Emi Buendia The Star
Just how good was the young Argentinian against Swansea? We all know that he was excellent again and looks like he’s been playing Championship football for years rather than a matter of a few months.
At 21 tender years of age, his toughness, technical ability and tenacity have lit up the City squad and the right side of midfield is now Emi’s own. The likes of Ben Marshall must be looking on and wondering how he’s ever going to get a game with Emi playing at this level.
The fact that he was bought from Getafe in a deal done last January says everything about how far-reaching and thorough our recruitment team now is and how far ahead the club are looking.
Just to put some meat on the bones of my assertions that Emi is a superstar in the making, he has now either scored or assisted a goal in each one of our last five league matches and our second goal was all about his tenacity.
https://twitter.com/angryanderton/status/1066353100158431233?s=21
You should also check out the pass he made to Onel Hernandez in the build up to goal number four in the video below. Outstanding, young man.
Good Teams Find A Way To Win Even When Playing A Bit Below Par
Norwich weren’t in top gear at the Liberty Stadium and yes, I know that sounds a bit odd when you consider that they scored four goals against a side that are still effectively a Premier League squad.
Swansea moved the ball around very well in the first 15 minutes, putting Norwich on the back foot. That wasn’t a surprise to me as I’d had a little look at the Swans’ possession stats in the build-up to the game. You only need to see their squad list of players to know they can pass a bit too.
The fact that we took the lead via an own goal shows again the importance of getting the first goal in games at this level. Emi Buendia’s tenacity then forced the second and after that Swansea were just chasing the game. Norwich had put three goals past them inside 37 minutes. I think I’m right in saying that they had only conceded 13 goals prior to today.
Believe it or not, Swans fans, Norwich have another gear or two to get into.
Pukki Is Still Having A Party
Teemu is still at it, scoring whenever he likes, at least that’s what it feels like.
He was excellent throughout and ran his socks off, as usual, scoring his 11th goal in 17 appearances since that free summer signing.
https://twitter.com/angryanderton/status/1066366770607341569?s=21
How much is Teemu worth now? It’s a moot point in any case because I suspect that whatever offers might make their way into Stuart Webber’s inbox in January will be swiftly rejected.
Swift, clinical counter-attacks are a major feature of City’s play, especially away from home and with a player in this rich vein of striking form, his importance to what has been happening of late cannot be overstated. He took 5 shots against the Swans and had the same number against Millwall. He now has had 14 shots on goal in the last 3 games.
Lovely Mo Leitner
I make no secret of the admiration I have for our German U21 International. His passing and willingness to receive the ball at any moment, no matter if he’s marked or not, have been a key feature of Norwich City’s ascent to the top of the Championship table.
Against Swansea, he was at his usual level of desire for the ball and despite his midfield partner, Alex Tettinho, having a bit of an off-day, Mo still kept the ball ticking over. His value to the team is massive.
Tom Trybull must be wondering if he will be kicking a ball in anger for City again anytime soon with Leitner and Tettey in his way.
Together We Are Stronger
Compare the feeling among the Canary Nation now to what it was in the weeks before the first international break of the season. The feeling that we are all together is almost tangible, it feels like you could reach out and grab it.
“Together we are stronger” is the sentiment that the club’s media department have been pushing since the AGM on Thursday evening.
At this moment in time it is absolutely spot on. Check out the video below and enjoy.
OTBC