The ACN Match Review: Watford (h)

How did we play? 

Er. This is very confusing. Should’ve been 2-0 up by ten minutes, should never have been 2-0 down but forgot about defensive shape at least twice when in possession, and looking back at the goals our positioning is awful – José Córdoba making it even worse by insisting that his starting position against his attacker should be so high and so close he’s basically offering him a passage past him. Harry Darling must’ve watched on wondering what he has to do to get a regular start because Córdoba was awful. Córdoba is switched off more than on at the moment and that’s not helpful for anyone, especially when Stacey goes-a-roaming and McConville is the only one left to mop up. Anyway, we were great in the second half and played the way we should do with such attacking talent. Paris was excellent, Brooks and Musaba were frightening, Sam Field captained maturely. More please.

What was the best bit of the game? 

Half time. Whatever happened in the dressing room made the second half something worth remembering and gave the players and the supporters some much needed belief which will hopefully be replicated at Carrow Road because it’s been too quiet for too long.

What was the worst bit of the game? 

As above, José Córdoba defending. There are mistakes and then there’s just not doing your job properly and Córdoba is not up to the job at the moment. Great Norwich City teams of the past (and, for that matter, almost every team promoted from the Championship) have been built on solid defensive partnerships, mostly unspectacular, with players who knew their abilities and what to do with them. If that’s what we thought we were getting with Harry Darling (and that’s what we were told), get him in the side.

What was the atmosphere like? 

What a nice way to leave Carrow Road. I suspect those who left at half time (we saw you) are regretting it. Watford didn’t bring much noise and after the season(s) they’ve had it’s understandable. But having something to get behind did us the world of good.

Hero of the match 

I don’t know what position Matthias Kvistgaarden is supposed to be playing but when he drops into that spot just between our midfield and the opposition’s defence, he’s bloody brilliant. His passing was excellent; he never gave up and he deserves a shit-load of goals for his efforts. Two assists in this match were the reward. Who knew he’d be the guy to drag us out of the mire? Love him.

Summary in five words 

Good, rubbish, better, good, great!