Match Review 2011 - 2012

"A long old trip.." "An incredibly hard task.." "A real test in our season.." 
 
The above three quotes described the way in which Norwich City fans had talked about our encounter with Swansea. Many fans in the build up were heard saying "I would happily take a draw." However, there was also a distinct sense of optimism, as we knew that our form at the start of 2012 had been fantastic, including 3 away wins in our previous 4 games. With Ayala and Whitbread both getting injured in the previous game against Bolton, a defensive re-schuffle was in order for the trip to Swansea, with a first start of the season for Elliott Ward and a recall for Russell Martin. Elliott Bennett replaced Wes Hoolahan in Norwich's only other change. Swansea's only change from their win against West Brom was Chelsea loanee Josh McEachran coming into the starting line up.
  

Swansea started the game brightly and had the first chance. Sigurdsson smoothly struck a shot in that was charged down by the Norwich defence and cleared away. From this moment onwards, Norwich seemed to control the game. Pilkington and Bennett were hugely effective down either wing, receiving slick passes from Andrew Surman and David Fox in the middle of the pitch. Grant Holt proved an influential leader and huge presence in the middle of the pitch, which we have all come to expect of him. Constant quick exchanges were taking place, thus resulting in the first Norwich chance of note being a Pilkington free kick. The ball was struck and calmly collected by Vorm in the Swansea goal, but it was a show of intent from the visitors. "The goalkeeper saved it" will be a frequently used term when talking about this game, as Ruddy and Vorm were in fabulous form. Grant Holt was the next man to test Vorm, but again the sublime Swansea stopper got down well to prevent the opening goal. Shortly after this, and highly against the run of play, Danny Graham calmly curled a delightful pass from Nathan Dyer into the top corner of the Norwich goal. It was a great finish from the Swans top scorer. Norwich heads didn't drop, and instantly from kick off a desire to get back on terms was evident to all. Elliott Ward had an effort which went over Swansea's crossbar, but this gave encouragement to Norwich. A cross swiftly followed from Anthony Pilkington which was met by the head of Andrew Surman, but unfortunately the header was directed straight at the Swansea keeper, to the relief of the watching Welsh fans. Elliott Ward was a defensive block of bravery moments later as he slid in expertly to stop Danny Graham tapping home after good work from Scott Sinclair down Norwich's right hand side. This was the last major event of an incredibly well played first half, from two very attacking teams that were desperate to claim a win.

Norwich came out second half looking to get even instantly, and that is exactly what they did. David Fox curled in a free kick that was knocked back by the Swansea defence as far as Russell Martin who sliced a shot over towards the back of the box, before being gathered and curled back in to the area by the excellent Elliott Ward, and headed in to the net via a deflection by captain Grant Holt. Celebration very nearly changed to heart-ache for the travelling yellow army, as Swansea attacked from kick off and hit the post through a header from Caulker. The game was now being played at an incredibly high pace, and further goals were inevitable. The next goal in the game was key to both sides, and it was Norwich that got it. A neat flick from Simeon Jackson fell to Elliott Bennett, who neatly played the ball across the box for Pilkington to slot home via another deflection off Taylor. Norwich were now inspired, and wanted to kill the game off as quickly as possible. The Swans flew all over the pitch trying to catch the Canaries, but the swift elegant passing proved to be a step ahead from the yellows. As Swansea pushed forward, it left gaps at the back to be exploited, and this is exactly what happened. Surman slipped a ball into Bennett, before the quick footed winger played in Grant Holt who took his time and exquisitely made it 3-1 by slotting the ball in at the near post.  It had been an incredibly crazy start to the second half, but it was no less than Norwich deserved and a 3-1 lead looked to have given Norwich a 4th away win in their previous 5 in all competitions. Norwich were in the ascendancy, and it should of been 4-1 but yet again a magnificent save from Vorm tipped Kyle Naughton's pile driving shot onto the cross bar. Norwich weren't stopping there, and soon after Wes Hoolahan was quickly involved in the play having been summoned from the bench, and had a close range effort again expertly tipped over by Vorm after receiving a pass from inspirational leader Grant Holt. It was then Norwich goal keeper John Ruddy to the rescue as he saved a Sigurdsson free kick that was heading into the top corner. Moments later Swansea were given a way back into the game. Grant Holt pulled back Swansea centre back Ashley Williams and a penalty was correctly awarded. Danny Graham stepped up and slotted the penalty home for his and Swansea's second of the game, meaning a very nervous final five minutes. Somewhere, to the disgust and astonishment of the Norwich faithful, five minutes of stoppage time were awarded. Nerves started to flow through Norwich resulting in Swansea dominating the final few moments. Danny Graham should have completed his hat trick, but fired slightly wide to the relief of Norwich. The final chance fell to Swansea as expected, but again Ruddy denied them. Caulker firmly headed the ball at the Norwich goal, but John Ruddy saved magnificently. This ended the game, and the travelling Norwich fans were sent home delighted. 
  

Grant Holt scoring another 2 to add to his tally. 

 
A fantastic away win at an incredibly hard place to go.

 
Proving we can beat anyone on our day.

 
One of the best performances under Paul Lambert.

 
Ruddy and Vorm both producing mesmerising displays.
  

Not winning by more goals.

 
Some wasteful finishing could have cost us.

Grant Holt

Grant Holt

 
Match report by Adam Lamping