The ACN Match Review – Watford (a) Milk Cup

How did we play?

A controlled, composed and cohesive display from several first-choice players, and plenty who aren’t far away from that. A great show of intent from Liam Manning, recognising the need to continue bedding in several new players following a desultory pre-season schedule.

What was the best bit of the game?

The early evidence of Liam Manning’s much-heralded tactical flexibility. Three centre-backs just doesn’t suit us right now, and did nothing to stop crosses against Millwall, nor did it lead to them being dealt with convincingly. The switch to just two here allowed for greater midfield control and easier patterns through the thirds – helped also by Watford’s complete lack of intensity.

Several good individual performances too, perhaps most noticeably from Papa Amadou Diallo who injected pace and a threat in behind. It’s a wonder why Watford weren’t after him…

What was the worst bit of the game?

While not wanting to stoke up a narrative so early on in the season, it should probably be pointed out that Jakov Medic has been outpaced – or out-accelerated – on two occasions leading to goals in his first two games. Dan Grimshaw’s goalkeeping here (plus one moment early on) also triggered some painful PTSD of certain previous Norwich backups. It wasn’t the biggest gaffe of the evening, mind you.

Otherwise, the defence looked comfortable and there were no other moments of alarm. They, along with Harry Darling (who was excellent), are still trying to build up an understanding. They all get a pass, for now.

What was the atmosphere like?

For what is the most lowkey fixture of the entire calendar, the yellow army were in great voice while the few thousand home fans were a mixture of subdued and disgruntled for the most part, thanks to our stranglehold on the game from the first whistle.

With the lead having been halved with well over 20 minutes to play, there may have been more of a rallying cry had league points been at stake but such is the apathy towards cup competitions these days, all it really amounted to was Harry the Hornet banging slightly louder on his drum.

Hero of the match

Josh Sargent is just a class act, isn’t he? He may, deep down, fancy a move with a home World Cup on the horizon. But here he is still turning out, giving 100%, and scoring in an early-August cup tie. And he’ll continue to do so while he’s here, which is exactly the right mentality to have. Rather than slithering away at the first opportunity his agent engineers, he himself has turned down one potential suitor.

Summary in five words

Norwich through. Ipswich out. Lovely.