Opinion

‘Much improved’ - City fans take positives from Canaries 2-1 defeat to Watford

Connor Southwell

Published: 9:23 PM July 7, 2020 Updated: 7:17 PM November 22, 2020

Norwich City fans have shared their verdict on the Canaries 2-1 defeat to Watford. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd

Norwich City supporters have extracted numerous positives from the Canaries 2-1 defeat to Watford.

Much improved performance but a massive learning curve for our full backs tonight. It was tough for them and hopefully they will be stronger for it. #ncfc #canarycall
— Mike Ward (@mjtward19) July 7, 2020

That defeat would have really hurt in a close relegation battle, deserved a point. Some positives to take from it. Idah miss aside, he looked bright again as did Josh Martin who I always like the look of too. Both could well be stars in this side next season.
— Adam Brandon (@AdamBrandon84) July 7, 2020

That's now seven defeats in a row in all competitions for Norwich City, the first time they've lost 7/7 since May 1995 #ncfc
— NCFC Numbers (@ncfcnumbers) July 7, 2020

Tonight's sixth defeat in six painfully exposed how ill equipped we are to cope with the physical strength of other sides. Even after taking the lead we looked vulnerable, especially to set pieces and crosses. Woefully inadequate again #ncfc
— Richard Balls (@RichardBalls) July 7, 2020

Not saying they were spectacular, but the difference with Mario and Marco in was palpable. So much more understanding and confidence going forward. But once again, the gaps that needed plugging were wide open tonight. #NCFC
— Ryan Livermore (@Ryan_Livermore) July 7, 2020

A quick positive - imagine Josh Martin and Adam Idah in the Championship next season. Josh looked quick! Hope we're back in the stands at some point next season, that first away day will be tasty. #NCFC
— (@norwichjamie) July 7, 2020

Yes we were better but we still lost against a lukewarm Watford. Miles away from where we should be. #NCFC
— Andy Head (@AndyHead02) July 7, 2020

Yes I love this team (that'll never change) but I dont always like them.This season could/should have been so much more. As a fan I feel let down n I think the inexperience/underdog angle they keep badgering us with is a pathetic excuse. We deserve a better explanation #ncfc
— Anna say (@Anna_say25) July 7, 2020

I'd like to have seen Steipermann given more of an opportunity this season. Other players have been persisted with yet he was given up on relatively early this season. I thought he had good moments tonight for his first game in a while. #ncfc
— George Wilbraham (@Wilb92) July 7, 2020

Thought #ncfc were much better tonight. Problem is, as it has been all season, they're just not strong enough to win matches in this league. Bullied for both goals.

Plus Pukki not sharp enough at the moment. #canarycall
— Tom East (@thomaseast77) July 7, 2020

Daniel Farke’s men opened the scoring after five minutes when Emi Buendia netted his first Premier League goal after curling the ball beyond Ben Foster after Onel Hernandez’ pass.

The hosts equalised soon after, when Craig Dawson escaped some weak marking from Jamal Lewis and Alex Tettey to nod home from Will Hughes’ free-kick just five minutes later.

City were more cohesive in their offensive approaches, but they failed to find that elusive second goal.

It was Watford who stole a much-needed victory when Danny Welbeck spectacularly converted an overhead kick after a number of defensive mishaps by City.

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Ismalia Sarr brushed off Kenny McLean before crossing, Max Aarons scuffed his clearance and it looped into the air, which left Welbeck to acrobatically score his first Premier League goal since 2018.

The defeat did display crumbs of comfort for the Canaries, with Hernandez, Marco Stiepermann and Mario Vrancic performing well - three players who could prove pivotal in the next 12 months.

Read the thoughts of Norwich City supporters above and below

Much better performance from #Ncfc tonight, but we've lacked defensive know how and not been clinical enough in final 3rd all season,the table never lies! But it's not all negative, we've got some excellent young players and a club structure to build on #Ncfc
— Darren Huckerby (@hucks6dh6) July 7, 2020

I think our young lads will have learned an awful lot from that game. Aaron's and Lewis playing against some strong players. The offers may well come in for them, but I feel they've still got quite a bit of growing to do to be true Premier league players. #ncfc
— Jonathan parker (@Jparker7398) July 7, 2020

Even I have to surrender now

Final throw of the dice tonight, better but still not quite enough... story of our season '??

12 points dropped to Villa and Watford has really cost us and wiped out a few heroic great performances.#ncfc pic.twitter.com/pAH0HTZ7DV
— Mick Saunders #OTBC (@WorthingYellow) July 7, 2020

Bring on the Champ. Much better league, any1 can beat any1. Some good youngsters here need 2 rise up in2 1st team squad, Martin, Idah, Famewo, Oxborough, Adshead, Thomas. Be good to keep Cantwell & Godfrey and some experience, add a bit of defensive stability and go again. #ncfc
— calkane (@calkane) July 7, 2020

Our fate is pretty much sealed. Looks like we've pretty much relegated Bournemouth and Villa too. So glad this season is nearly over #ncfc
— Amy Seago (@AmySeago) July 7, 2020

OK, Idah missed a great chance, but still think he's going to be massive next season in every sense. Also liked the confidence and swagger of Josh Martin when he came on. There's still lots of hope everyone #ncfc
— Mike Ward (@mjtward19) July 7, 2020

Things may not have come off for Stiepermann today but at least he tries to get the ball down and play off the front foot unlike Duda. #ncfc
— Philip Wright (@Wrighty2902) July 7, 2020

The standard 'Money doesn't guarantee you success' is being trotted out. I'll just respond with 'Spending nothing guarantees you relegation (again)' #ncfc
— James Cushing (@c11shy) July 7, 2020

Slight positives...some better, more enjoyable and confident passages of play, all involving Emi - looked brighter with Josh Martin and Adam Idah on the pitch... Aarons & Lewis both look utterly shattered unsurprisingly. Vrancic & Stiepi rusty as hell but still better than others
— Kett's Rebellion (@jonkr666) July 7, 2020