Il Pirata
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Everything posted by Il Pirata
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I think we can rely on those late goals, actually. Since we're making a habit of doing it, we're clearly doing something that allows us to excel during late periods of games. We should have won on Saturday after a pretty torrid 70 minutes. Late goals are a sign of strong mental fortitude and belief, and I expect we will score a few more before the season is done. It's given us a competitive edge. Opposition players are mentally aware of our late goals, and seem to tactically regress as the game moves into the latter stages. Bristol City went from being on the front foot for most of the game, to being boxed in their own half for the last 10-15 minutes. That wasn't just Norwich upping their game, Bristol City's mentality changed and contributed.
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I’d make a few changes for Blackburn. Hernandez in for Cantwell, Klose and Hanley in for Zim and Godfrey. With a more experienced centre back pairing, I think you could drop Tettey for Leitner, and have him next to Vrancic. May sound a little expansive, but If it clicked it could be delightful to watch.
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If that is aimed towards me then I can tell you I’m not intending to make Krul a scapegoat. Can you even have a scapegoat after a good result?
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Possibly.. but he did get down in time, just didn’t deal with it. Just my opinion, but thought he should have got a firm hand to it.
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Good point that. Think we’ve been riding our luck a little recently, and we’ve been relying on a lot of young, inexperienced players. We were due a defeat, but saved a draw. We’ve got Hanley, Klose and Leitner ready to come back, I expect Hernandez to be restored to the line up too. We’re in good shape. Krul played well, but should have stopped the first goal.
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I’d expect them to turn it around at some point and find some form. Whether it’s in time to save themselves I don’t know. I’m sure Lambert will be able to pull in a few experienced players on loan to “help out” though. They’re desperate for sure. Some of the players linked are intresting, and it will be intriguing to see what Lambert does. Crouch, Getstede, Lansbury and Leadbitter have all been linked. All struggling for game time, and have a Lambert connection. So realistic and decent options on loan. -
A big blow. His passing ability helps to set the tempo of our play, whilst his presence brings out the best in Zimmerman. Without Klose, Zimmerman does struggle. Doesn't sound like Hanley will make it either, so over to Godfrey again. A back four with an average age under 21, Tettey will be vital tomorrow! Hopefully we have enough to get through the next two unbeaten, and then with a bit of luck we'll have the likes of Leitner, Klose, Mclean and Hanley fully fit for the new year. You never know, Jarvis could make an appearance! I do have this feeling he will still have a defining moment in a Norwich shirt... I think there's a script somewhere written for him.
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I’m inclined to agree. I think with Hanley, Klose, Leitner and Hernandez back in, we will be tighter and dare I say it, even better. Certainly against the top 8 sides, these players will be important.
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Not to pick holes. I thought Cantwell should have stopped the cross for the equalising goal. As class as he is, he does need to work on his defensive game I feel. I only mention it as I’ve seen him fall short a few times now in defensive postions, in particular tracking back effectively. If played centrally behind the striker it doesn’t matter so much. A postion I feel he’ll eventually occupy. But In the wider role he needs to support the fullback when required.
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I only said might. Jordan Rhodes definitely isn’t past his best, check out his goals against Villa earlier in the season. He’s a very nice alternative to have , who came on in both today’s and the Millwall game and contributed to an extra 5 points. I must be honest I didn’t realise you had Izzy Brown. He tore us to pieces a couple of years back whilst playing for Huddersfield in a 3-1 win at Carrow Road. So you potentially have a player ready to come in and improve you further. Mind you, you had all the stars in League One too.
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Well this might concern you. We had at least four first team players out injured, including our captain, and played a back four with an average age of twenty. Cantwell and Buendia both started too, and are also under twenty one. Further more, our marquee summer signing McLean has barely played due to injury, and is more or less fit and ready to challenge for the first team. Not to mention Jordan Rhodes who can’t get a game. We have at least another gear in us.
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I think he works well in the ten position. Look at his recent contributions from the bench and at Bournemouth in the cup. He takes the ball from the CDM, and plays killer passes for the striker and wider players to run onto. Last season in the CDM role he struggled. His ability for a defence splitting pass is wasted in a deep position, and can often result in a turnover of possession. Leitner's passing in the CDM role is different. It's quick and accurate, looking to pass to feet. He moves across the field and is nearly always available to take the ball off the back four and turn without getting caught in possession. Something Vrancic can be guilty of due to a lack of speed. For me Vrancic needs to be in an advanced position to be most effective. But he needs good service, something Leitner gives.
