Fan Zone: Plenty of Norwich City memories yet to be made.
The twists and turns of a Championship season are often difficult to predict, and I did not expect that matches against Queens Park Rangers to have such a negative influence our campaign.
The first game was a dismal defeat at Loftus Road on December 7, along with the disciplinary consequences, which put an end to the free-flowing, goal-scoring Hoffball that had been fostered at the end of November. After a tie and two defeats, QPR returned to Carrow Road on Sunday determined to disrupt the flow of our game and cause interruptions and delays wherever possible. After a finely matched first half, they were awarded a goal right before halftime thanks to Ante Crnac’s deflection, and it appeared that their tactics would be effective once again.
The Canaries showed more attacking intent in the second half, especially after the introduction of Jack Stacey and Onel Hernández. Nonetheless, opportunities were missed, and it began to look like it wasn’t going to be our day. Marcelino Núñez scored in extra time in front of the Barclay’s goal. The relief in the audience as we celebrated the goal was a release for all of the afternoon’s disappointments, and we encouraged the squad to go for a winner and grab the game back at the end. However, we were left with shared points and only two days’ respite before facing Luton in 2025.
Both the fragility of the confidence of the team and our strength in depth has been tested in December. Head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup has had to rotate the squad to cover for suspensions, injuries and player fitness, as the relentless fixture list gives little time to recover and reassess.
Hopefully, January will be a more productive month in terms of points, despite the additional distraction of the transfer window. Rumours are already flowing about those who may be leaving and potential new additions to the roster. A home FA Cup match against Premier League Brighton provides an opportunity for glory, but it may also be utilised to rest important players and give youngsters a chance. Off the pitch, the past few days have been full of reunions. On Boxing Day, Norwich’s former number six Christoph Zimmermann joined the BBC Radio Norfolk commentary team, and on Sunday, his former teammates Mario Vrancic and Marco Stiepermann returned to the sacred ground before kickoff.
Three players that played key roles in Norwich City’s recent success and unforgettable title-winning season. And we had a return guest in the back row of the lower Barclay, where I watch my beloved Canaries. Dave, a long-time City fan, took his position among old acquaintances and made everyone grin while staying with his family for Christmas after returning from his new home in Brisbane. In between plays, we talked about his life down there, and due to Marcelino, we were able to celebrate a goal together once more, just like old times. The memories and excitement that these familiar faces brought back help to maintain perspective on the season thus far. For all the frustrations that leaves us currently in the middle of the table, there is potential and hope in the squad for more glory, and more memories to be made.
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