Norwich home debutant Luciano Becchio had the Canaries best chance in the 0-0 Premier League draw against Fulham at Carrow Road. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd

Norwich City boss Chris Hughton rues dropped points in Premier League stalemate against Fulham

Paddy Davitt, EDP Sports Writer Saturday, February 9, 2013
6:51 PM

Chris Hughton admitted Norwich’s lack of quality in the final third was the most disappointing aspect of the Canaries 0-0 Premier League draw against Fulham at Carrow Road.

City secured a third consecutive draw and a second clean sheet on the spin but the hosts never really carried more than a sporadic threat on the Cottagers’ goal.

Hughton deployed Luciano Becchio from the start with captain Grant Holt ruled out after suffering a back spasm this morning. Kei Kamara and Simeon Jackson were also introduced in the final stages as the Canaries looked for a first league win in nine.

“Disappointed because we are at home and the onus is on us to look to get the three points today,” said Hughton. “I didn’t think we had enough in the final third. I felt we lacked a bit of quality in the final third but it is another point. If you can’t win these games, then make sure you don’t lose them. I think when you assess the game they have a lot of quality in their side. You look at the strength of their bench.”

Hughton confirmed afterwards City’s senior squad will fly out to Abu Dhabi on Sunday for a four-day training break with no fixture next weekend. Holt will make the trip and Hughton is confident the skipper does not face a spell on the sidelines with his back complaint.

“His back went into spasm this morning, which was a fair blow to us,” he said. “Of course these things happen in football and you have to be prepared and you have to be adaptable enough. That is why we have competition and that is why the players train like we do. He literally just got up this morning and felt it. There have been circumstances before when physios are able to release the spasm so we couldn’t rule him out when we knew this morning. But in the end it was quite obvious he wasn’t going to be any good for us. It is a spasm so it is going to be very short-term for us.”

Latest Norwich City stories

99 comments

Agree with that Henry. I would have been really miserable if I had not got the chance to see a great Rock n' Roll concert that evening. As it is, R n' R cures all.

Report this comment

Swiss Canary

Sunday, February 10, 2013
After this seasons performances, so far, I believe Norwich City thoroughly deserve to take the title of most boring team off Stoke City. Well done!

Report this comment

Henry

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Welcome "old timer" keep the forum hot.

Report this comment

Lobbo

Sunday, February 10, 2013
First time on here though I have supported this club since the 50's. Like many others, I am frustrated, annoyed and totally confused by Hughton's absolute insistence on playing a system that doesn't work, refusing point blank to use substitutes util the very last minute and praising our opponents even when they are as mediocre as we presently are. Please somebody...ANYBODY,get it through his thick head that to win matches you HAVE TO SCORE GOALS.

Report this comment

oldtimer

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Stew me old mate, you've been rumbled, definitely a mole. Making an issue out of Luciano being called Lucifer has laid you bare. Enjoyed your postings but. ' on your bike'.

Report this comment

Lobbo

Sunday, February 10, 2013
The philosophy and tactics come from the top and that is Mr Hughton. He sets them up not to lose first and foremost. Whether that is right or wrong is up for debate, but it isn't what Norwich supporters are used to. The fact is, playing only 4 offensive players is not going to score you many goals. I also agree with the post about the winning mentality being affected by this. Could someone also tell me how many goals we have scored from open play this season??

Report this comment

Preston Canary

Sunday, February 10, 2013
snarky = brilliant goal by Bale? Well he was allowed to by Tettey failing to foul him and then Garrido failing to show bale onto his right foot, basic defending. it all looks familiar to the Worthington era, useless manager and no players any good enough to sell when we go down this year or next

Report this comment

Canaryinslovenia

Sunday, February 10, 2013
yes,we may be more stable at the back but goals win games and in case no-one at the club has noticed the gap is now shrinking by the week.If the next ten games are a repeat of the last ten for all the clubs in the bottom 8 we are going down...not alarmist,just a fact !!

Report this comment

woodfarm canary

Sunday, February 10, 2013
I am a staunch supporter of CH, but he needs to look closely at situation, stalemate draws may not be good enough. The further we slip the harder it will be to pick up. I believe we should have chanced KK up front, match fit or not, it is no good saving him for a Man Utd match, Arsenal match, etc. Harry played Samba against us and he was woefully not match fit ( this should have been exploited!! ). Let's see what KK can do! OTBC.

