The ACN Match Review – Wolverhampton Wanderers (h)

Biggest positive

Don’t get fucking beat. I am sure someone might have said that once. Can’t remember who.

Regardless, this was a performance that reminded me of Norwich 2010-12(ish) in that, while not Farkeball, the attacking play was relatively easy on the eye and seat liftable but, conversely and crucially, the defensive solidity (aside from that mad few moments in the first half where we forgot how to kick a football at the back) doesn’t cause a sinking feeling every time the opposition play a decent ball forward or has a corner. Pressing, tackling, and the general “make-life-difficultness” has undoubtedly improved significantly over the last few weeks. Finally getting a reputation for not being easy to beat at home (something Farke never quite managed), will be critical to how the rest of the season goes.

Biggest problem

We should have really won the game considering the chances we had. While we all would have taken a point against an extremely good Premier League side, I am absolutely convinced we are going to along come Norwich the Newcastle game and three points against Wolves would have taken the edge off of that inevitable blow.

Funniest moment of the game

That massive air shot from Josh Sargent will probably make it into the “season’s funny bits” montage in Premier League Years 2021/22.

Did an along come Norwich happen?

It did not. This is all building up for Tuesday.

Norwich’s best player

Like last week, this was a very sold all-round performance where it’s hard to pick a stand out – no matter how much you want to increase your SEO by mentioning Billy Gilmour as much as possible. Kenny was excellent in the second half in particular, from what was a great performance from the whole midfield, so he just about edges it for me.

What was the atmosphere like?

Strictly speaking: Fits and starts. 6/10. The odd great OTBC, but the odd quiet period. Neither here nor there, but a some good rousing following encouraging spells of play.

Like a lot of Norwich fans, I watched Match of the Day last week for the first time in a very long time and, while this might just be the BBC’s editing, I was struck by how shit the home atmosphere was at almost all Premier League grounds – even when celebrating goals. As I write this I am watching Chelsea v Man Utd and the noise is all coming from the away support. Many of you who go away with Norwich will also be aware of how poor the noise at the home end is at many places. As such, comparatively speaking, it would be harsh to level any criticism towards the Carrow Road atmosphere yesterday.

Let’s give ourselves some credit.

Summary

If only Rupp had buried that chance. Imagine the scenes.

Regardless, this was a good point against a football club that is now regularly challenging to get into Europe. There’s not much else to say really because, in exactly one week, we will have a far, far, far greater idea of where we are going.

Please Norwich, just for once.