The ACN Match Review 24/25 – Crystal Palace (a)
Well we are out of the League Cup early. Again. Ffion Thomas brings us the lowdown from a ground Norwich City haven't won at since the 1990s, and one that still looks like it as it was in the 1990s.
How did we play?
Checking the teams at 7pm to see Palace were playing a load of Premier League first-teamers against our second string was a bit of a buzz kill, but in the circumstances we didn’t look hugely out of our depth – the third and fourth goals made the scoreline more flattering than Palace deserved, and I don’t think we concede either of those with Angus Gunn in goal.
What was the best bit about the day?
The atmosphere generated in the away end – yes, we lost 4-0, but unlike our grim last visit to Selhurst Park under Dean Smith the fans stuck with the team throughout (even if that “we’ve got the ball / we’ve lost the ball” chant can make it seem otherwise). A midweek turnout of 1,746 with a week’s notice at a ground where we always lose is good going and shows that people feel there’s something to get behind.
What was the worst bit about the day?
Watching Amwankwah Forson leave the pitch with his shoulder in a makeshift sling. In just a few weeks he has become a pretty essential component of Thorupball, so fingers crossed for a positive report from the doctor.
Hero of the match
The slick Oscar Schwartau/Ante Crnac link-up that was a double save away from us getting back into the game bodes well, and with Oscar’s family seemingly in the away end (unless some other incredibly keen lady had been to the club shop to get SCHWARTAU 29 printed on her third shirt before he’s even kicked a ball) he gets hero status for this one. Looking forward to seeing more.
How do you rate Selhurst Park as an away day?
Every time I go to Selhurst Park I say “never again”, but living in south London I know I will always be there. And actually, with the away end at something like two-thirds of capacity, this was the most enjoyable experience I’ve had there for a long time – pre-match pints in the sunshine, no half-time crush on the concourse, no queue for the toilets, no letterbox view from the back half of the Arthur Wait Stand. Still, never again, until next time.
Summary in Five Words
We’re focusing on the league.
ACN Scarves
FORZA NODGE BADGE - *SALE PRICE*
Thorup Tee - Probably the best t-shirt in the world
Comments
Oscar Schwartau Scouted: Who Is The New Canary?
26/08/24
Do you know anything about new Danish signing Oscar Schwartau? No, neither do we. Thankfully, Toke Theilade of the Vilfort Park Brøndby IF Fanzine is on hand to provide us with insight on the man who will hopefully be as good as our last signing from Brøndby...
The Attanasio Takeover And The End Of The Delia And Michael Era
30/08/24
After nearly three decades at the helm, Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones will soon no longer be Norwich City majority shareholders. Nathan Hill analyses where we've been, where we are now, and where we might be going.
We are in the building phase and with limited resources and having to sell we are acquiring good talent. But we can’t also allow Josh to exit. That would be taking it too far and risk a backlash from the fans. With the current squad less Kamara. ( sorry good riddance if your head can be turned so easily) we have a chance of playoffs. OTBC. If you aren’t for the shirt go do one Abu and replicas
Well said by Clive. Having both Jon and Abu swan off will open room for others who see Norwich as a club of progress & development. It would not surprise me for Jon to fall short or get injured and have the wily French swerve the obligation to buy or at least drop by £10m or so. As for Abu, being hero worshipped at Portsmouth is a successful loan, yes, so buckle down back at the Carrer and earn being first pick wide right in the first XI. Like Borja Sainz has done wide left.