The ACN Review: Charlton (a)

How did we play? 

It really is remarkable what Philippe Clement has been able to achieve in such a short space of time. The first half performance was excellent, and considering the chances we had could well have been 0-3 up by the break. Something that I find particularly impressive is how rapidly we can transition from defence to attack, hitting opponents quickly on the break. It feels like I’ve lamented Norwich’s inability to do just this for years, as I watched opposition winger after opposition come marauding towards our goal. 

I just wish we turned the screw a little more in the second half. Maybe it’s injuries, maybe it’s fixtures, maybe it’s a bit of both; but we don’t always play with the same urgency after the break, and end up making things harder than they need to be. 

This being said, there wasn’t really any point in the game where I didn’t think we’d walk away with all three points. 

What was the best bit of the game? 

Other than Pelle Mattsson’s magnificent strike; Nathan Jones’ frantic, frustrated gesticulations for his team to get the ball forward were particularly amusing and rightly attracted the mocking attention of the travelling Norwich faithful.  

What was the worst bit of the game? 

As mentioned above, we don’t always make things easy for ourselves, and Charlton hitting the bar was one of those moments where, on another day, we could have ended up ruing our missed opportunities to put the match to bed early on. 

What was the atmosphere like? 

A sold out away end, in a big, single tiered stand, made for a fantastic atmosphere (and a particularly busy train home). It’s great to hear so many new chants for individual players, a sure sign that things are harmonious on the good ship Nodge.

Hero of the match 

As has been the case in many of the matches he’s played since signing for us, Ali Ahmed was exceptional. Not only did he set up Mattsson for the goal, but his mazy runs tied the Charlton defence in knots. His ability to alter his speed is an invaluable strength for Norwich’s attack: one minute he’s blitzing forward, another he’s holding the ball up, another he’s dashing in behind a centred back as the ball is threaded through to him. 

Summary in Five Words 

Tenth: who’d have thought it?