Vital Norwich City editor ‘Savvy_Monkey’ helps up preview Sunday’s clash against the Canaries
Vital Norwich City editor ‘Savvy_Monkey’ helps up preview Sunday’s clash against the Canaries…
How has the season compared to your expectations?
Pretty much as we expected. We knew it would be very tough this second season and everyone has an eye on the new TV deal so arguably this is the most important season to just stay up, no matter how you do it.
Is Chris Hughton under a little bit of pressure lately?
Yes, there are a section of fans (a small section) who are frustrated at how we’ve been playing.
We’ve been playing one up top and the football has been dire at times. The loss to Luton was embarrassing and we have only been managing three or fewer shots on target per game, which is simply not enough.
Hughton also leaves subs until very late and this means his subs are usually ineffectual.
Where my head is, is that this season Hughton’s extremely cautious approach is OK as long we stay up. However, next season expectations will be much higher.
Is Hughton the man to push the club forwards? To be honest, I’m not sure he is, but it’s one for the board to look at in the summer.
Why have the Canaries been so blunt this season – in particular Grant Holt?
I think Holt has been nullified this season as he’s lost the element of surprise. Everyone knows exactly what he’s all about now and can work on putting a stop to the weekly bombardment by the big fella.
However Holt has been largely playing the lone striker role, whereas last season (and all his other seasons with us) he’s usually had some help, whether it be Simeon Jackson, Aaron Wilbraham or Steve Morison.
Holt has been playing well but has simply not had the chances he had last season because we have been playing very defensive, very tight and very rigid.
Is staying up with a reasonable degree of comfort enough?
Yes, most definitely. We’d love to see the football we witnessed last season but Hughton simply feels he cant take the risk. That’s fine by us, as long as we stay up…and lets the shackles off next year.
I’ve watched more 0-0’s than I’d ever want to again.
City key man on Sunday?
Sebastian Bassong – if he’s fit and plays as he normally does, it gives us a very good chance of nicking a point or even a 1-0. If he’s out, we could get spanked to be honest as the other centre backs are a class lower.
Any injuries/suspensions?
John Ruddy and Andrew Surman are out long term. I think Anthony Pilkington is out with a hamstring strain and he’s a big loss as he offers a very good goal threat.
Match prediction?
0-0 (yawn), but it’s all we need at this stage of the season.
Cheers Savvy_Monkey. Make sure you check out Vital Norwich to see how I answered some similar questions!
