Opinion

‘After the Lord Mayor’s show’ - City supporters reflective after 1-0 loss to Sheffield United

Connor Southwell

Published: 6:21 PM March 7, 2020 Updated: 11:09 PM October 10, 2020

City supporters were reflective after a 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd

Norwich City’s defeat to Sheffield United has left many supporters with a sour, yet familiar, taste in the mouth.

Quite clearly a case of 'close but no cigar' for #NCFC today. Very even in terms of overall team stats between the two sides too.

Breaking down an organised Sheff U 1-0 down was always going to be a big ask after the Spurs effort midweek.

Still feeling optimistic. Are you? pic.twitter.com/K4zoV5XLIh
— Chris Reeve (@ChrisReevo) March 7, 2020

5 home games = 15pts plus a draw will give us 37 pts which could be enough, let's stay positive it's not over yet #canarycall
— Diane (@dianencfcfan) March 7, 2020

?? is Running Out

Not as free flowing today and found it hard to penetrate through thirds regularly. Sheffield made it hard , they pressed well and broke the play up.

Henderson's save

Positive Note - Grant Hanley

Points needed ASAP
#ncfc #keepthefaith pic.twitter.com/xYvlOmkclJ
— Sam Arthurton (@samarthurton) March 7, 2020

Points against fellow promoted sides for Norwich City in seasons following promotion to Premier League:

2004/05: 6/12
2011/12: 12/12
2015/16: 6/12
2019/20: 0/12#ncfc
— NCFC Numbers (@ncfcnumbers) March 7, 2020

Thoughts on Norwich
Hope they stay up. Fascinating to watch. So close to being a very good team with their bravery in possession, movement and combinations. Lack a level of intensity and dare I say it "grit" or know how. Just can't seem to see out periods of pressure against them
— BA Analytics (@Blades_analytic) March 7, 2020

What's that phrase...'after the Lord Mayors Show'? Utterly understandable, but #ncfc were a long way off it today. Games running out...
— Ian (@Ian_M1) March 7, 2020

Wednesday to Saturday turnaround proved too much in the end. They were the last team I'd want to play when not 100% physically #ncfc
— How are Norwich bottom? (@littlenorwich) March 7, 2020

Anyone else fed up with the opposition goalkeepers having worldies against us?? Incredible how often its happened this season!! #ncfc
— Mike Ward (@mjtward19) March 7, 2020

First time Sheffield United have done the double over us in decades. Well deserved, worrying lack of variation in our play when chasing. Idah for Duda was needed sooner to give us something different. A golden chance missed each half though, on another day we get a point. #ncfc
— Adam Brandon (@AdamBrandon84) March 7, 2020

Unbelievably frustrating. Henderson man of the match says it all. If only we could finish our chances. #ncfc
— Mike Ward (@mjtward19) March 7, 2020

Billy Sharp's close-range header in the first-half proved decisive as the Blades continued their march on the European qualification places.

City looked lethargic in the opening period, with United having a dominant spell prior to and just after their goal.

Daniel Farke changed formation in the second period, with the diamond system causing Chris Wilder's side greater problems in the second half.

Had it not have been for an outstanding triple save by England under-21 goalkeeper Dean Henderson, then City would've left Bramall Lane with a point.

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Ultimately, that is a microcosm of their season. City dominated possession and had more shots at goal, but lacked cutting edge in their efforts.

Despite the loss, the situation at the bottom of the Premier League table remains the same for Farke's men.

They sit rooted at the bottom of the table, six points from saftey.

- Read the thoughts from the Canary nation above and below

Pukki hasn't looked the same in front of goal since he buggered his toe at Leicester - like to see Idah given a chance to start - he's not lacking confidence. #NCFC
— Canaries Caption It (@Saund65) March 7, 2020

Usually angry about being bottom. This season it's just frustration. So close to being comfortable in this league. Sadly we miss good chances & concede stupid goals! Pukki needs a goal desperately #ncfc
— Lee Jermyn (@LeeJermyn) March 7, 2020

Always going to be tough today after Weds. Just need to keep playing our way. Never know what might come of that. #ncfc
— Huckerbysbarber (@huckerbysbarber) March 7, 2020

I enjoyed going to the #ncfc game today. Thought they looked tired but they tried their best, battled, but struggled to break down a very good, very organised #sufc Good luck to the Blades - hope they get into Europe. They deserve it.
— Tom East (@thomaseast77) March 7, 2020

Today is one of the biggest reasons we're going straight back down this year. Everyone around has lost today, not even a point gained towards a miracle. It's been like this all season. Yeah we're gunna win the FA Cup but no derby day to look forward to next year #ncfc
— Bex (@_JoshHancock) March 7, 2020

I don't know all that much about football but from where I was stood we looked like a fair shout for a draw today. Multiple half decent chances and sturdy defending. Same story as all but three games this season - decent display, just fell short of getting something.
— Matthew McGregor (@NCFC_McG) March 7, 2020

Poor premier league match from both teams today. Their keeper MOTM sums it up. How did we not score? Quiet stadium. #NCFC Onwards we go.
— Gav Gray (@gavgray) March 7, 2020

I'll always keep hoping the results will come but, let's be honest, we're running out of games and it just isn't going to happen, sadly.

Can't fault the effort, that's for sure, but it's a massive odds on chance that we will be back in the championship next season #ncfc #otbc
— Mags (@mags171124) March 7, 2020

We just aren't good enough. Not got a single point when we've gone behind, six away league goals all season.

Unfortunately, we don't have a single PL quality centre back and our top scorer has scored once from open play in three months. #ncfc
— Adam Savoury (@Saves1990) March 7, 2020

Obviously Villa will alter it if they win their games in hand (Leicester & Sheffield United), but 36/37 points is increasingly looking like what you're going to need to stay up. No margin for error whatsoever in our home games but it can be done '?? #ncfc
— Cory (@iwritethings23) March 7, 2020