The ACN Match Review: Southampton (h)

How did we play? 

This was not a good game of football. 

What struck me most about yesterday’s match up was just how similar the teams were in the first half. Both had good spells of possession that they failed to do anything with. The difference was that Southampton were able to adapt, and crucially exploit our defensive fragility.

A look back at our losses this season shows that when we come away from games as losers, it is by a one goal deficit. Not only are we unable to hang onto leads, but our inability to turn the screw when we need to is causing points to slip through our fingers. 

What was the best bit of the game? 

Seeing Michael’s scarf draped over his seat was a poignant and moving tribute to a great man who will be sorely missed. 

What was the worst bit of the game? 

I’ll hold my hands up, when Matsuki scored was convinced he was offside. Having consulted VAR (the highlights on my phone), it was a completely legitimate goal. 

Walking away from Carrow Road yesterday, I realised that Norwich conceding is causing me to feel increasingly annoyed with each passing match. This might be simple matter of the parochial football fan feeling jaded that yet another side had the audacity to score against the team they support. 

It might also be linked to a nagging sense that Norwich have been under-performing for an extended period, and that this might, in fact, be our lot. As good as the end of last season was, and as justified as we might have felt in our chances of promotion this year, each passing game makes that climb up the table a little bit harder. 

What was the atmosphere like? 

Pretty non-existent. 

The mumbles of conversation formed the bulk of the soundtrack from the home end, punctured by boos at the full-time whistle. 

Southampton, meanwhile, brought an impressive following; possibly the biggest away contingent we’ve seen this season. The Tuesday night kick off and distance to travel made the numbers all the more admirable. However, they were quiet throughout the match, perhaps due to nerves about picking up their first win on the road this season, perhaps because the game wasn’t very good. That said, they did raise the decibels once their win was confirmed. 

Hero of the match 

An honourable mention to Grimshaw for stepping up to the plate, this could be a chance for him to challenge for the number one spot.

However, my hero of the match has to go to Jovon Makama. The minute he stepped on the pitch had added a new dimension to our front line and created some of our best chances to level the scoring. 

Summary in Five Words 

Good news about the Brewers