Norwich V Blackpool: Match Overview

Norwich should have won this game and in truth could have won this game with something to spare, but in the end it was another frustrating day. The game followed the formula that has been established in the first three games with clear dominance by Norwich, but chances were spurned. In the end Norwich may consider themselves a little fortunate as a Darel Russell header rescued Norwich as Ben Burgess had earlier put Blackpool ahead from the penalty spot.

City made chances from MK Dons as expected with Kennedy, Stefanovic, Omuzusi and Bertrand coming in to the defence. It was Bertrand's first appearance of the season with Drury that deemed fit for a second appearance in a few days. The midfield was Pattison, Fotheringham, Clinghan and Hoolahan. The selection of Pattison was curious with seemingly better options such as Russell and Croft on left on the bench. Meanwhile Wes Hoolahan was making his home debut against his former employers. Up front Cureton was recalled to partner Lupoli. David Marshall of course continued in goal. The options from the bench were Nelson, Shackell, Croft, Russell and Koroma.

The canaries started the game in fine form by keeping possession and creating a number of openings. The first one of note fell to Lupoli who found himself one on one with the keeper after good work by Cureton, but the Italian failed to put his effort on target. The game continued in similar fashion with Cureton smashing a shot against the crossbar and the ball fell at Hoolahan's feet, but the Irishman somehow managed to miss with the goal gaping. At was around the 35^th minute mark when the miss of the match arrived Cureton cleverly squared the ball across the Goalkeeper and Lupoli was left with tap in, but the ball ending up in row z. Quite how Lupoli missed is a mystery there was a hint of offside, but score first and ask questions later. The miss appeared to affect Lupoli as he never looked himself after that glaring miss. Norwich were also beginning to dwindle as an attacking force.

HT: Norwich 0 Blackpool 0

Norwich would have been happy with their first half performance as they dominated possession, played the better football and generally controlled the game. Now we just need a goal. Norwich started the second half in much the same fashion and continued to control possession. Clinghan was catching the eye for his neat and decisive passion and general all action display. In the 56^th minute disaster struck as for once Blackpool got in behind and Elliot Omuzusi decided to take the Blackpool forward out from behind. Last week at Coventry Norwich conceded a very harsh penalty, but this tome the ref had no option it was a definite spot kick. It was all rather deflating for Norwich fans as it was basically the only time Blackpool had shown as an attacking threat. Ben Burgess converted the penalty and then set off in a curious celebration that involved flapping his arms up and down. By this stage Norwich fans feared the worst as for all their pretty football they were suddenly 1-0 down.

The setback didn't immediately spur Norwich on, so in the end Roeder was force into a couple of changes with Russell on for Lupoli and Croft on for Pattision. The move helped city as they started to look more dangerous. In fact it was Darel Russell he supplied the crucial equaliser from almost under the crossbar when Dejan Stefanovic flicked on a corner and Russell got his head on the end in the 74^th minute. The goal lifted the tempo up for Norwich again and from this point there was only going to be one winner. However the combination of great defending, poor finishing and great goalkeeping kept Norwich out. With only three minutes remaining Roeder played his last card by bringing on Koroma for Cureton. Norwich kept pushing for that late winner, but it didn't arrive and City had to settle for a share of the spoils.

FT: Norwich 1 Blackpool 1

Final verdict

Norwich at times played some beautiful football, totally dominated and created the majority of the chances. Hoolahan constantly appearing all over the pitch, but he will be disappointed not to score his first goal after been given a golden opportunity. At the back Norwich look very solid with Stefanovic and Kennedy looking like a great partnership. Kennedy reminds me of a young Malky Mackay. Not only are they both solid, but also both comfortable on the ball and look to play out from the back. We all know Bertrand is a quality player and Omuzusi looks good, but I will reserve judgement as I did to see more from him especially going forward. I felt he got in some good positions but passed to Pattison to often when attacking himself would have been a better option.

Clinghan also looks good with his ability to keep the ball and get City moving. Russell for me deserves to start the next game especially after scoring the goal. Lupoli looks a good player, but needs to work on his radar as he had several chances to score. I remain confident we just need to be more clinical in front of goal. The thing that concerns me is the style of football might be a bit too good for the Championship. Roeder might need to find the balance between Watford and Arsenal to ensure we score the goals our build up play deserves. At times the play was similar to watching Arsenal, but still failed to beat Blackpool. The target man is vital as we need to have the option to go long every now and then.

On the rumour mill it has been confirmed by several fans that Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was in the director's box. There has even been some reports saying that Jimmy was there as a personal favour to chairman Roger Munby and will be offered a week's trial with a view to been offered a one year contract.