des-clubs-prets-a-degainer-pour-mahdi-camara
  50. 1 point
    Emi would have made no difference to the results of the opening 2 games had he stayed.
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