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These injuries are incredibly frustrating. Two big players out, and very hard to replace. I do wonder sometimes as to the actual severity of some injuries in modern football. I’m not suggesting the club, or any other for that matter, over exaggerates injuries, clearly that would be ludicrous. But with so much technology available to carry out quick, non invasive scans and exploratory work, perhaps the infinite level of detail can sometimes be misleading? Or rather present apparent problems that in reality are negligible to the player or his performance? It certainly wasn’t like this 10-15 years ago. I remember Worthington literally putting the same 11 out near enough week in, week out, during our play off final campaign in 2002. Anyway, I think it’ll be Cantwell and Trybull to start tomorrow. I’d like Vrancic to play, but his postion is the 10 role, which Steipermann currently occupies. Can’t see him playing wide or in the CDM role. Without Leitner and Hernandez, it could be a war of attrition tomorrow. OTBC.
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I think that’s a little harsh to say he was well off the pace. He’s barely had chance yet. He came very highly rated, with Celtic were keen on him. Hopefully he shows what he’s got soon, we certainly can’t rely on Leitner all season.
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Which Red Button game shall I watch tonight?
Il Pirata replied to ricardo's topic in Main Discussion - Norwich City
Booing at Portman road! -
Which Red Button game shall I watch tonight?
Il Pirata replied to ricardo's topic in Main Discussion - Norwich City
Just flicked over to Portman Road from Villa Park.. thought the sound on my tele had packed in.. -
We did miss Leitner, he’s pivotal to Farkes system. We have plenty of midfield options, but truth is no one available to do what Leitner does. Hopefully McLean is the like for like replacement to relieve some of the burden. The sooner he’s fit, the better.
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https://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Bundesliga/why-didier-deschamps-should-call-up-sebastien-haller-for-france-eintracht-frankfurt-517962.jsp Remember when we were close to signing this guy? Top of the goal scoring charts and assists in Germany and likely to be hot property with Europe's elite in January. We ended up with Naismith instead..😅
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I actually think we got stronger as the game wore on, Hull looked noticeably more tired. I don't recall thinking we looked 'leggy,' with the exception of possibly Pukki. I do agree that rotation may help improve the team though. Not sure I'd make more than two changes, but one change I would make for Saturday is Vrancic for Steiperman. I think we can afford a bit more creative flair at home to Rotherham, and Vrancic plays a brilliant through ball which could be key against a well organised and tight defensive unit. Other than that, Leitner come's back in if fit.
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I'm surprised that there's a slightly negative vibe following last nights draw. Personally I'm delighted with a point, and to come away from two back to back away games at opposite ends of the country in a short period of time with 4 points is brilliant. There were still times last night where our quality shown through, in particular when Vrancic came on. lots of incisive one touch play, and the way we pinned Hull back in the last ten minutes in search a winner speaks volumes with regard to team confidence. Personally I felt it was only a matter of time until we nicked it. That's a nice feeling, considering in tight away games like this the feeling is nearly always the opposite! Sitting at the top we have made ourselves a target. But the players seem unaffected, which is hugely encouraging. We've got through two tough away games unbeaten, and given ourselves the foundation to attack the next two league games at Carrow Road. This is exciting, and I can't wait for Saturday!
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I wouldn’t label it a clanger, but he should have done better with it. Krul does have a habbit of pushing the ball back into dangerous areas after a save. Though in this case it was a spill not a save. Still, to reiterate my point, I wouldn’t change him.
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I’m sceptical about Krul. He doesn’t seem half the GK he was during his time at Newcastle. Injuries curtailed his time there, and basically since 2016 he’s barely played any competitive football. At thirty he should be in his prime. But clearly confidence is an issue, probably due to previous injuries. However, his link up and organisational play is a key part in Farkes tactical game. He does make plenty of saves too, although none that really stand out as anything more than routine. I wouldn’t look to change Krul, and I don’t think Farke will. Despite a few clangers, he’s part of a winning formula. But that could change the second one costs points.
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Leitner is probably the most important player for us, but unlikely to get the same recognition from fans as other players, certainly in terms of POTS. If awarded now, Pukki would win it hands down. Ask the players, they’d probably give it Leitner or Tettey.
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To add, we have to resist any bids for players in January. Pukki, Leitner, Hernandez and Buendia most certainly are on the radar of other clubs. Lose one or two of that lot, and it’ll severely damage our promotion aspirations.
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This league is so unpredictable. On paper we have a decent run of fixtures coming up, but there’s sure to be twists and turns. Hull away is tougher than the league table suggests, a decent side if they click. Rotherham at home is likely to be frustrating for periods, patience will be key. Looking at the table and current form, the top seven look strong and could start to pull away from the rest. A group that contains all the big favourites, with the exception of Villa, It’s going to be an extremely tough ask for Norwich to stay in contention. But at the same time, we’re there on merit and showing no signs of cracking.
