Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard celebrates his goal in the Blues' 4-1 Premier League win over Norwich which made him equal top scorer of all time for the European champions in the top flight. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images
Paddy Davitt, EDP Sports Writer
Saturday, October 6, 2012
6:14 PM
Chris Hughton was left to rue fresh evidence of Norwich’s soft centre ruthlessly exposed by Premier League leaders Chelsea in Saturday’s 4-1 home cruise at Stamford Bridge.
Grant Holt’s 11th minute opener stunned the Blues, who roared back with Fernando Torres, Frank Lampard and Eden Hazard burying Hughton’s side under a first half barrage. Branislav Ivanovic’s late half-volley in the closing stages put the seal on another emphatic defeat for the Canaries.
Hughton insisted his men had performed better than last weekend’s Liverpool humbling, but the end result underlined the gulf between the two clubs.
“I’ve just tried to remind the players where we are at the moment and to reflect on the season to this point,” he said. “I was probably more annoyed and disappointed at half-time than I was at the end of the game. To take the lead we certainly needed to be in the game for longer. When you come here, and particularly with the offensive quality these have here now, you know it is going to be a tough ask. You know they will dominate possession and create chances so you have to stay in the game longer.
“I felt all three goals showed we are not defending well enough as a team at the moment. That is the disappointment. The pluses are that against a top, top team we got ourselves in some excellent positions and managed to be a little bit of a threat. That is the balance and the result is probably a reflection of where both clubs are at the minute.”
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77 comments
Right enough, HC. 3rd Division South. L1. The Club will survive. Our time will come again, when it`s our turn. All is not lost yet. 31 games and 93 points to play for. OTBC.
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Mad Brewer
Monday, October 8, 2012
I was at the game on Saturday, as I was at Fulham and Liverpool at home. Fulham was shocking and Liverpool depressing, but get thing into perspective everyone. Torres and Hazard together cost more than it would take to buy our entire club - players, ground and everything else and Suarez cost more than our entire 1st team squad. We don't have a sugar daddy with ludicrous amounts of cash to spend but we do have owners committed to the long term success of the club, both on and off the pitch and I would rather support a proper football club like ours than a plaything of a billionaire like Chelsea or Man City - and even Fulham have received millions from Mohammed al Fayed over the years. If we go down (and like everybody else I sincerely hope we don't) we won't do a Portsmouth, Leeds or Ipswich (or QPR if their chucking money they don't have fails) I think we'll stay up, but if we don't we will be better placed than most to bounce back up. People have short memories (or have only jumped on the NC bandwagon when we've been successful) but we've had many years when the outlook has been far less rosy than it is now. OTBC
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Canary on the moon
Monday, October 8, 2012
What the hell is wrong with everyone? We lost 3-1 at Stamford Bridge last season, and since then Chelsea have taken the European crown and currently top the premiership. Ok we gifted them two goals perhaps, but I'm confident things will improve. A new manager with a different style - just give it time and get behind him.
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Mellow_Yellow
Monday, October 8, 2012
Thanks for your comments lads but Lee Clark is useless!!! CH was a mesiah for B.C.F.C. last season, 52 games, Euro Cup run but the players just run out of steam after that marathon. We have the same team CH left us with improvements and LC in charge........... You have a great manager who i would give time to, proven with the geordies but LC is a disaster!
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BeauBlue
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Thanks for your comments lads but Lee Clark is useless!!! CH was a mesiah for B.C.F.C. last season, 52 games, Euro Cup run but the players just run out of steam after that marathon. We have the same team CH left us with improvements and LC in charge........... You have a great manager who i would give time to, proven with the geordies but LC is a disaster!
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BeauBlue
Sunday, October 7, 2012
I notice that BeauBlue is having a problem with Lee Clark who was Ged's "man of the moment" last season. However, I worry that Chris' pep talks are missing the point, "I’ve just tried to remind the players where we are at the moment and to reflect on the season to this point" does not sound like it's going to get them out of the blocks with a do or die attitude.
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Swiss Canary
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Yeah, reckon the Leeds lot think by clicking on "the pink un", their entering a gay chat room.
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tom the taxi
Sunday, October 7, 2012
well done holt,bassong,howson and tettey.The rest need to have a long look at themselves or retire!that includes hoolahan who cant tackle a crisp packet and loses possesion too easily,but he did cross for the goal so hes not quite so bad even though it was his fault for their 3rd!
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tonyb
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Yes all Leeds fans were "personally approved" by Jimmy Saville when they were younger. That's why their postings are brief. They still have problems sitting down. They "personally approve" each other, now that the beloved "St.Jimmy" is no longer with them ...
