The ACN Match Review – Wolves (a)

Biggest Positive

Winning football matches is becoming a bit of a habit. Dean Smith has been able to harness all the tenacity that was lying dormant in this squad. The result is a dogged, gritty performance where each player (irrespective of first-team experience) ground out a well-earned victory by any means necessary.

The goal could not have come at a better time. To snatch the lead just before halftime, after a solid first 45, acted as the perfect imperious to leave the Black Country in the hat for the fifth round. In spite of some incessant Wolves attacks, especially those instigated by some clever trickery from Nelson Semedo, City kicked, blocked and headed away everything that threatened to take away their grasp on the match.

There were some heart in mouth moments, not least when a lapse of defensive concentration allowed the ball to fall an Old Gold shirt, who fired it towards the bottom left corner. You could hear the intake of breath as it dinked the side of the post and lulled gently into Michael McGovern’s arms.

It might not have been pretty, but Norwich City are into the fifth round of the FA Cup, job done.

Biggest Negative

In spite of encouraging recent performances, this match presented a frustrating inability to convert shots into goals. Whilst we may have come away with a victory on this occasion, the chances we missed denied us the opportunity for a more comfortable closing stage of the match. We have been punished for our wastefulness in the past, let’s hope it’s a one-off.

Off the pitch, Wolverhampton’s biggest drawback as an away venue is its lack of pubs. Not that there aren’t any, there are loads. Many of them are of the homely Victorian type, with a fine selection of local ales. The issue is that they won’t let you in any of them. The exception is a small bar next to a Premier Inn, which despite the friendly reception and good atmosphere did not quite hit the spot. A slightly wider selection of drinking establishments for away fans wouldn’t go amiss.

Funniest Moment

After the match, my Wolves supporting friend informed me that the general consensus amongst the Black Country faithful was that the referee was giving the lion’s share of decisions Norwich’s way.

This is corroborated by the general sense of indignation arising from the home terraces, which grew to a pleasing crescendo with every decision (complete with the obligatory angry gesticulation).

Eventually, a decision went Wolves’ way, leading to a loud, sarcastic cheer. What did they do with this opportunity? Scuff a pass and knock the ball immediately out of play. Perfection.

Atmosphere

After the heady heights of Watford, this match always had its work cut out. A nervous energy emanated from home and away sections alike as the match hung on a knife-edge.

As Norwich took more of a hold on the match, the Yellow Army found their voice. At times, this was matched by the Wolves supporters, who lived up to their usual raucous reputation as they willed their team to take the match to extra time.

The noise levels grew with every passing minute. The full-time whistle was met with heartfelt cheers, and full-throated renditions of ‘Que Será’ and ‘Wembley! Wembley!’ in the away end.

Norwich’s Star Performer

This was a real team performance, and as such it is difficult to pick one standout player.

McGovern was resolute between the sticks, despite a long spell on the sidelines. He has been a pillar of professionalism whenever he is called upon, and today is no exception.

Honourable mentions must also go to Rashica, who provided so much creativity going forward, and Lees-Melou, whose industrious work rate was admirable throughout.

But Johnathan Rowe deserves particular praise. Called upon in the final crunch moments of a match that could well have gone to added time, he showed professionalism and composure to keep the ball and see the game out. May these first tentative steps into the first team be the beginning of a long and successful career for him.

Summary

As a self-confessed football romantic, the FA Cup is a trophy I long to see us win one day (or, more realistically, get to Wembley at the very least). Norwich have a somewhat fought relationship with this particular competition. The nearly men, always the bridesmaid and never the bride. The joy of reaching the quarter-finals in 2019-20 was tainted by the instigation of behind closed doors matches, for reasons far beyond any of our control. But, if the next match is anything like that magical night away to Tottenham two years ago, we should all think ourselves very lucky.