Report this comment

johnnyp

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Most teams Mid-league are trying to preserve their position. Nearly all play one up front. If we went 4-4-2. How do we coup with their 5. Do we take the risk? I do agree changes are made far to late. Three draws equals one win. Only a brilliant goal by Bale stopped us beating Spurs, who looked good this weekend. Keep the faith OTBC

Report this comment

sharky

Sunday, February 10, 2013
HOT OFF THE PRESS! Holty has bought Carlisle with the loose change from the Moro transfer (Poor McNasty has worn-out pockets). He`s going to convert the whole place into a worm farm for Moro`s dogs.

Report this comment

Mad Brewer

Sunday, February 10, 2013
We desperately need to score a goal or two and just win a match now. This winless streak is going on and on, far too long. Was Grant Holt really injured yesterday?

Report this comment

Henry

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Pa is so perceptive. City are becoming as a child doing his 22 yard swimming test, when he does not like swimming. Get to the end of the pool and be grateful for it. Gasp for breath and pray "It`ll be better next year, but never again". Why are City fans getting so vitriolic against each other? Villa showed passion and vulnerability in equal measures today - and WON! 3 LOVELY POINTS. All in one go, Hoots. Magic, or what?

Report this comment

Mad Brewer

Sunday, February 10, 2013
We desperately need to score a goal or two and just win a match now. This winless streak is going on and on, far too long. Was Grant Holt really injured yesterday?

Report this comment

Henry

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Divided opinions here well reflects what is happening on the pitch because we seem to be two teams: a set of defenders and the others, with the two seemingly unable to make meaningful connections most of the time.

Report this comment

malaga flier

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Its a shame that most of the contributers on here cannot agree on what must be the most pressing point of concern. We seem to be divided into two entrenched groups regarding the performances of Norwich City on the pitch. There are those who are distinctly fed up with this lack of spark that was once to the fore, and has now disappeared, and those who are happy with things as they are. As I see it, the ship is steady but sinking, and I pray that we can reach the shore before it does.....But things need to change!

Report this comment

Pa Snipps

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Do you muppets really believe Holt was injured, HOOTS OUT NOW

Report this comment

Canaryinslovenia

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Not sure if Hughton was intending to play 2 up front before Holt's injury and the match fitness of KK may well have swayed him away from being started but we really do have to take it to teams like Fulham and Newcastle at home. We have looked a lot more solid at the back lately so why not take chances up front, having said that the crossing was again pretty dire. There never seems to be any quick and accurate crosses into the box and I really do believe this is because our wingers have to stop, pull back and get the ball onto their good foot. In the case of Snodgrass it seems that he prefers to play on the right but Bennett has always performed best as an out and out right winger. The tactics and substitutions on saturday were really negative but the players must take some responsibility as well, we have the abilty to score goals but right now they seem scared to try. I'm really hoping the rest before the Everton game will help sort things out. OTBC

Report this comment

MrCarrowIsInTheHouse

Sunday, February 10, 2013
No doubt Villa set their stall out to win the game today. Unlike Hughton, who appears to be only interested in not losing. Problem is, that can be much the same thing. Because if we draw week in, week out, we will get caught by those below us and we will be well and truly in the dog fight. The way things are going I wonder if or how we are going to score another goal. Only 25 in 26 games - that is pathetic. Goal win games. Time for the coaching staff to get their heads out their i-Pads and look at what is really happening (or not) on the pitch!

Report this comment

malaga flier

Sunday, February 10, 2013
sorry to disappoint you alan clark but i am ncfc..I run one of the official supporters groups...and I, like everyone else, is entitled to an opinion. At this time it is negative. (Like our style of play)

Report this comment

AC Canary

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Alan Clark stop trolling me just coz i want an opinion..negative though it maybe..there was truth in it,,,I am not a scummer .. in fact i run an official supporters club

Report this comment

AC Canary

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Who was in the same position as Norwich last season----

Report this comment

superfan59

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Well done Villa - you attacked, scored two goals and earned three well deserved points. Norwich are now only six points clear of the bottom three. It may be enough but on the other hand we are getting nearer the bottom three as each game passes.

