NORWICH CITY
- V -
DONCASTER ROVERS
Well that kinda rubs in the differences between Premier League and League 1 doesn't it? For information, Hughton currently has a 29 man squad.
But those are the breaks and in the end, its 11 v 11. Norwich have also started their league campaign poorly, yet to record a victory in 5 outings. So indeed, their only competitive victory so far this season came in the last round against Scunthorpe. So can the 18-man squad of Donny beat the 29-man canaries?
Well its always difficult to assess the chances of a lower league side against a Premier League so I took that performance against Scunny as my first pointer. Sadly, there were only about 4 minutes or so of highlights available and what I saw was an attack much as I would expect; full of movement, always able to have a man free somewhere and quite deadly when they created a yard of space on the edge of the area.
But could the defence have been suspect? Certianly, there was a break from the Iron that exposed the left hand side and the centre-back was very shy to challenge as Scunny's equalizer was crashed home.
Time to check some stats. In terms of goals, Norwich have hit the net twice this season. So the weaker opposition provided by Scunthorpe flattered that attack? Not so. In terms of shots and shots on target, Norwich are average in the division. They make chances but just can't get them in the onion bag is all. My bet would be that that will change at some time (hopefully not tomorrow).
Looking at the defensive stats, Norwich's opponents get 37% of shots on target. In the Premier League this need restricting (the average is about 30%). Norwich's defence simply allow their opponents too many good opportunities. Now that's something that isn't going to simply come right.
I looked at another two sets of match highlights and pretty much confirmed those stats. The defence is at times tackle-shy, allow opponents too much space, especially wide and can be guilty of half-clearances. Simply not good enough for the premier league.
Going forward, they are creative and find dangerous positions. It just doesn't go in the net either by bad luck or bad finishing.
Is their a chance for Donny? Well yes, I think so as long as Norwich keep that mental block they seem to have about scoring! And we know that potentially, Donny have a defence that will make that very difficult.
Interesting interview there from Dean, a year on from taking the helm at Donny. I'm not sure I agree with much of what he has had to say but one thing I will give him is that he is correct in the statement I have quoted.
I don't think Dean has got everything right and certainly, I demand more tactical nous from him. But the squad do seem to work hard for each other and I'd call that a first requirement.
The last round for me delivered Deano's best result and performance as Rovers' manager. It didn't quite have everything that constitutes a great game but the only thing really missing was controversy.
But we had 5 goals, a comeback from 2:0 down, a red card for an opposing player (though not particularly controversial) a bit of handbags and a grandstand finish in which Hull could well have leveled as we could have made it safe. Great stuff!
Sadly, since then, its all gone a bit flat. I have been fair and have suggested that for Dean, the result matters more than the performance, the complete opposite to his predecessor. So we've lost just once, away at Yeovil. Won just once, away at Colchester and picked up two draws which I suspect will prove to be very good results; away at Sheffield United and at home to Stevenage.
Defensively, its been very reassuring but there has been little to set the pulses racing going forwards. Perhaps a good cup-tie where Rovers have nothing to lose and everything to gain is just what is required to bring back some zip to the football.
The last time Rovers travelled to Carrow Road, Chairman, John Ryan actually moved to have the game postponed because Rovers were in the midst of an injury crisis and were really struggling to raise a team. Rovers had 14 players of a 25 man squad unavailable due to injury.
Norwich CEO David McNally correctly refused the request to postpone the game. It would have set dangerous precedents that teams would exploit should they feel that they would be missing a few key players.
Rovers' situation was eased that night by the recruitment of Jason Euell and Franck Moussa on emergency loans. In the event, we ended up gaining a hard-fought point, which kind of made the whole story a bit farcical.
These days Rovers have 18 players currently available for selection if nobody is injured. Still, it makes team selection less of a challenge!
These days Rovers have 18 players currently available for selection if nobody is injured. Still, it makes team selection less of a challenge!
NORWICH CITY
I only do that because at this moment the squad we have allows us to do it - Chris Hughton (on rotating his squad)
Well that kinda rubs in the differences between Premier League and League 1 doesn't it? For information, Hughton currently has a 29 man squad.
But those are the breaks and in the end, its 11 v 11. Norwich have also started their league campaign poorly, yet to record a victory in 5 outings. So indeed, their only competitive victory so far this season came in the last round against Scunthorpe. So can the 18-man squad of Donny beat the 29-man canaries?
Well its always difficult to assess the chances of a lower league side against a Premier League so I took that performance against Scunny as my first pointer. Sadly, there were only about 4 minutes or so of highlights available and what I saw was an attack much as I would expect; full of movement, always able to have a man free somewhere and quite deadly when they created a yard of space on the edge of the area.
But could the defence have been suspect? Certianly, there was a break from the Iron that exposed the left hand side and the centre-back was very shy to challenge as Scunny's equalizer was crashed home.
Time to check some stats. In terms of goals, Norwich have hit the net twice this season. So the weaker opposition provided by Scunthorpe flattered that attack? Not so. In terms of shots and shots on target, Norwich are average in the division. They make chances but just can't get them in the onion bag is all. My bet would be that that will change at some time (hopefully not tomorrow).
Looking at the defensive stats, Norwich's opponents get 37% of shots on target. In the Premier League this need restricting (the average is about 30%). Norwich's defence simply allow their opponents too many good opportunities. Now that's something that isn't going to simply come right.
I looked at another two sets of match highlights and pretty much confirmed those stats. The defence is at times tackle-shy, allow opponents too much space, especially wide and can be guilty of half-clearances. Simply not good enough for the premier league.
Going forward, they are creative and find dangerous positions. It just doesn't go in the net either by bad luck or bad finishing.
Is their a chance for Donny? Well yes, I think so as long as Norwich keep that mental block they seem to have about scoring! And we know that potentially, Donny have a defence that will make that very difficult.
DONCASTER ROVERS
Everybody at the club knows their job, know what I expect of them, and they are all working their socks off - Dean Saunders
 |
| Saunders - Good Work ethic |
I don't think Dean has got everything right and certainly, I demand more tactical nous from him. But the squad do seem to work hard for each other and I'd call that a first requirement.
The last round for me delivered Deano's best result and performance as Rovers' manager. It didn't quite have everything that constitutes a great game but the only thing really missing was controversy.
But we had 5 goals, a comeback from 2:0 down, a red card for an opposing player (though not particularly controversial) a bit of handbags and a grandstand finish in which Hull could well have leveled as we could have made it safe. Great stuff!
Sadly, since then, its all gone a bit flat. I have been fair and have suggested that for Dean, the result matters more than the performance, the complete opposite to his predecessor. So we've lost just once, away at Yeovil. Won just once, away at Colchester and picked up two draws which I suspect will prove to be very good results; away at Sheffield United and at home to Stevenage.
Defensively, its been very reassuring but there has been little to set the pulses racing going forwards. Perhaps a good cup-tie where Rovers have nothing to lose and everything to gain is just what is required to bring back some zip to the football.
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