Norwich City were frustrated by a visiting team at Carrow Road for the second game in a row as Bristol City provided stubborn and organised opposition.
Lee Johnson’s side were unbeaten in their previous eight games and I could see why as they proved a tough nut to crack.
The now familiar 4-2-3-1 had a few changes with Harrison Reed coming in for Alex Tettey and Marley Watkins replacing Yanic Wildschut. It was clear from the off that Bristol City had come not to get beaten but they also provided a threat going forwards, although most of this was brushed away by Norwich’s own defence or the midfield shield of Trybull and Reed.
The best chances fell to Vrancic and Stiepermann in the first half with the former striking a post after good work by Jerome and the latter lashing the ball across goal from three metres out when it seemed easier to score.
Norwich did have the ball in the net from the boot of Cameron Jerome but the effort was chalked off by the referee for being offside. Afterwards, Daniel Farke was adamant that the decision was wrong after he had viewed a replay. I’ve not seen the replay yet but if Farke says it was onside, that’s good enough for me.
The visitors had their moments and forced Angus Gunn into tipping the ball over from distance in the second half, although that was about their best chance.
Into the second half and Farke tried to change things around and get a goal. Wildschut, Hoolahan and Husband all entered the fray and Norwich went 3-5-2 to try to force the game.
It almost worked as Tom Trybull’s effort was cleared off the line in the final minutes as Norwich camped around the Bristol penalty area.
Ultimately though, it finished 0-0 and whilst it’s a fourth clean sheet in the last five games, it feels like 2 points dropped.
FT 0-0
A few observations about the game and the personnel on display.
I thought Cameron Jerome looked like he was really lacking confidence and it’s a big shame that his ‘goal’ was ruled out. His touch was often poor and I recall seeing him try to take the ball on his chest a couple of times but it bounced off him and landed yards away.
Mario Vrancic looked too lightweight against a strong Bristol backline. He literally didn’t get a sniff against the pairing of Aden Flint and Nathan Baker, who just eased him out of it time and again. I get that they are much bigger than him but he didn’t compete enough against them for me.
The Norwich defence was again excellent and Grant Hanley must sit on the bench and wonder how he’s ever going to get in the side. Zimmermann and Klose barely put a foot (or head) wrong all afternoon and Marco Stiepermann continues to impress, apart from in front of goal, ahem.
Ahead of them, Harrison Reed returned and showed his usual no nonsense harassing of the enemy. Alongside him was the terrific Tom Trybull. He’s not a big lad, around 5’10’ and I’d estimate him to be about 10 stone but his aggressiveness belies his size. He cherishes the ball when he has it and almost never wastes it. Rob Butler used to describe Jonny Howson as ‘a Rolls Royce of a player.’ Well Rob, this new lad is a Mercedes Benz – a lot cheaper but still a class act.
The afternoon was made all the more enjoyable (in spite of the score) because I spent it in the company of Vital Norwich writer Hunter Yeats, who had flown to the UK on business from Chile, making sure he could take in a match at Carrow Road in the process.
Hunter has been writing for Vital Norwich for several months now and although we converse via email and text, it was great to share a couple of beers before the game, watch the game together (thank you, LeeBoz) and then a couple more after the game in the Gunn Club, where he got to meet Tom Trybull.
A pleasure to finally meet you my friend.
Next up is another tough looking encounter at the Riverside against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night. The Canaries’ defensive steel seems certain to be examined once more.
OTBC
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