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Timbo
Sunday, October 7, 2012
A lot of illiterate gibberish from Leeds people on here. They are ill.
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Mad Brewer
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Interestingly, while hyperalbino expects Norwich to be relegated, he also expects to be playing us in the Championship next season. Perhaps he`s a covert realist and not a total plonker after all?
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Mad Brewer
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Indeed Doc. "Sir" Jimmy liked to have a few youngsters on the bench.
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Mad Brewer
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Wasn't Jimmy Saville a Leeds man?
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DocOhNo
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Numpty
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DocOhNo
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Forgot to ask, how did the Leeds lads play for you yesterday. I notice from your board that a new manager is wanted, why not Neil Warnock? We also have a sale of players ongoing at any time of year if your interested.
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superwhite
Sunday, October 7, 2012
At least in the championship next season you will feel atmosphere in your bird cage (ground) again, when Leeds visit you. The last time you guys were on telly it was so quiet you could have heard a Canary sing.
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superwhite
Sunday, October 7, 2012
john doe; "backslash" works. Try 9\10 etc. It`s certainly less tedious & it does the job! ;-)
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Mad Brewer
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Good to see you remaining optimistic, Billy. I`m trying hard to be likewise but struggling. I just don`t quite detect that combative spirit, derring- do or whatever it is, that we saw in the last 3 seasons. Howson, interviewed after the game, sounded like he was in a counselling session for depression. You could almost see his shoulders sagging on radio. I wonder how many of the young recruits of the last year or two had bought into the Lambo charisma and now feel let down or cut adrift? Then we got Butterfield & Snods et al this year, so they knew the picture. Early days but, sadly, few signs of that vital spark returning yet. I live in hope rather than expectation. :-(
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Mad Brewer
Sunday, October 7, 2012
BeauBlue, you`re not having Hoots back! I agree with you - we don`t want to lose him either. Give Lee Clark a chance.
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Mad Brewer
Sunday, October 7, 2012
To be honest, after sleeping on it, I've looked back and realised the signs aren't all that bad reflecting back. I've been pretty pessimistic so far this season, things haven't been looking good, but watching the game yesterday I thought we looked more positive than any of our previous games, we were getting the ball in the box and even though I'm not his biggest fan it was usually courtesy of Hoolahan, who was good on the day, just needs to protect possession sometimes and be stronger, but 3 or 4 times he put dangerous crosses in both at head and tap-in height. We were never going to win this game, Chelsea are an amazing attacking team this season, much improved from last. I don't expect anything from Arsenal either, but after those games, with the return of Pilkington, I think our season could start to pick up a bit, I definitely think some signs were there yesterday, we didn't look too bad on the counter against Chelsea. Personally I'd prefer to see R.Bennett in for Barnett, because he's a good footballer as well as defender, distribution from the back is important, dare I say we also miss Naughton a bit? Not sure on that one, but I don't think it's time to panic just yet, if we go 10 games without a win, then it's time to be very worried.
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Billy
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Hughton has nothing to lose by playing different players in the team and see who does best because at the present he is picking a core of players who are unable to win a game against anybody. Noticeable that other teams spot dangers in City moves and manage to trip the players up and mostly get away with a free kick which gives them time to get back into shape. We have a team with no guts with a couple of noticeable exceptions. If they enjoy being in the Prem. they don't show it as unless they toughen up will all be Chumpionship players next season. Didn't notice any clubs coming in for our players in the closed season except lower league teams which tell you something!
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goldie
Sunday, October 7, 2012
No chance ---he has a job to do at Norwich----to take us to the Championship. Hey---i'v just had a good idea----why don't we buy another goalkeeper???
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superfan59
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Chris, it looks like things are failing at Norwich, i don't mean this in a nasty way, i just hope you get the sack and PLEASE COME BACK TO B.C.F.C. Come back and finish the job you almost completed, Lee Clark is 'totally cluless!' He has taken a 'top six' team, that you put together and made them a 'bottom six' or even dare I say it relegation contenders!! You are a 'HERO' at Birmingham City Football Club and we need you, Colin Calderwood and Dave Watson back!! I hope we sack Lee Clark, you get the sack and come back to a club where you are adored by staff, players and fans alike!! PLEASE.
