Ricardo's report v Wigan

[ricardo 7,395]

Another warm and sunny day here in NR2 in what seems to be the longest succession of warm and sunny days that I can remember. it hasn't rained here for so long that I've almost forgotten what rain feels like and I expect people will be dancing in the streets when it finally breaks. Here in the great East Anglian desert, Carrow Road looked a lush green Oasis as the teams came out and you could sense a certain level of disappointment when the only new face on display was that of Nunez. Some classy turns and quick passes from the Chile international caught the eye early on as City called the tune straight from the kick off.

The class difference was apparent early on as the home side probed down both wings and Gianoullis had the first effort high and wide in the second minute. Then Pukki found time to turn in the area but a Wigan boot blocked his shot away. Then a Nunez shot was just off target but deflected off Cantwell and went the wrong side of the post.  A series of corners added to the pressure and when Rashica again found the City talisman on the right side of the box a stinging low shot beat Amos but skimmed a foot wide of the far post.

On the quarter hour some more neat work from Rashica and Nunez ended with a one on one and although the Kosovan got the ball over the keeper, a defender was on hand to head away. It was a promising opening and nearly all one way stuff with virtually nothing coming back from the visitors. That changed just after the midway stage when Sorensen appeared to be pushed over from behind while Mr. Donohue, saw nothing amiss and suddenly a totally exposed Tim Krul had to bring off a point blank block to save the day.

The game quickly resumed its familiar pattern with City continuing to press and Nunez was a trifle unlucky to see his shot from the eighteen yard line just just curl a foot wide of Amos's right post. It appeared to be just a matter of time before the home side stamped their authority on the game with a goal, but having seen this sort of thing play out so many times over the years I was not surprised when the opening goal came at the other end. City should have easily cleared from their left back position but a poor pass from Gibson was cut out and suddenly the ball was in the centre of the box at McLeans feet and not a City defender within ten yards. Needless to say a player of his experience will score from there nine times out of ten and this wasn't time number ten.

All very disappointing and it took the wind out of the home sides sails for the rest of the half. Just before the break however, McLean had a free header from a corner but could only loop it over the bar.

City had looked a class above and had the lions share of the play but had twice given the ball away in their own half and had paid the penalty for it. Wigan had not looked a threat but had been solid and rugged in defence and had taken their chance when it came. The crowd voiced their disaproval with a few boo's as the whistle went and I confess I joined in, more out of frustration than anything else.

City need to cut out the gifts if they were to get back in the game but the signs were not good when just after the restart, Gibson again presented the ball to Keane and Krul again had to come to the rescue blocking Megennis's shot at the foot of the left post. The crowd were certainly getting restive now and there was a long delay when Gianoullis went down with what appeared to be an ankle injury and was eventually replaced by McCallum, Hernandez also replaced Sorensen at the same time. Soon after the restart the ball was worked down the left and Pukki layed it on to Rashica who calmly touched it into the path of Aarons, who  coming in from the right, slammed a low shot through the keeper and into the net to restore parity.

From here on it was a game of defence against attack with City going close on several occassions. Sinani and Sargent came on for Nunez and Rashica as the pressure mounted and it looked like Pukki had done it when he latched onto Cantwell's pass but the shot came off the underside of the bar and nobody could scramble it home. The time wasting was on another level with the Wigan keeper outdoing anything I have ever seen from Tim Krul and the ref didn't help matters with some cockeyed decisions. Aarons was taken out with a wild tackle and then Kenny appeared to be pushed in the back but Mr. Donohue remained oblivious. I must admit I did get slightly agitated at this stage which is not really very good for the old ticker at my time of life.

Ten minutes were added but Wigan successfully $hithou$ed most of it and so we are left with the usual very average start to a Championship campaign that has become something of a trade mark over recent years. We are clearly a class above most in this league but we must learn to be more savvy if we are going to garner sufficient points for a promotion challenge this season.

[ricardo 7,395]

Just seen a replay of the Aarons penalty incident, I was right to get agitated. Penalty and red card all day long on VAR.

Ref should be hung drawn and quartered.

[Robert N. LiM 4,388]

My view on the TV was pretty much the same as yours at the ground, @ricardo. Good report as always.

