Norwich City fan Edward Seaman says: Away dominance a sign of Neil’s new-look City
If there was ever a cure to the opening day defeat to Crystal Palace, then last Saturday’s 3-1 win in the north east was the perfect tonic.
If there was ever a cure to the opening day defeat to Crystal Palace, then last Saturday’s 3-1 win in the north east was the perfect tonic.
For all the talk of how poor Sunderland were, I thought the quality shown by Alex Neil’s men to take control of the match and put the three points beyond doubt was highly impressive and showed why we are ready for this Premier League campaign.
56 per cent possession and 19 efforts on goal was a true reflection of the dominance we enjoyed.
I spoke before the start of the season about how important it would be for us to get at teams and try to create space for Nathan Redmond and Wes Hoolahan. And the pair have showed once again what they can do to devastating effect.
Redmond made it two goals in two games with a cool finish whilst the little Irish magician set up two of the three goals with delightful intimate flicks, taking his total to three assists already this season.
However, it’s City’s defence, who I am sure are as disappointed with conceding a late consolation goal as their manager was, that I must reserve special praise for.
As a unit they were far more solid than the opening week of the season, yet City’s full-backs maintained their threat going forward.
Russell Martin and Steven Whittaker both added the bonus of getting themselves on the scoresheet, Whittaker’s goal especially highlighting his attacking intent.
Sebastien Bassong was also outstanding and it is fantastic that the club have extended his contract for another year.
Bassong, whose troubles were well documented, has been immense since his return to the team and fully deserves this new deal.
City take on Stoke tomorrow at Carrow Road with a platform to really kick on and make a solid start to the season.
I have been impressed by their recruitment this summer, but if we show the same level of performance again, there is no reason why we cannot gain another three points.
