‘The lads are absolutely buzzing’ – Win far outweighed frustration of losing clean sheet for City captain
Norwich City skipper Grant Hanley congratulates hat-trick hero Teemu Pukki after victory over Newcastle at Carrow Road Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
It may have been disappointing to see a clean sheet slip away during Norwich City’s impressive 3-1 win over Newcastle but skipper Grant Hanley felt the three points far outweighed that low note.
The Canaries were cruising to victory only to switch off in injury-time and allow Jonjo Shelvey a clear run at Hanley, who got his feet in a muddle and couldn't prevent the Magpies midfielder scoring a consolation.
However, after being beaten 4-1 at Liverpool - when Hanley scored an unfortunate own goal - the City centre-back had enjoyed a far more positive game overall alongside Ben Godfrey.
The Scot said: "Especially after last week, to bounce back with a win and an emphatic win, the lads are absolutely buzzing. It's a good feeling."
Shelvey's goal in the third minute of injury-time inevitably led to a dressing room inquest though, with Hanley explaining: "Especially as defenders and big Tim (Krul) in goal as well, but the whole team were disappointed with that. It was the first thing we spoke about when we got in and there were a few heated words but that shows what we're all about, what we're looking to do and the demands we put on each other.
"Once the emotion of that settles down and you look past it, it's a massive three points for us."
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It brought a win over a former club for Krul and Hanley and the groans at that late concession were soon replaced by the elation of a first Premier League win of the season, as an elated Carrow Road hailed Daniel Farke's players and hat-trick hero Teemu Pukki.
"Obviously we wanted to respond on last week," Hanley added. "It was a tough start for us and we were disappointed with it but obviously we were better in the second half last week.
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"But to bounce back with a win is what it's all about and we're pleased with that."
With Timm Klose still missing with a hip issue and Christoph Zimmermann due back from a knee injury later this month, Hanley and Godfrey have had their Premier League chance.
"It's where you want to be at the end of the day," the 27-year-old concluded. "When you start playing football, the best league in the world is the Premier League.
"We've got the opportunity to do that so it's not one we want to miss."
Tom Trybull and Grant Hanley in action in City's win over Newcastle - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Grant Hanley earned a special pat on the back from Daniel Farke after Norwich City's 3-1 Premier League win against Newcastle United Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
