Phew.
That is what football is about, those indescribable moments of ecstasy. That feeling was palpable amongst those in Carrow Road as Timm Klose’s last gasp header kissed the back of the net. It was a moment of sheer pandemonium.
Klose was engulfed by his teammates, Farke stood with his arms outstretched and scenes of bedlam left Carrow Road shaking to its core. What a game, only football has the capability to make you feel this way.
On the flip side of that coin, the utter despair felt by the travelling Ipswich contingent who thought they’d ended the nine year hoodoo was tangible. The picture of their manager proceeding Norwich’s dramatic equaliser told a thousand words.
For the most part, the game plan concocted by Mick McCarthy was one which resulted in a streetwise and efficient performance from his squad.
Yet his foul mouthed and explosive response in the aftermath of the goal angled towards those Ipswich supporters who verbally resented his tactical approach will take the headlines. He was moments away from recording his first East Anglian derby win, carving his name in modern Ipswich folklore in doing so.
But he didn’t. It’s difficult to see a situation whereby he occupies the home dugout at Portman Road next season. This was McCarthy’s chance at derby redemption, yet his rein will be forever remembered as the manager who couldn’t beat his local rivals.
For the rich vein of history which Ipswich possess, this stands more prominent currently than any UEFA Cup or FA Cup. A generation of Town supporters will have never seen their side conquer Norwich, history or not, that is some record.
Adaptation after McCarthy will pose more questions though. This is a squad built in his image. A squad whereby physical dominance and brutality prevails over technique and aesthetic, that is difficult to manufacture into any alternate philosophy. Ipswich is stagnating, and the wait for that elusive derby win continues.
For Norwich, the elation will outweigh the faults, but they were seconds away from a defeat here. Christoph Zimmermann’s slice set the tone as Norwich came out of the blocks timidly and slowly. The weight of the occasion seemed to infect some players game during the early sequences of the match.
Possession was loose, the game was frenetic and that suited Ipswich’s style.
Defensively, this was as weak as Norwich have looked. On a couple of occasions, they were required to use a few ‘get out of jail free’ cards as individual mistakes seemed more prominent than they have been in recent weeks.
Teams who bully Norwich continue to pose them a multitude of problems and Farke must find a remedy to avoid this happening again.
Despite the visitors dominance in a lacklustre first half, Angus Gunn wasn’t called upon to make a save of any difficulty and despite a few threatening set pieces, they looked harmless in that regard. Norwich themselves looked toothless with their front two being dominated by Ipswich’s rearguard physically and aerially.
The theory was Murphy as the mobile runner who operated purely on balls in behind the opposition backline, with Nelson Oliveira having a freer role operating between the defence and midfield. Murphy was outmuscled and Oliveira incapable of holding the ball up, nothing Norwich threw forward stuck.
Even in approach Norwich was passive and lateral, seemingly waiting for the perfect opening or for a piece of magic from James Maddison.
It bears no coincidence that as Ipswich nullified Maddison’s threat, Norwich looked short of ideas. This overreliance is reminiscent of Craig Bellamy when he operated in a yellow shirt.
With Maddison looking increasingly above the level in which he currently operates, supporters must cherish every second of him in yellow and green.
You must admire the manner in which Norwich are attempting to play, yet the prominent lack of a plan B is noticeable once Norwich fall behind. The manner of the equaliser displays how there is no ‘bad’ way to get results in this business. Norwich need to explore different styles and adapt to situations with a greater fluidity.
But the manner of the fight back is what this young group need to take forwards.
Never say die. The character, the determination and the fight to revive a game which for many punters was seemingly lost is incredible. Norwich have beaten and drawn with Ipswich before but the modification of narrative only increases the drama and contentment of fans.
For those who align with the yellow and green, that will be sweeter than most recent derby days. Granting Ipswich a sliver of hope before cruelly snatching it away, leaving the Blues crest fallen.
Farke deserves credit for Norwich’s superiority in the second period. Norwich’s shape was wider and higher. It was more of a unit.
Grant Hanley.
Many people groaned surrounding his arrival, but he has silenced anyone who doubted his ability prior to signing for Norwich. The physicality, leadership and presence he brings to this side is priceless.
A colossus, an imposing figure and a wonderful defender, Hanley defended resiliently and marshalled Joe Garner excellently. On the contrary, the precision on the cross he delivered for his counterpart was inch perfect. Hanley is sublime.
Onto Wolves, perhaps the hardest task in the Championship at present, but with this Norwich side, anything is possible.