[hogesar 9,677]

Good report,  thanks R

[keelansgrandad 6,679]

10 minutes ago, ricardo said:

Just seen a replay of the Aarons penalty incident, I was right to get agitated. Penalty and red card all day long on VAR.

Ref should be hung drawn and quartered.

Where do you sit? Did you have a good view of the Aarons foul? Apparently the Ref who was staring at it was the only one who didn't see it.

[ricardo 7,395]

36 minutes ago, keelansgrandad said:

Where do you sit? Did you have a good view of the Aarons foul? Apparently the Ref who was staring at it was the only one who didn't see it.

I confess I am a hundred yards away but it looked obvious from our end. Looking at the replay the reaction of the Wigan players suggest they know they got away with one.

[AJ 1,222]

I thought it was an obvious pen, possibly a red in real time. The reply is just horrible though. How did the ref not clearly see that given he was barely 10 feet away from the incident?! Frustrating, but in reality not the real reason we didn't win today, we need to be better at putting the ball in the net. Should have been 2 or 3 up at half time

[CardiffCanary 128]

As always a good report and good to read someone who has a balanced head on their shoulders and has been watching Norwich longer than 5 years ! Sadly the teenagers on here don’t remember a time when we didn’t waltz to victory every home game.

thank you as ever Ricardo for those who couldn’t make it today 

otbc

[Van wink 2,994]

Thanks for the report, had missed reading these over the summer. I was struck by the lack of communication at times, Gibson caught in possession on a couple of occasions and not a shout in sight. Really need to strengthen this position or all our potential going forward could be scuppered by poor defence

Edited August 6, 2022 by Van wink

[Canaries north 151]

A fair review. It's a difficult one today. Yes we looked better than at Cardiff but let's be honest, it would be difficult to look worse. We still didn't test their goalkeeper anyway near enough for the possession and territorial advantage we had and as per usual had a howler at the back. I can see why some people are happy with the performance if not the result but I can also see the other side, as in the team we played against we should be beating hands down. We really need to get a win, even an ugly one just to give the squad and the fans a bit of confidence. 

Edited August 6, 2022 by Canaries north

[ricardo 7,395]

1 minute ago, Canaries north said:

A fair review. It's a difficult one today. Yes we looked better than Cardiff but let's be honest, it would be difficult to look worse. We still didn't test their goalkeeper anyway near enough for the possession and territorial advantage we had and as per usual had a howler at the back. I can see why some people are happy with the performance if not the result but I can also see the other side, as in the team we played against we should be beating hands down. We really need to get a win, even an ugly one just to give the squad and the fans a bit of confidence. 

There's always a few frustrating games like this every season. If we hadn't  looked a class above, I would have been concerned, but we did and I am not. I fully expect the team to gel as things settle down. Nunez looks a real find and if Sara is anything of a similar calibre then the only way is up. We have been slow starters in most recent Championship seasons so this is nothing to be over concerned with yet. We have the players to do the job if Smith can get them all firing together. Things can and do go wrong but I am a long way from the panic mode that seems to be thr prime reaction of some on here.

 

 

 

 

[Canaries north 151]

Agree again. That said the main worry for me is with a manager who has had these same players at his disposal for a long time now he can't get a win against a very poor Wigan. I'm still hopeful it will change but must admit in not feeling it with Smith. 

[Midlands Yellow 3,995]

5 hours ago, ricardo said:

Another warm and sunny day here in NR2 in what seems to be the longest succession of warm and sunny days that I can remember. it hasn't rained here for so long that I've almost forgotten what rain feels like and I expect people will be dancing in the streets when it finally breaks. Here in the great East Anglian desert, Carrow Road looked a lush green Oasis as the teams came out and you could sense a certain level of disappointment when the only new face on display was that of Nunez. Some classy turns and quick passes from the Chile international caught the eye early on as City called the tune straight from the kick off.

The class difference was apparent early on as the home side probed down both wings and Gianoullis had the first effort high and wide in the second minute. Then Pukki found time to turn in the area but a Wigan boot blocked his shot away. Then a Nunez shot was just off target but deflected off Cantwell and went the wrong side of the post.  A series of corners added to the pressure and when Rashica again found the City talisman on the right side of the box a stinging low shot beat Amos but skimmed a foot wide of the far post.