Report this comment

VictorM

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Stew Pydsodd, interesting post, and your point is? You needn't bother replying. If you noticed my recent posting about personal abusers (note I'm not referring to you as a self abuser, I wouldn't sink so low) I've decided that I REALLY can't take you seriously so I'm going to have a chuckle at your posts in future but refrain from engaging. It's a shame, I thought we could have a sensible conversation with perhaps a bit of lighthearted banter but you just seem to be able to spread misery and insults. Bye.

Report this comment

DocOhNo

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Think we had better get used to Hooooton & his mates.He has been told by Mr. Macnasty that we have to stay in the Prem; even if we have to line up all 11 players on the goalline---very boring +very quiet at Carrow Road nowaday's. And to think that it'll be the same again next season if we stay up----look out Stoke --we are after your title as the most boring team in the Prem; No wonder Newcastle dumped him.

Report this comment

superfan59

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Perhaps Grant Holt injured his back loading boxes into the car ready for his family's move ?

Report this comment

john in exile in Leeds

Sunday, February 10, 2013
you are right little yellowbirdie,i saw holtie at the carra.dont know how he split himself in two.it wasnt all bad i thought the defense played very well.now they have a two week break to try and put things right.i quite liked the look of k k.the sunshine in abu dabi might do the trick.cheer up everybody spring is on the way.

Report this comment

bluelight

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Doctor know Nothing! Was that an insult you aimed at Jackson or is that the normal way you prescribe?..... 'Lucifer' is not a name I recognise in the City Team..As for your opening comments directed at me, am I to understand that they really apply to yourself and you are gradually coming to terms with them. May I suggest in all fairness to you, that you find a nice comfortable bed, close the curtains , and sleep it off until the end of May

Report this comment

Stew Pydsodd

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Perhaps Grant Holt injured his back loading boxes into the car ready for his family's move ?

Report this comment

john in exile in Leeds

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Perhaps Grant Holt injured his back loading boxes into the car ready for his family's move ?

Report this comment

john in exile in Leeds

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Never let the facts get in the way of a good scoop PMD! You don't work for a tabloid newspaper by any chance?

Report this comment

DocOhNo

Sunday, February 10, 2013
I would suggest that the major reason that Hughton didn't start with lucifer and Simeon up front is that Simeon's cr@p. as far as I can see this season he's been best at standing about and getting caught offside. I agree that Special K should have come on earlier but as for starting? I'm prepared to be contradicted but I think I read somewhere that due to the US closed season he hasn't played a competitive game since November and isn't fully match fit yet. Oh how we laughed when 'arry's expensive French signing pulled up with a long term injury just before the Norwich game, would we have had the same reaction to hear Kamara would be out for a month because of a groin strain or a pulled hamstring? He definitely should have come on when Jackson came on though!

Report this comment

DocOhNo

Sunday, February 10, 2013
To be fair to CH, Holt was injured, the manager would have liked to have played Grant and Becchio, therefore having a more attacking team. He could not play Kamara at the start because of lack of match fitness. However I do hope, like so many fans, that we do deploy two strikers up front for the home games. Of course it may prove the best thing to do to have one striker up front, against the top 6 and substitute players, if necessary for the last say 25 minutes if things are at a stalemate.

Report this comment

NorthStarRaven

Sunday, February 10, 2013
LYB called your bluff, pmd?

Report this comment

Mad Brewer

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Pubmandave, care to explain how Holt was helping his wife move home while sitting there watching the match in the crowd at Carrow Road? Wish I was that good at multi-tasking.

Report this comment

LittleYellowBirdie

Sunday, February 10, 2013
I`ve made a note of that posting, pubmandave. I wouldn`t blame Mrs Holty for wanting to go back to kith and kin. Or Mr Holty for wanting to get as far away from Calderwood as possible. Reference 4-4-2, I agree with Wivenhoe. We even had the option of using Cafu up front now Whitaker is seemingly fit. A bit reminiscent of Worthy using the Ginger Pelé in that role.

