The Great Mass Debater
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That'll do. Happy with 1-1 at half-time
MATCH THREAD: Norwich vs Ipswich PLAY-OFF SEMI FINAL
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Canaryboy
Well-Known Member
That will do, outclassed them in that second half and controlled the game.
Gaffer
Active Member
This is a great result because the chances of keeping up a winning streak against the same team are low, so now we've got the blip out the way we can beat them at Carrow Road.
Din
Well-Known Member
Great day out, even if perhaps the game didn't quite live up to expectations. Thought though we were relatively comfortable throughout. In the first half I thought Ipswich were more impressive than they were in the previous 2 times we've played them this season. Murphy looked very lively in particular. But second they were very average. It's typical that the reason there was so much added time at the end of the first half was because of Varney's injury, and it was Varney's replacement Anderson who got the goal. In the end I'm disappointed that we didn't win the game, as we did have the chances to, but still happy with the draw, and it very much puts us in the driving seat going into the home game next week.
First half was pretty even really. Both teams were slightly nervous but both created chances. Ipswich's plan was clearly to start brightly and try and put us on the back foot, we were able to deal with the vast majority of what came our way though, and although Ruddy should've done better for Ipswich's goal, he made a very good double save at 0-0 to keep us in it. Gradually we grew into the game, and had some good chances to score as well (Tettey's shot that hit the post, Johnson's header that he put wide, Redmond's shot well saved). It was a fast-paced first half but there wasn't really much in terms of quality from either side. Second half we were much more composed on the ball, and looked the more solid, well-rounded side. Ipswich's only real tactic was to hit it long towards Murphy, and it was quite ugly to watch. At no stage were we really near our best, so it's encouraging going into the home leg that we got a comfortable draw from this game.
Overall for us I don't think anyone was bad, however a few players didn't really get going properly in the first half. Most notably Russell Martin, who's poor header lead to Ipswich's goal, and in general every time the ball came to his left foot he would spectacularly fail to deal with it. Jerome was certainly one of our best players, and did very well for the goal. Hoolahan also impressed me when he came on. For me Ipswich's stand-out player was Tyrone Mings at left-back. On the whole he was able to deal with Redmond, and he got forward quite well as well.
I'm quite confident now going into the second game that we will go through to the final. It's not going to be easy though as Ipswich are definitely gonna be up for it. All the pressure is on us as well now really. What does concern me though is that Mick would undoubtedly of seen what the likes of Boro and Wigan did when they came to Carrow Road, and if Ipswich do what those teams have done by nicking an early goal and then sticking 10 men behind the ball then we'll struggle.
First half was pretty even really. Both teams were slightly nervous but both created chances. Ipswich's plan was clearly to start brightly and try and put us on the back foot, we were able to deal with the vast majority of what came our way though, and although Ruddy should've done better for Ipswich's goal, he made a very good double save at 0-0 to keep us in it. Gradually we grew into the game, and had some good chances to score as well (Tettey's shot that hit the post, Johnson's header that he put wide, Redmond's shot well saved). It was a fast-paced first half but there wasn't really much in terms of quality from either side. Second half we were much more composed on the ball, and looked the more solid, well-rounded side. Ipswich's only real tactic was to hit it long towards Murphy, and it was quite ugly to watch. At no stage were we really near our best, so it's encouraging going into the home leg that we got a comfortable draw from this game.
Overall for us I don't think anyone was bad, however a few players didn't really get going properly in the first half. Most notably Russell Martin, who's poor header lead to Ipswich's goal, and in general every time the ball came to his left foot he would spectacularly fail to deal with it. Jerome was certainly one of our best players, and did very well for the goal. Hoolahan also impressed me when he came on. For me Ipswich's stand-out player was Tyrone Mings at left-back. On the whole he was able to deal with Redmond, and he got forward quite well as well.
I'm quite confident now going into the second game that we will go through to the final. It's not going to be easy though as Ipswich are definitely gonna be up for it. All the pressure is on us as well now really. What does concern me though is that Mick would undoubtedly of seen what the likes of Boro and Wigan did when they came to Carrow Road, and if Ipswich do what those teams have done by nicking an early goal and then sticking 10 men behind the ball then we'll struggle.
I
It's Character Forming
New Member
Agree with this pretty much 100%
Felt the ref favoured the home side by letting a lot of holding/pushing by them go and that helped them stifle our creativity. So hopefully they won't have that advantage next week.