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BeauBlue
Sunday, October 7, 2012
I tend to think that something is seriously wrong behind the scenes. We only have to look back to our drubbing at the hands of Leicester City in the FA Cup to see where perhaps this has all begun. The rot started then and Lambert lost the plot from there on in!! We can't put all the blame on Hughton; the players have to be tall enough to admit they are not good enough at the moment and I believe CH is having to wade through all the problems he has inherited. I still think we should give him time, how much I don't know. But somewhere it will start clicking into place. He needs to be more adventurous in his team selections, in my view and much more positive. Yesterday did show a big improvement but more does need to be done. I think we will be okay, but only just!! otbc
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Canarygirl
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Bally High i agree the question is how long will McNally let this continue or is he reigned to the fact that we are already in the championship next season
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leslie cater
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Leeds Bulldog- What a P..k!! ps you dont use Pubs,there caleed working clubs where you and other Northern Peasants gather to talk Sh..e! Best if you take your Whippet and Pigeon out before i adjust my 12 bore Ass!
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dave123
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Anyone care to guess where our fist win will come-----def; not this year.
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superfan59
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Just embarrassing, Hughton has not got a clue, as well as tactically inept there doesn't seem to be the passion of last season, please McNally sort it out now
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Canaryinslovenia
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Why are football fans so fickle? I am as concerned about our league position as the next person but losing to Chelsea, Liverpool (and let's face it, probably Arsenal) is by no means a disgrace. We need to get behind the team and the results will come. OTBC.
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MPJ87
Sunday, October 7, 2012
I wonder who our next manager will be ?????????? Gary megson lol. This has to get better. Plzzzzzzzzzz
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Craig Mattless
Sunday, October 7, 2012
The mind set we had under Paul Lambert seems to have changed. All we hear from Chris Houghton is how good the opposition is, never what good players we have. Even today post match, Johnny Howson was saying how good Chelsea were. We were saying last season how good our Norwich players were. Whats happened to change all that self belief ?.
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Bally High
Sunday, October 7, 2012
There are too many mediocre Championship and League One level ex-Leeds players in the team for Norwich to ever be a decent premier level team. We need to get rid of them, especially Snodgrass, who might be better employed with a lawnmower as a Snod-grass cutter. He is predictable and slow, and has looked uninterested.
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horseoutside
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Management clowns ! Time to get rid !
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Bunny160
Sunday, October 7, 2012
submit it once was fine but does not like things that are not letters. should say 6 or 7 goals against and 9 or 10 men. very tedious
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john doe
Saturday, October 6, 2012
submit it once was fine but does not like things that are not letters. should say 6 or 7 goals against and 9 or 10 men. very tedious
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john doe
Saturday, October 6, 2012
A bit fed up of being dumped on. No win to date and yet we have the best disciplinary record in the prem this year? What other team gets done by 5 and 4 and takes it lying down like we have. Man up guys. Would rather lose by 67 with 109 men than be taken for patsies. (Bradley J and Holty are excused). We have to earn the right to play and this year we have lost that edge. CH fault? Don't know. But time for a bit of the nitty gritty. I will now press submit once. If it appears 16 times it is not my fault!
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john doe
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Why does that idiot from Leeds post on here? No one is interested in what he has to say.
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bogbog
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Where is Leeds ? My dog had a lead but that cant be it its spelt differently, Leeds let me think, not a kettle lead that runs to a empty vessel with a wide mouth! Different spelling or is Leeds misspelt? Cant be that surely maybe in this case it could be.
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michael ellis
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Leeds, put them on my chihuahua's when i take them or a walk.must remember the little black bags or when they go so i can clean up.So archant clean up the site to much northern sh**
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wivenhoebudgie
Saturday, October 6, 2012
I agree CovCanary - the Leeds supporters make me smile. I'm not sure if its their inability to string a legible sentance together, or just the fact that they obviously have nothing else to do.
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Mellow_Yellow
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Bring back Bruce RiochBryan Hamilton.....and possibly Neil Doncaster??? Ha, .....management FAIL!
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jeffy
Saturday, October 6, 2012
To complete an unfinished sentence from my last comment: don't let the leeds folks get to you.
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CovCanary
Saturday, October 6, 2012
The reality is we can't compete with the big boys. Our results against the teams below the top 5 are the ones that will decide our season. A good result against any of the top 5 is a plus. We need to be beating the rest, starting with Villa. Don't let the leeds folks: clearly, there is nothing to write about up there so they write about Norwich. Let's face it, they can't write about leeds being in the PL. I quite like the fact that they delight in giving Norwich the time.
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CovCanary
Saturday, October 6, 2012
the only softness i can see is the board employing this clown in the first place...hughton has to go
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lordyfan
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Leeds Bulldog............Another Saturday night on your own?