Report this comment

Mad Brewer

Sunday, February 10, 2013
YOu lot complain of lack of goals, when in January Norwich were offered Dave Kitson (family home in cambridge,wants a move nearer home) Norwich rejected it, choosing to go chasing around Celtic for a player who'd never leave their to come to Norwich. With celtic he has champions league football, trophies to be won and his value will soar - at Norwich he'd look forward to premiership survival IF he's lucky. kitson is a proven goal scorer at the highest level, and Norwich slipped up. Holt IS LEAVING at the end of the season, on friday he left Norwich with his wife and has spent the weekend helping her and the children move into their new home in Carlisle

Report this comment

pubmandave

Sunday, February 10, 2013
'lack of quality' - maybe. Lack of strikers on the pitch, definitely. Why didn't he put Becchio and Jackson together once Holt was withdrawn? Why? Why? Why?

Report this comment

richard

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Grant Holt was not injured, he was given the weekend off to help his wife move house to carlisle. remember this post at the end of the season please !!!

Report this comment

pubmandave

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Yes Little Yellow Birdie Holts withdrawal was a shame for it prevented 4,4 2 .Should it have ? we still had the perm any 2 from 3 from Kamara, Becchio and Jackson. .Just an idle thought that

Report this comment

wivenhoebudgie

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Regarding my comment below made around 2100hrs last night, I was right about us being last game on MOTD. The more I reflect on yesterday, the greater I feel frustrated. Losing Grant was a major blow because Hangeland and Senderos should have been roughed up a bit but I can though see absolutely no reason why Kamara was not given 25-30 minutes. He put himself about - Schwarzer felt one good challenge - and really lifted the crowd - and did we need lifting? Hughton, Calderwood and Trollope, plus the iPad, spent so much time huddled together and procrastinating that the moment had gone. I met some friends after the game, who are Fulham fans, and they remarked just how quiet the fans were - and that was with a full stadium.

Report this comment

Kent Anglian

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Hi Stew Pydsodd, I've always believed that someone who is unsure of their argument or feels that they are on shaky ground degenerates into personal insults. From the bottom of my heart thank you for confirming my theory! To be clear, the game was dull, no doubt of that. We need pace up front, no doubt of that. We, however are NOT doomed and there is no need for the hyperbole that I have seen on this site. The closest I saw before was the rowlocks that was posted when Ruddy replaced Forster and this was going to take us back down to the 3rd tier immediately. So, in a nutshell pardon me if I can't take your postings too seriously. I see you still can't come up with a serious alternative manager. My betting is that if Pep was appointed you'd complain it wasn't The Special One.

Report this comment

DocOhNo

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Such negative tactics at home against very average opposition creates a lack of confidence within the team. Even the players must be thinking we must not lose rather than we must win. Hoots may be a good coach but an awful tactician. The players will need to have their confidence lifted after 9 games without a win. They have got to believe that they are good enough to win games. Tactic must change. If they don't soon, we are going to be in a right ding dong relegation battle.

Report this comment

mellow yellow

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Too right, Lobbo. Trouble is, I get so annoyed after repeated blockings that I post something sarcastic about Divot, or Archant in general. Shouldn`t rise to the bait, I suppose. On another board, I echoed the "Up yours, Archant" sentiment. Btw, PD`s latest patronising put-down of Keyboard Warriors (fans) included "Critics, detractors and those on the periphery". Apparently Prolix is using the same speech writer as Vladimir Putin. ;-)

Report this comment

Mad Brewer

Sunday, February 10, 2013
To me the big problem is this wretched formation that Hoots is so fixated with and refuses to change. It isn't working, it's tired and the players cannot cope with it; although as professionals they should be able to adapt. My big question is: what in the world are they doing everyday in training for goodness sake. Because if this is all they can produce then in my book something is seriously wrong here! Surely training is the time to experiment with different formations and mix and match strategies. If the players are having to use this same wretched formation in their training periods no wonder the outcome is the same each week. Must say I felt sorry for Becchio yesterday. It won't be long before he becomes very frustrated like the rest of us and no doubt the players. I certainly would be!!! otbc

Report this comment

Canarygirl

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Morning Brew, I tell yer, I'm all spasmed out. I've been over my blocked postings numerous times and I can't see any rhyme or reason. Does my head in, especially when you see some of the stuff that get through.

Report this comment

Lobbo

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Surely those with justifiably worried\pessimistic viewpoints are allowed their comments without being tagged "whiners" or "whingers"? This is only a message board, not the 3rd Reich.