Felt the ref favoured the home side by letting a lot of holding/pushing by them go and that helped them stifle our creativity. So hopefully they won't have that advantage next week.
TA Canary
New Member
A draw is enough, we should be capable of winning at home.
I thought Varney's injury may have saved the game for Ipswich, at that point we were in control and looked ready to score at any moment. The dynamic of the match really changed after that, by the time we actually scored later on it was even a bit against the run of play.
I thought Varney's injury may have saved the game for Ipswich, at that point we were in control and looked ready to score at any moment. The dynamic of the match really changed after that, by the time we actually scored later on it was even a bit against the run of play.
The Great Mass Debater
New Member
Agree the injury did come at a point when we were applying some sustained pressure. Took the momentum out of the game. We should beat Ipswich at home, realistically they had to make their home advantage count yesterday and they didnt really. We should be the dominant team at home. All Iv ever seen Ipswich do against us this season is pump it hopefully to Murphy, which hasnt proved very effective.
Agree with above though, anything can happen in 90 minutes and if Ipswich bring their A game they are certainly capable of beating us, and they have a few models to work on where teams have done a number on us at home.
All to play for though, for both teams. Thought it was noticeably lacking some sparkle and intensity for a derby game. Those at the ground may disagree but thats how it came across on the TV. Unlike any other derby game Iv watched in that respect, but obviously reflective of the two-legged nature of the games. Think both teams were happy to survive the first leg and more than content with a draw. Expect the home game to be much more feisty
Agree with above though, anything can happen in 90 minutes and if Ipswich bring their A game they are certainly capable of beating us, and they have a few models to work on where teams have done a number on us at home.
All to play for though, for both teams. Thought it was noticeably lacking some sparkle and intensity for a derby game. Those at the ground may disagree but thats how it came across on the TV. Unlike any other derby game Iv watched in that respect, but obviously reflective of the two-legged nature of the games. Think both teams were happy to survive the first leg and more than content with a draw. Expect the home game to be much more feisty
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SussexYellow
Active Member
We have not been totally at it for 3 of the last 4 games now. And if the Fulham game is disregarded as a dead rubber then the last 3 games.
I doubt that this down to lack of preparation or motivation, so possibly teams have sussed how to stifle us. Let's hope AN has a trick or two up his sleeve. The long punt or quick route 1 ball may not lead to much in the way of chances but it has undone us on too many occasions now. I would hate to hear a Russ interview after the game saying I thought we defended OK, restricted them to a single shot on goal unfortunately it went in.
I expect Saturday's game to be a scrappy affair with the first goal being immense.
OTBC
I doubt that this down to lack of preparation or motivation, so possibly teams have sussed how to stifle us. Let's hope AN has a trick or two up his sleeve. The long punt or quick route 1 ball may not lead to much in the way of chances but it has undone us on too many occasions now. I would hate to hear a Russ interview after the game saying I thought we defended OK, restricted them to a single shot on goal unfortunately it went in.
I expect Saturday's game to be a scrappy affair with the first goal being immense.
OTBC
I
It's Character Forming
New Member
I don't normally look on the scum message boards but had a look after reading comments about them.
I think by and large the scum were happy with a draw because they expected to lose... We're a bit disappointed for the same reason. They know they've a chance if they can nick a goal at CR before we score and I don't think they'd mind if it went to penalties.
We should win next week and if we score first I can see them crumbling. But if we don't get the breakthrough in the first half it will all get really tense.
As for the derby intensity, I think players know now that if you go flying in with wild challenges you'll get sent off. What we did see was plenty of wrestling, which tends to be penalised only by a free kick or in many cases the ref let it go (mainly by scum players). Also I guess the cameras didn't show the scummers surging over the barriers towards our fans after both goals? Kept the police/stewards pretty busy.
I think by and large the scum were happy with a draw because they expected to lose... We're a bit disappointed for the same reason. They know they've a chance if they can nick a goal at CR before we score and I don't think they'd mind if it went to penalties.
We should win next week and if we score first I can see them crumbling. But if we don't get the breakthrough in the first half it will all get really tense.
As for the derby intensity, I think players know now that if you go flying in with wild challenges you'll get sent off. What we did see was plenty of wrestling, which tends to be penalised only by a free kick or in many cases the ref let it go (mainly by scum players). Also I guess the cameras didn't show the scummers surging over the barriers towards our fans after both goals? Kept the police/stewards pretty busy.