On the quarter hour some more neat work from Rashica and Nunez ended with a one on one and although the Kosovan got the ball over the keeper, a defender was on hand to head away. It was a promising opening and nearly all one way stuff with virtually nothing coming back from the visitors. That changed just after the midway stage when Sorensen appeared to be pushed over from behind while Mr. Donohue, saw nothing amiss and suddenly a totally exposed Tim Krul had to bring off a point blank block to save the day.

The game quickly resumed its familiar pattern with City continuing to press and Nunez was a trifle unlucky to see his shot from the eighteen yard line just just curl a foot wide of Amos's right post. It appeared to be just a matter of time before the home side stamped their authority on the game with a goal, but having seen this sort of thing play out so many times over the years I was not surprised when the opening goal came at the other end. City should have easily cleared from their left back position but a poor pass from Gibson was cut out and suddenly the ball was in the centre of the box at McLeans feet and not a City defender within ten yards. Needless to say a player of his experience will score from there nine times out of ten and this wasn't time number ten.

All very disappointing and it took the wind out of the home sides sails for the rest of the half. Just before the break however, McLean had a free header from a corner but could only loop it over the bar.

City had looked a class above and had the lions share of the play but had twice given the ball away in their own half and had paid the penalty for it. Wigan had not looked a threat but had been solid and rugged in defence and had taken their chance when it came. The crowd voiced their disaproval with a few boo's as the whistle went and I confess I joined in, more out of frustration than anything else.

City need to cut out the gifts if they were to get back in the game but the signs were not good when just after the restart, Gibson again presented the ball to Keane and Krul again had to come to the rescue blocking Megennis's shot at the foot of the left post. The crowd were certainly getting restive now and there was a long delay when Gianoullis went down with what appeared to be an ankle injury and was eventually replaced by McCallum, Hernandez also replaced Sorensen at the same time. Soon after the restart the ball was worked down the left and Pukki layed it on to Rashica who calmly touched it into the path of Aarons, who  coming in from the right, slammed a low shot through the keeper and into the net to restore parity.

From here on it was a game of defence against attack with City going close on several occassions. Sinani and Sargent came on for Nunez and Rashica as the pressure mounted and it looked like Pukki had done it when he latched onto Cantwell's pass but the shot came off the underside of the bar and nobody could scramble it home. The time wasting was on another level with the Wigan keeper outdoing anything I have ever seen from Tim Krul and the ref didn't help matters with some cockeyed decisions. Aarons was taken out with a wild tackle and then Kenny appeared to be pushed in the back but Mr. Donohue remained oblivious. I must admit I did get slightly agitated at this stage which is not really very good for the old ticker at my time of life.

Ten minutes were added but Wigan successfully $hithou$ed most of it and so we are left with the usual very average start to a Championship campaign that has become something of a trade mark over recent years. We are clearly a class above most in this league but we must learn to be more savvy if we are going to garner sufficient points for a promotion challenge this season.

Fair, accurate and amusing as always Ricardo. Keep them flowing throughout 22/23. 

[Hank shoots Skyler 2,094]

6 hours ago, ricardo said:

The crowd voiced their disaproval with a few boo's as the whistle went and I confess I joined in, more out of frustration than anything else.

Wait 'til Badger hears about this...

[Faded Jaded Semi Plastic SOB 1,024]

Great report as usual Ricardo. The things I took from the game were 1) How mentally fragile we seem, we started brightly and I was surprised at how much conceding affected us. 2) Rashica offers nothing, he looks like he does not want to be here and to be honest after two games offering nothing I do not want him to be here.......

 

[dylanisabaddog 4,931]

@ricardo man of the match? Who do you think? 

[Helsinki canary 242]

Thanks for the great report as usual! Agree it was a nailed on penalty and red card. Seconds later I thought it was Sargent pushed in the back not Mclean but I might be wrong. The ref hides behind the “he got the ball” but clearly doesn’t understand the rules as the follow through was “extremely dangerous play”.  As for bringing on Sargent instead of Hugill, apparently Hugill was already stripped off ready to come on and then suddenly Smith changed his mind and bought Sargent on , much to the disbelief of the backroom team in the dugout. 