Report this comment

Mad Brewer

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Little Yellow Birdie , you are quite right about us not being Premier League Managers , well observed . However it would seem that Hughton is also clueless and lacking in that department as well . Everybody in the ground could see that both teams were happy with the draw , at home against a side that relied on Berbatov to create everything we should have hammered them . Whatever you watched couldn't have been the same abject rubbish that everybody saw , can I borrow your rose tinted glasses for the rest of the season please ?

Report this comment

mjc75

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Knowing McNally, I'm sure that he must read these posts, hopefully Hughton too. Even filtering out the rubbish, it is plain that there is a serious problem. OK.....Holt's injury was unfortunate....and he must soon be in line for a ban on the yellow card topping up scheme, but Hughtons only alternative was not to lose. OK that succeeded....maybe Colin Calderwood is too much a negative influence on the game planning....but he has shored up an awful defence!! The national press are not worried Norwich fans. They say we are too boring, to negative and totally lacking attacking flair. Listen to us, and the outside opinion Mr Mcnally

Report this comment

Algarve Canary

Sunday, February 10, 2013
You got one through Lobbo! That isn`t the pretty-boy Holland who used to play for 1p5wich is it? Now dispenses clichéd b*****s as a pundit.

Report this comment

Mad Brewer

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Norwich need more guile - Hughton. I understand that Holland and Barrett are selling them, buy one and get the second for 1p.

Report this comment

Lobbo

Sunday, February 10, 2013
I only listened to this on Radio Partridge. Kamara was mentioned more times in his few minutes than Lucifer was in the entire first half. Trouble is, it was mostly regarding his efforts shoring up the defence! Next stage is goalkeeper coaching for him.... Last time poor old Holty had such a barren spell was at Forest - under Bewilderwood. Why does Calderdash hobnob with the élite in the Directors` Box? Is he really Director of Football, with Hoots his `umble subservient? Would explain a lot.

Report this comment

Mad Brewer

Sunday, February 10, 2013
I only listened to this on Radio Partridge. Kamara was mentioned more times in his few minutes than Lucifer was in the entire first half. Trouble is, it was mostly regarding his efforts shoring up the defence! Next stage is goalkeeper coaching for him.... Last time poor old Holty had such a barren spell was at Forest - under Bewilderwood. Why does Calderdash hobnob with the élite in the Directors` Box? Is he really Director of Football, with Hoots his `umble subservient? Would explain a lot.

Report this comment

Mad Brewer

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Forget Holts back, my head went into spasm just watching this game.

Report this comment

Lobbo

Sunday, February 10, 2013
I would love to disagree with the comments on here, but I can't. That was boring, plain and simple. The evidence shows that this team can either defend well or attack well, but not both. That suggests that there is an imbalance or a short fall in the squad. We looked un-balanced yesterday with Bennett on the left. He wants to go down the outside all the time and Snodgrass wants to cut inside all the time, so Bennett loses out. We need someone who is more creative in midfield than Johnson or Tettey. Both do a decent job of enforcing, but lack the ability to pick out an incisive pass that sets an attack going. Hughton clearly doesn't think Fox is up to it and I'm not sure he trusts Howson to do it either. Maybe Bridcutt could do that job as he is a passer who likes to sit deep. The only attacking player I thought played well was Snodgrass who showed willing to run past players, but was foiled by a lack of bodies and movement up front. Kamara did look like he might offer something different and, at least Hughton won't be able to use the excuse that he is worried about taking off a forward because the opposition might score from a corner. Kamara looked powerful defensively as well as offensively. I hope we stay up and that we address the player formation issues for next season, because I don't want to watch this every week.

Report this comment

Preston Canary

Sunday, February 10, 2013
So just when WAS the last time CH played 4 4 2 andwhen is it likely to be the next time he is likely play it

Report this comment

leslie cater

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Little tip for all you wannabe Premier League managers out there: THERE'S A GOOD REASON YOU'RE NOT PREMIER LEAGUE MANAGERS. As you heard Hughton say if you were paying attention, Holt's injury was a blow to the aim starting off 4-4-2. As it was, there were a number of substitutions and a change in formation which was good information gleaned. Becchio was working hard, shame he didn't get anything, maybe a bit nervy on his part but I'm sure he'll be fine. Are you whiners sure you're even supporters at all?

