It was a game that began with a poignant moment of applause, was then wrapped in VAR controversy and saw two penalties saved. Connor Southwell dissects the key talking points from the stands after Norwich City’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester United.

VAR-cical

Sunday felt like Carrow Road's first real introduction to the video assistant referee. As United winger Dan James collided with City defender Ben Godfrey, referee Stuart Attwell initially waved away the protests from those in red shirts.

Perfectly positioned, Attwell's decision not to award the penalty was perfectly clear to all in the stadium. As play was eventually drawn to a halt, a purple graphic was evident on the big screen.

A lull in proceedings led to frustration around the ground. Supporters were clueless as to what was being checked and why. Attwell only made the TV signal as the decision was overturned by the VAR official David Coote.

As replays began to filter through onto phones around the ground, it soon became apparent that the decision reached after a two minute stoppage was incorrect.





Keeping it down to a roar for Duncan

Few players epitomise what it means to represent a football club like Duncan Forbes. Those of a certain vintage would regularly recall stories about the imposing centre-back who wore his heart on those yellow and green sleeves.

Given the volume of a voice that could be heard in Yarmouth, it seemed fitting that Carrow Road celebrated the life of a City icon with a moment of applause.

He dedicated 33 years of his life to the Canaries, understanding what it meant to wear the colours but also how to represent them with pride.

Forbes was a fearless defender who would give his all for the badge. Some would suggest that he wasn't built from bones but carved from granite, as was his strength and fearlessness. For as long as their is a football club in these parts, Forbes will be forever associated with it.





Tip top Tim

Two penalty saves in one fixture would have been impressive enough, throw in an outstanding reflex save from Anthony Martial and you begin to understand how crucial Tim Krul was on Sunday.

Almost single-handedly, he ensured the scoreline remained respectable, displaying his goalkeeping talent to those who had previously doubted it. It seems remarkable that his position was under threat given the consistency of his performances so far in this campaign.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hailed him as one of the world's best at saving spot-kicks, something ex-United boss Louis van Gaal used to his advantage in the 2014 World Cup as Holland beat Costa Rica in a shoot-out.

His heroics spared City's blushes but fear over a potential ACL injury will now dominate supporters minds ahead of an important clash with Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.





The Pink Un: Tim Krul denies Marcus Rashford from the penalty spot in Norwich City's 3-1 defeat to Manchester United. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images LtdTim Krul denies Marcus Rashford from the penalty spot in Norwich City's 3-1 defeat to Manchester United. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: Paul Chesterton)