[Badger 2,406]

15 hours ago, ricardo said:

Just seen a replay of the Aarons penalty incident, I was right to get agitated. Penalty and red card all day long on VAR.

Ref should be hung drawn and quartered.

Still agitated by the sounds of it Ricardo - remember the ticker! 😃

Thanks for the report: as ever a great summary 👍

[ricardo 7,395]

1 hour ago, dylanisabaddog said:

@ricardo man of the match? Who do you think? 

Max Aarons, by some distance.

[Beetley Yellow 57]

44 minutes ago, Helsinki canary said:

……As for bringing on Sargent instead of Hugill, apparently Hugill was already stripped off ready to come on and then suddenly Smith changed his mind and bought Sargent on , much to the disbelief of the backroom team in the dugout. 

If true, that’s not good. If you make a call like that, it has to come off. If not it just further reinforces any unconscious doubts in the ‘back room’ management team as to whether S&S know what they are doing. Hindsight’s a wonderful thing, but Sargent offered very little (IMO), he just doesn’t convince does he? Given it was getting to the stage that we needed to ‘throw the kitchen sink’ at Wigan’s goal I would have thought Hugill was the obvious choice. But then I’m not a professional coach on ££££s / week.

[Silver Canary 7]

Great report as always Ricardo. I thought Aaron’s had an outstanding game and really tigerish in his tackling. Linked up well with Nunez - initially Nunez was making runs and Max was a little hesitant to make the early pass but that improved and there’s the making of a really useful partnership down that side as the understanding develops.
Overall some encouraging signs. But where was Kenny most of the time because he certainly wasn’t in midfield when the back four were looking for someone to pass out to. From where I was sitting it looked as if Sorenson has been told to stay close to Keane which he did pretty faithfully. For all the criticism of Sorenson at least he is one player who is prepared to stay on station in the central midfield and do the simple necessary stuff while others go AWOL. He put in some hard tackles but is a little too casual at times and needs to up his performance or be replaced (as he will be by Hayden idc anyway).
How we didn’t get at least one penalty I don’t know - the attack on Aaron’s was a pen + red card any day and Sargeant could have got a penalty in the wresting contest near the end.
Sparing a thought for Dimi - clearly in a lot of pain and hope it looks worse that it is and he’s back soon. 
Felt a little more optimistic after the game - there’s a decent side in there if it comes together.

 

[Payno10 51]

18 hours ago, ricardo said:

Just seen a replay of the Aarons penalty incident, I was right to get agitated. Penalty and red card all day long on VAR.

Ref should be hung drawn and quartered.

Can you please send me the video link 

[Helsinki canary 242]

2 hours ago, Beetley Yellow said:

If true, that’s not good. If you make a call like that, it has to come off. If not it just further reinforces any unconscious doubts in the ‘back room’ management team as to whether S&S know what they are doing. Hindsight’s a wonderful thing, but Sargent offered very little (IMO), he just doesn’t convince does he? Given it was getting to the stage that we needed to ‘throw the kitchen sink’ at Wigan’s goal I would have thought Hugill was the obvious choice. But then I’m not a professional coach on ££££s / week.

This was fact as the person who saw this was sitting directly behind the home dugout 

[ricardo 7,395]

55 minutes ago, Payno10 said:

Can you please send me the video link 

It's on the Official Lapps game thread.

[Big Vince 318]

19 hours ago, ricardo said:

Just seen a replay of the Aarons penalty incident, I was right to get agitated. Penalty and red card all day long on VAR.

Ref should be hung drawn and quartered.

The Socialists should be hung, drawn and quartered for allowing him to leave the stadium unhung, undrawn and unquartered.

It is this kind of complicity that just goes to prove they are Ipswich through and through.

[Thumbbass 319]

Have to admit, on the day Gibson was taking the flack for thier goal, rightly in regards to the loose pass. But on reflection and having seen the replay, Omabamidele needed to have MacLean in his sights over his right shoulder. He got sucked into the ball. I've no doubt he will be our best centre half, but that's a bit of inexperience showing. Not sure if Krul let's him know either. AO could have at least made it difficult rather than clean through.