Report this comment

LittleYellowBirdie

Sunday, February 10, 2013
There use to be an old chant we samg from the barclay, Attack Attack, Attack Attack. can't remember the tune to it. Hughton could do well to find some old City DVD.s and watch how a team should play, and listen to managers, who don't big the opposition up before and after games. How do you view your own players

Report this comment

gordon52

Sunday, February 10, 2013
If yesterdays match proved anything it is how influential Grant Holt is to city by even he needs support around him but no doubt CH will play him up front on his own again.Draws against modest opponents are not good enough I am beginning to worry BIG TIME. OTBC

Report this comment

leslie cater

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Thank goodness I do not pay week in week out to watch this rubbish Hoots calls football. Can't believe how late the subs were, even Fulham the away team had already made 2 subs to try and get three points. Whether we survive or not I don want Hoots football at Carrow road any more

Report this comment

Canaryinslovenia

Sunday, February 10, 2013
If yesterdays match proved anything it is how influential Grant Holt is to city by even he needs support around him but no doubt CH will play him up front on his own again.Draws against modest opponents are not good enough I am beginning to worry BIG TIME. OTBC

Report this comment

leslie cater

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Message to Doc Complacent. What is it really like being a lonely little petunia in an onion patch?...I put on paper a reasonable reply to your comment about me being super critical. However, that confounded machine at Archant rejected it because I used the word 'P*O*P*P*Y*C*O*C*K..... Surely you and 'MR GLUM' our manager. are not the same person.....Whom would I suggest to become a more successful manager of Norwich City?---What about Edna Savage, or Del Boy for starters? I am sure others may come up with their own suggestions to bring a smile-not a laugh-to our faces

Report this comment

Stew Pydsodd

Sunday, February 10, 2013
After that dismal showing it makes me wonder why I spend so much money going up and down the country . Houghton has no idea how we feel , or simply doesn't give a monkey's . Bewilderwood does nothing useful from what I can tell . If anybody at city spends any time reading the comments of the fans then please explain to that moron and his cronies , that we the fans demand better , more , entertainment , in fact anything other than the drivel that they subject us to every week . He has no idea what to do with substitutes , or even how to change the way the side he picks is playing . Wake up , and start doing your job !!!!

Report this comment

mjc75

Sunday, February 10, 2013
As I post there are 32 comments on this page, varied and intersting, City are clueless in the final third... Not my words but those of Dion Dublin , whose comments surely have more relevance than anything I have to say ... Now where is that phone no. for the Samaritans................

Report this comment

Kristafa

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Incidentally, on the subject of scouting, I feel this is an area where the club is sadly lacking. Graham Carr at Newcastle is doing a great job and knows where the right players are at the right money. This is not luck. When he was appointed manager at my home town club, unfashionable Northampton, Town, he changed their fortunes because he knew where there was good talent in the lower leagues. He bought players like Hill and Morley for small change, and they went on to become goalscorers and sell for big money. So no surprise he is doing the same thing at Newcastle. He clearly does his homework and looks over the horizon. We in contract seem to be parochial in outlook. And in failing to look fra afield we land ourselves in a domestic market which is full of over-hyped and over-priced players. So I do think some of the blame must lie within the club.

Report this comment

malaga flier

Sunday, February 10, 2013
I'm getting too old to be sitting outside in a winter afternoon watching this so called football. Could be my last season.

Report this comment

cutty

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Just watched MotD and we had just one shot on target! While we can argue as to whether the club took the cheap option or not, the fact remains that we didn't look in the right places and spent too much time chasing the Scottish rainbow. Newcastle have brought in three good players from France at sensible money. Swansea's tres amigos cost less than we were reported to have offered for Hooper. No contest! Southampton, as has been said here before, showed us what can be achieved without big star names but with the right tactics. We have become the bore draws in the Prem League. Given all this we still have the players who can keep us up but if Hughton persists with his one up front tactic especially at home we won't score the goals that will ensure our Prem survival. I thought Hughton was a good choice at the outset. Now I am less than sure.