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Mellow_Yellow
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Right you canarys,i gotta go and drink more booooze at the pub - i will be back after you play your next game and hopefully congratulate you lot = FOR ONLY LETTING 3 IN...Marching on together to the premiership bye for now.ha ha
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LEEDS BULLDOG
Saturday, October 6, 2012
JJE whats up jje? why are you so sad? - come on tell yer uncle bulldog all about it - where are you where are you - lets be av vin you - the writing was on the wall when she walked on the pitch to tell the canary fans to sing PMSL!!
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LEEDS BULLDOG
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Cheer up you canarys at least you will be able to play the tractor boys next season - it will give us leeds fans a chance to stop laughing at you all!! WE ARE SO PROUD - WE SHOUT IT OUT LOUD = WE LUV U LEEDS LEEDS LEEDS!!!
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LEEDS BULLDOG
Saturday, October 6, 2012
LEEDS BULLDOG get a life and go play with someone else sad little man........go on run along!!!!!!
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JJE
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Yes, we are indeed looking rather exposed down the centre. Barnet, although somewhat promising alongside Bassong in the earlier games has looked like a rabbit caught in head lights recently. Our midfield hasn't helped the cause though - giving the defence far too much to do.
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Mellow_Yellow
Saturday, October 6, 2012
What u need is george graham to lead houghton by the hand I used to love the look of fear in houghtons eyes when they were together little bunny in car head lights he's a joke just like your team
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johnny norfolkengood
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Ac canary HOW DARE YOU SAY HOWSON IS POOR? he is premiership class (honestly) - well thats what you lot thought when yer bought im' -tell yer what, send him back to yorkshire- BUT to Doncaster WE DONT WANT HIM BACK!!
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LEEDS BULLDOG
Saturday, October 6, 2012
What u need is george graham to lead houghton by the hand I used to love the look of fear in houghtons eyes when they were together little bunny in car head lights he's a joke just like your team
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johnny norfolkengood
Saturday, October 6, 2012
There are disgruntled people out there tonight, including a sad Leeds fellow who has nothing better to do on a Saturday night, other than taunt Canaries who do not know him, nor would wish to. Via a very decent public house in Hammersmith [The Pear Tree], I have recently returned home to my central London residence. We played against one of the best teams in Europe today, and particularly in the second half, ran the game for a while. The diminuitive Wesley often had three or four players chasing him, and although there were a couple of errant passes, he absolutely worked his socks off. We are fond of Chris Hughton, a decent chap, who was badly treated by 'our friends in the north' but, whatever you may think of him, you can't help wondering whether we would have been in the same mess had Paul Lambert stayed. Such a shame that there has been such a fallout with arguably, the best manager we've ever had. OTBC
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dave butcher
Saturday, October 6, 2012
All that hard work to get promoted - then you canarys turn into pheasants and get shot down in flames EVERY WEEK - what a waste of a premiership place - but dont worry WE will make good use of it next season ha ha ha ....ha
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LEEDS BULLDOG
Saturday, October 6, 2012
What u need is george graham to lead houghton by the hand I used to love the look of fear in houghtons eyes when they were together little bunny in car head lights he's a joke just like your team
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johnny norfolkengood
Saturday, October 6, 2012
If ever there were circumstances that required a radical change, these are they. As previous comments mention, in the short term it is in the centre backs that a change is needed. Let Ryan Bennet back but that still leaves 1 other needed; why was Zak Whitbread ejected? He was terrible when played at left back but had the ability to raise his game in the centre when required. In the longer-term, midfield needs beefing up but it might be a question of developing the existing players, some of whom obviously have potential. Off the pitch I then would suggest that the ambition of the club to stay in and thrive in the premiership is not evident from the movements pre-season and this is an issue above the team manager level. Much to do but we currently have time - but will they do it?
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Eastwind
Saturday, October 6, 2012
There are disgruntled people out there tonight, including a sad Leeds fellow who has nothing better to do on a Saturday night, other than taunt Canaries who do not know him, nor would wish to. Via a very decent public house in Hammersmith [The Pear Tree], I have recently returned home to my central London residence. We played against one of the best teams in Europe today, and particularly in the second half, ran the game for a while. The diminuitive Wesley often had three or four players chasing him, and although there were a couple of errant passes, he absolutely worked his socks off. We are fond of Chris Hughton, a decent chap, who was badly treated by 'our friends in the north' but, whatever you may think of him, you can't help wondering whether we would have been in the same mess had Paul Lambert stayed. Such a shame that there has been such a fallout with arguably, the best manager we've ever had. OTBC
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dave butcher
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Too much public criticism of the players by CH - that's not good management. He needs them play for him, and this does not help that process...