Suffolk Canary
New Member
Draw is a good result. Second half we started to outclass them then Wes came on. We know what we have to do.
I have absolutely no doubt Ipswich will play for penalties. Over 3 games they've shown no quality against us and never looked like beating us. They'll play for a draw in the hope they sneak one on the counter with a long ball to Sears
I have absolutely no doubt Ipswich will play for penalties. Over 3 games they've shown no quality against us and never looked like beating us. They'll play for a draw in the hope they sneak one on the counter with a long ball to Sears
The Great Mass Debater
New Member
Middlesbrough have shown them the way though. Come out of the blocks at full pace, relying on the fact that we havent woken up yet, draw first blood, then defend for your life. Its probably a tactic Ipswich have the personel for. We need to be on our guard. First goal wins probably
TA Canary
New Member
Thoughts on the team for Saturday?
I don't see the need to change much except Wes pretty much has to start, that means either Redmond or Dorrans drop to the bench. Redmond is probably more of a threat so I'd keep him and go with:
Ruddy
Whittaker Martin Bassong Olsson
Tettey
Redmond Howson Hoolahan Johnson
Jerome
I don't see the need to change much except Wes pretty much has to start, that means either Redmond or Dorrans drop to the bench. Redmond is probably more of a threat so I'd keep him and go with:
Ruddy
Whittaker Martin Bassong Olsson
Tettey
Redmond Howson Hoolahan Johnson
Jerome
Gaffer
Active Member
Some great analysis in this thread from many posters. I don't think there's such a thing as being 'sussed out'. It's true that Ipswich will have looked at the Middlesbrough game but we should have learned even more from it. I hope Alex Neil has the tactical nous to get through any negative tactics from Ipswich. We know from last season that negative tactics can backfire spectacularly.
Din
Well-Known Member
I agree with this team pretty much. What I'd do though is make sure Tettey does not go any further forward than the final 3rd (which he doesn't often do anyway, but if I was Neil I'd stress it to him even more so for this game),so that if we were going forward and lost possession, it would make it more difficult for Ipswich to hit us on the counter.
Harsh on Dorrans to be dropped. Wasn't fantastic in the first leg but on the whole since he's come in I've been impressed with him, and hope that we sign him perminantly this summer no matter what division we're in (although I'd preferably not include Olsson in the swap deal to try and get him).
I
It's Character Forming
New Member
Just spoken to the ticket office (Thursday morning) and a few tickets are still available dotted around the ground. Anyone who assumed they'd all be snapped up right away yesterday better get on the phone ASAP !
The Great Mass Debater
New Member
Its Boro...
Gotta get the job done tomorrow. Hope Carrow Road doesnt put the boys under too much pressure
Gotta get the job done tomorrow. Hope Carrow Road doesnt put the boys under too much pressure
Din
Well-Known Member
The more I think about it the more I prefer the idea of Ryan Bennett playing centre back rather than Russell Martin. Ipswich's main threat is the long high ball towards Murphy, and Ryan Bennett is probably the best in our team for dealing with them, and certainly better at them than Martin is. Martin's still a crucial figure, and is obviously captain, but recently I would say Whittaker's performances have been better than his, and having not played at right back practically all season, it is a bit of a risk putting him back there for one game. But he is actually a better right back than Whittaker, so I don't know who I'd go for out of the two to be honest. But I'd certainly be tempted to bring Bennett in.
And although I think Wes needs to play, to me our attack isn't as balanced when we play Hoolahan behind Jerome. Hoolahan behind Grabban works well, and Hooper behind Jerome works well, but there's something I can't quite put my finger on when the two of them play upfront, that isn't quite right.
And although I think Wes needs to play, to me our attack isn't as balanced when we play Hoolahan behind Jerome. Hoolahan behind Grabban works well, and Hooper behind Jerome works well, but there's something I can't quite put my finger on when the two of them play upfront, that isn't quite right.
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SussexYellow
Active Member
Whittaker did the press conference so a fair bet he will play. Expect the back 4 that started last week.
Will be a nervous walk to Carrow Rd today!
OTBC
Will be a nervous walk to Carrow Rd today!
OTBC
I
It's Character Forming
New Member
Just having a pre match drink. I love the anticipation. This is so big!
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