Report this comment

malaga flier

Sunday, February 10, 2013
testing testing

Report this comment

Lobbo

Sunday, February 10, 2013
I think archant is anti Lobbo this we. Try number 4. The question is, are the players doing as they're told or not. The disappointment is, very few of our players have actually improved since they joined us. I fully understand the need to get in lower league players but surely our DEVELOPMENT centre is supposed to do just that. I was so revved up about yesterdays match but it was just more of the same. One in the box, no running off the ball, void of ideas and please either develop Elliott Bennett or Bon Voyage.Roll on the transfer window. I'm one pee'd off canary fan.

Report this comment

Lobbo

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Lets repeat ourself. Memo to Hoots try 2 forwards if you want to win the game and be more effective in the final third. and can someone send him the Soton - Man City video so he can see a home team attack and score goals. Agree that subs were far to late again, in fact any sub after 80 mins is late except for injury

Report this comment

wivenhoebudgie

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Lets repeat ourself. Memo to Hoots try 2 forwards if you want to win the game and be more effective in the final third. and can someone send him the Soton - Man City video so he can see a home team attack and score goals. Agree that subs were far to late again, in fact any sub after 80 mins is late except for injury

Report this comment

wivenhoebudgie

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Lets repeat ourself. Memo to Hoots try 2 forwards if you want to win the game and be more effective in the final third. and can someone send him the Soton - Man City video so he can see a home team attack and score goals. Agree that subs were far to late again, in fact any sub after 80 mins is late except for injury

Report this comment

wivenhoebudgie

Sunday, February 10, 2013
AC You wonder why I am suspicious of your posts,and believe you maybe a s.... "Sleeper" When you make comments like that! .... Most fans on here thought at the time,the amount we offered for DG was at least 1 mill over the odds...And in early jan,most thought 5 mill would be a risk on hooper..,yet we went up to 7 mill! ...then there was the international being quoted at 20 Euro! Not sure what we offered but that was stupid money for a club finding their feet financially in the prem!...So we did NOT go for the cheap option ( unlike your,sorry those ..........down there) ....

Report this comment

alan clark

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Took your time to notice we are lacking in final 3rd...been that way all season but hoots to stubborn to change tactics..its all about pride in his selection. I fear we are in trouble..we had a month to organise our weaknesses and we to the cheap way out.

Report this comment

AC Canary

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Lost one of our last five Premier League games. Personally I'd rather ensure PL survival than get relegated in an exciting manner.

Report this comment

DocOhNo

Sunday, February 10, 2013
I'm just glad i dont go and watch it I get depressed listening to it on the radio.

Report this comment

david106

Saturday, February 9, 2013
Why would they even show this on MoTD? There were no highlights and we have all heard the "Expert" views on lack of ambition etc etc last week and before.

Report this comment

waclor

Saturday, February 9, 2013
Football is about......football...as I said earlier, I would rather watch a good game on a Sunday morning than this pathetic effort to retain the TV millions!

Report this comment

tom the taxi

Saturday, February 9, 2013
I cannot believe this report. 'Not enough in the final third'. Well, I wonder why. Becchio was not looking like he was ever going to score in the second half and should have been substituted for Kamara 10-15 minutes earlier. Kamara created more in his 10 minutes than Becchio did in the second half. I sit behind the City bench and the fans were screaming for a change. Why is CH so reluctant to change things. Trollope spend most of the second half consulting his iPad, earning the comment from one of the fans that he was probably Googling 'Football'. Snodgrass was excellent today and must be seriously frustrated. Bet we are last on 'Match of the Day' tonight!!

Report this comment

Kent Anglian

Saturday, February 9, 2013
Of course the objective this season was to stay up. However IF this is achieved it will be at quite a cost. No forward (even Messi) would thrive under Hughton's tactics. Any forward will score fewer goals playing like this than he would at any other club. This will have an effect on the value of the player and the pleasure he gets from playing. Even defenders must get sick of the constant bombardment without the relief the defenders of normal teams get when they have the ball the other end of the pitch. Look at Southampton tonight. IT CAN BE DONE. Either Hughton must get rid of his pathetic scared tactics or the club should get rid of him.

Report this comment

waclor

Saturday, February 9, 2013
We shouldn't be surprised with these no score draws because the writing was on the wall from the pre-season friendlies. It was clear then we didn't carry a goal threat. A lack of quality up front and Hughton's flawed tactics combine to make us impotent.