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richard
Saturday, October 6, 2012
What u need is george graham to lead houghton by the hand I used to love the look of fear in houghtons eyes when they were together little bunny in car head lights he's a joke just like your team
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johnny norfolkengood
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Yes andys you are a laughing stock hahahaha
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johnny norfolkengood
Saturday, October 6, 2012
the writing will soon be on the wall for the manager at xmas
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milecross
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Hello Jonny norfolkengood aww didnt snotty even get to play today? even after Norwich paid 3 million for him...................................sorry for the pause in my posting - I WAS LAAAARFING ME EAD' OFF no stop it 3m no stop it 3m STOP
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LEEDS BULLDOG
Saturday, October 6, 2012
JJ you are playing 3 league 1 midfielders in the premier league how much did u buy em for pmsl
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johnny norfolkengood
Saturday, October 6, 2012
JJ you are playing 3 league 1 midfielders in the premier league how much did u buy em for pmsl
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johnny norfolkengood
Saturday, October 6, 2012
To finish 4th from bottom is good enough and there are more than 3 sides we can finish ahead of if he is not defensive in his approach as he has been so often.Not to start with Wes against QPR and West ham may have cost us 4points already.Holt must start and midfielders not sit but get forward. That looked to be the plan today but they pushed us back. It's early doors and if he is positive we'll be ok barring too many injuries along the way.
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irongloves
Saturday, October 6, 2012
We are almost the lowest of lesser sides so what will we gain from the others? I am not sure what City have to do any more to win of even start to produce results! new team ? new manager? More money? Maybe lots of luck and a few hopes and prayers could be the answer or is that wishful thinking as well
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michael ellis
Saturday, October 6, 2012
At least with today's more attacking lineup we looked capable of creating chances. Holt is right saying he'd had no decent chances.They were just too good for us. Once he realizes that Ryan Bennett should be in for Barnett and for me Tierney for Garrido we should be too much for the lesser sides.
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irongloves
Saturday, October 6, 2012
oops one down . five to go
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wivenhoebudgie
Saturday, October 6, 2012
The reason we are not "defending well as a team" CH is because you have, for whatever reason, been playing two Championship level defenders i.e. Barnett and turner. Add to the fact you have loaned out a very promising defender in Ayala who, due to his age is slightly error prone but is streets ahead in terms of ability than the afore mentioned, just like £3m investment Ryan Bennett, faultless back end of last season, down the pecking order for whatever absurd reason. Plus, along with russel martin, our best defender last year was whitbread. As for offensively, same attacking midfielders (if not better) and strikers as last year..............??? It ain't brain surgery pal.....
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The Gaffer
Saturday, October 6, 2012
The reason we are not "defending well as a team" CH is because you have, for whatever reason, been playing two Championship level defenders i.e. Barnett and turner. Add to the fact you have loaned out a very promising defender in Ayala who, due to his age is slightly error prone but is streets ahead in terms of ability than the afore mentioned, just like £3m investment Ryan Bennett, faultless back end of last season, down the pecking order for whatever absurd reason. Plus, along with russel martin, our best defender last year was whitbread. As for offensively, same attacking midfielders (if not better) and strikers as last year..............??? It ain't brain surgery pal.....
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The Gaffer
Saturday, October 6, 2012
To be fair, both Barnet and Dundee have worse goal differences than Norwich. This is my third attempt to get this on because in my previous two tries I mentioned that there was a team with the same GD. It was the team which we beat in the league cup earlier this season and for an obvious reason, the censor does not like it.
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waclor
Saturday, October 6, 2012
How many times does Barnett have to be exposed at the back..ball watching and constantly out of position but he is a "Favorite" of Hughton. Howson looks poor also. I got a feeling Hughton will not change his back 4. Doesn't help when you loan out the best defender in the team
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AC Canary
Saturday, October 6, 2012
To look on the bright side, Barnet and Dundee both have a worse goal difference than Norwich and Scunthorpe are the same.
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waclor
Saturday, October 6, 2012
We managed to be "a little bit of a threat". Bet Chelski were just quaking in their boots about that !
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Timbo
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Were we are now, is 2nd bottom, no wins, the highest goals against column in the league. A manager who plays defensively but has the poorest defence in the league, and a midfield that has lost its attacking flair. One good sign is that Grant Holt looked good today. We cant hang on until Christmas, and hope Santa brings a miracle. At this rate the mountain will be unclimbable by the New Year.
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Algarve Canary
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Another embarassing display. We are becoming a laughing stock. Our goal difference would look out of place in an NBA league table.
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andys
Saturday, October 6, 2012