Opinion
Connor Southwell’s verdict: For all the questions thrown his way, Farke called it right against Leicester City
Raul Jimenez makes sure of victory with Wolves' third on a disappointing day for the Canaries. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
When Kelechi Iheanacho curled his shot beyond a helpless Tim Krul, Norwich City supporters were left feeling a familiar type of despair.
Whether you subscribe to the view that you construct your own luck or not, City earned three valuable Premier League points against a quality opponent.
That moment after the interval was synonymous of the Canaries' season. A factor that has contributed to their downfall this campaign.
Yet, with the greyest of skies and the gloomiest of oceans, City fought with every fibre of their being and reduced the Foxes to scraps in the closing exchanges.
Contrast the moment that Iheanacho's effort flew into the bottom corner with the scene that unfolded at the final whistle.
You may also want to watch:
Daniel Farke was whipping up the crowd. All four corners were keen to engage in his celebratory waves and the noise was electrifying.
The German has been the subject of scrutiny following City's poor form in the division. He has been forced to answer questions on his selections and tactical decisions, but he answered his critics with the sweetest of replies.
Most Read
- 1 Norwich City star tipped to reject move to Tottenham
- 2 City midfielder returns to Norfolk after loan spell terminated
- 3 Bushiri completes Eupen loan
- 4 Placheta must kick on at City
- 5 Giannoulis in contention for Boro clash - as City secure work permit
- 6 Giannoulis deal proof City can navigate difficult transfer market
- 7 Cantwell explains why he wears different coloured boots and why City is in his DNA
- 8 Lambert and Ipswich in crisis: Do you care, City fans?
- 9 City striker seals Swindon loan move; Hugill injury boost
- 10 'That's my dream' - Giannoulis hopes his style will boost City's promotion hopes
In terms of City's survival hopes, this victory could be rendered meaningless dependant on the results elsewhere, but that unadulterated joy at the final whistle was a rare ray of sunshine in a bleak season.
The size of the task hasn't diminished but, for this weekend, City can dine on a performance that combined defensive solidity with a moment of genuine quality in the final third.
Victories have been a rarity throughout this campaign. The belief inside Carrow Road, even if it was for a brief moment, was at a fever pitch.
Last weekend, City seemed miles away for any possible great escape. The distance is still significant but suddenly the punters have hope.
Once again, the Canaries find themselves in a situation where, if they string together a sequence of results, then their fate could still turn.
The fear is that it's too little too late.
Talk of the bigger picture can be put on ice until the final whistle blows in games involving their rivals. To not celebrate this victory in fear of the bigger picture seems an act of great self harm.
VAR decisions have gone against them. They've been decimated by injuries at regular intervals. It seemed all their luck was spent, but as replays showed the ball clipped the Nigerian's hand, suddenly it felt like it could be City's night.
Positive performances have been witnessed consistently this season but translating that into points has proved testing for Farke's men.
Can City survive? That is ultimately the question supporters will finding themselves asking.
With this Norwich City side, there is fight. There is commitment and effort isn't in short supply.
Quality has lacked on occasion, but as Max Aarons glided past Ben Chilwell to deliver the cross that Lewis controlled and rifled into the net, it was the full-backs combining to win a game of football for the Canaries.
Farke, for all that has been thrown in his direction, did call it right. Leicester did look to overload in key areas and look for their pacey attacking trio once they turned over possession.
They weren't intense in their press. They lacked the necessary quality to carve open a resilient City defensive shape.
This is the template now. This is the mould City need to take to Bramall Lane next weekend to engage in an arm wrestle with Chris Wilder's Sheffield United.
Before then, a pit stop to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, where they will look to extract the same doggedness and competitiveness witnessed at Carrow Road on Friday.
The fireworks went off as the players emerged from the tunnel, and the spark in City's season is still flickering.
Now, it's about momentum and replicating that level of performance consistently.