Report this comment

malaga flier

Saturday, February 9, 2013
I cannot believe this drivel from Hughton. It sounds as if he is talking about a team managed by somebody else. "Dissappointed....onus on us to look to get three points....I didn't think we had enough in the final third"!!! No because you only picked one forward. Heaven help us.

Report this comment

waclor

Saturday, February 9, 2013
I wish as much as anyone we'd play some more attacking football.. but he *was* going to play Holt AND Becchio up front, so let's give CH the benefit of the doubt. To whoever said below that he'd rather watch an entertaining team get relegated than this - are you serious? I will take finishing 17th this year. We have to stay up at all costs. I wish they'd paid over the odds for a guaranteed goal scorer, but it wasn't to be. If we stay up this year and we don't splash the cash and play more openly *next* year, then I will start moaning.

Report this comment

MancCanary

Saturday, February 9, 2013
Oh and another tip Chris, football is meant to be entertaining and exciting, yawn yawn yawn!

Report this comment

Henry

Saturday, February 9, 2013
Oh and another tip Chris, football is meant to be entertaining and exciting, yawn yawn yawn!

Report this comment

Henry

Saturday, February 9, 2013
WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING ON THE TRAINING GROUND !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Report this comment

yarco

Saturday, February 9, 2013
Just a tip Chris - in football you are meant to try to score goals - just in case you didnt know!

Report this comment

Henry

Saturday, February 9, 2013
Just a tip Chris - in football you are meant to try to score goals - just in case you didnt know!

Report this comment

Henry

Saturday, February 9, 2013
The negative,defend at all cost play is now proving very very boring to watch. I'd rather watch some attacking stuff, even if it meant relegation!

Report this comment

tom the taxi

Saturday, February 9, 2013
Why not attempt to win the game then ? You are allowed to bring subs on whenever; you are allowed to take off a defender and put on an attacker. Is Mr Hughton's bonus for staying in the premier so huge that we are going to have to endure this negative defensive football ? And remembe two draws = two points. One win and one defeat = 3 points !

Report this comment

john in exile in Leeds

Saturday, February 9, 2013
I'm sorry but Mr Hughton once again did not try to win the game. Substitutions made too late, and roughly like-for-like. No Lambert style defenders off and forwards on. Is he on such a big bonus to stay up, that we have to endure poor football every week, so we scrape enough points to stay up ? And i'll reiterate: two draws = two points. Win one game, and lose one = three points. Worth trying !

Report this comment

john in exile in Leeds

Saturday, February 9, 2013
Adaptable and Houghton in the same sentence? Hmmmm................................

Report this comment

MJG

Saturday, February 9, 2013
Another game where substitutions were made too late to make any difference. On another note, i am not interested in Mustard TV, please stop putting those really annoying adverts on the site.

Report this comment

DaveG

Saturday, February 9, 2013
Rue points dropped ?? WELL DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT THEN MR H !!

Report this comment

MJG

Saturday, February 9, 2013
Fed up tonight, put a good effort into writing a comment and it get blocked. Up yours archant.

Report this comment

Lobbo

Saturday, February 9, 2013
I'll try posting it here instead......Is it the players or is it the tactics or is it me. I could write the same posting for all our recent games... void of ideas, no running off the ball, only one in the box, where is a goal going to come from... oh and the best till last, Elliott Bennett must be doing really well in training. We play like a team who has been told "make sure you don't lose", Fulham could have easily snatched that game, they were far more positive than us (the last 10 minutes excluded). Some of our players are not premier league standard, can't wait for the transfer window to open. I do think we'll stay up but we really could have done with winning that game today. Weren't positive enough.

Report this comment

Lobbo

Saturday, February 9, 2013
There were more that a few frustrated fans on the Pink Live Match Text Coverage at the late deployment of subs today. Strong feeling amongst many that Kamara should have been introduced much earlier and we should be looking to play up front at home against teams we are really expected to beat.

Report this comment

Dubai Canary

Saturday, February 9, 2013
There were more that a few frustrated fans on the Pink Live Match Text Coverage at the late deployment of subs today. Strong feeling amongst many that Kamara should have been introduced much earlier and we should be looking to play up front at home against teams we are really expected to beat.

Report this comment

Dubai Canary

Saturday, February 9, 2013
One could say that the fans were disapointed with the managers decisions

Report this comment

Albert Cooper

Saturday, February 9, 2013