Norwich City boss Chris Hughton warns Sunderland will pose a major attacking threat. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd

Norwich City boss Chris Hughton wary of Sunderland’s attacking arsenal

Paddy Davitt, EDP Sports Writer Saturday, March 16, 2013
11:57 AM

Sunderland’s strikeforce has commanded more of Chris Hughton’s attention this week than his own frontmen.

Norwich City’s relative lack of end product in recent weeks has inevitably turned the spotlight on Grant Holt and the rest of the club’s forward unit. Hughton insists he detects no signs of fragile confidence despite a fresh blank in last weekend’s Southampton stalemate capped by Holt’s stoppage time penalty miss.

“The feeling I get from our strikers is that isn’t the case. Seeing them as individuals and within training and how they have coped with some of the changes we have made they are in good form within themselves right now,” he said. “I think whoever has to do the job will always aim to do it to the best of their ability but for as much as they want to score what is far more important is the team and the result.

“Certainly if there is a person you would want on that penalty then it is Grant. If anything he has probably lacked match practice because it is our first league penalty this season. It was one of those things. The keeper made a good save, but we also had one or two other good chances.”

Sunderland’s top marksman Steven Fletcher took his Premier League tally for the Black Cats to 11 goals with last weekend’s opener at QPR. Hughton saw enough in Norwich’s 2-1 Carrow Road league win earlier this season to know Fletcher is not the sole threat.

“I thought we were a lot better than them in the first half. We started the game at a good tempo and of course went in with the lead we deserved,” said Hughton.

“They were very good second half but I think what they have got is energy in the team. The likes of (Craig) Gardner on that particular day was impressive and they have a lot of pace in wide areas. (Stephane) Sessegnon is a very good player, either operating off the front or that right-hand side. They have a lot of attacking options. (Danny) Graham of course going there in January gives them another one. It is not just about Fletcher.

“Players like Sessegnon and (Adam) Johnson are important. They certainly carry an offensive danger. We have often spoken about defending well in a good percentage of our games. Well, we are going to have to do that, but have a threat.”

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13 comments

Apropos of Davitt, he generally only "writes" what NCFC wants him to write. For instance, when Hoots expresses doubts that the "2 up front" experiment has proved itself (after a lengthy trial of two games), Prolix the Apologist is almost frighteningly eager to endorse the party line. Helps to keep the Keyboard Warriors, aka "critics, detractors and those on the periphery" in their place, don`t you know! Nice, comfy little world to occupy; "non-critics, non-detractors and those in the know". The in-crowd.

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Mad Brewer

Sunday, March 17, 2013
Loanee Lookout. C. Martin scored winning goal for Derby yesterday. Likewise J. Vaughan for Huddersfield. Also, a "flown-the-nester", Cody McDonald scored winning goal for Coventry. Apropos of nothing, just for general interest!

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Mad Brewer

Sunday, March 17, 2013
Until looking at the table I was a bit concerned with the way results were shaping up , but the points gap between us and the bottom 3 is still quite good . Can't afford to relax just yet though , a couple more wins and we're home and hosed .

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mjc75

Saturday, March 16, 2013
Me too. I know were a bit lucky to beat them, but for us all, what a great result that could be. As you say Gibson looks good

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sharky

Saturday, March 16, 2013
I watched the Everton game today and Darren Gibson could be the man we need to sit and protect the back four , he was immense only bettered by Coleman . The down side is I doubt Everton would let him go cheaply . Ref. the other results you're right Sharky , it also means a result tomorrow could well be enough .

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mjc75

Saturday, March 16, 2013
Todays results make our last two games look good. ;-)

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sharky

Saturday, March 16, 2013
Remember the headline last week about "the edge" When he didnt actually say that. Reporters twist words.

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sharky

Saturday, March 16, 2013
I agree with that , but even so he always bigs up the opposition . I'd rather he tell us that he's not all that interested in what they can do , only what we can do .

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mjc75

Saturday, March 16, 2013
We always watched our opposition to plan what we did. Remember this is purely an EDP article. His team talk will totally different from what he tells Davitt ;-)

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sharky

Saturday, March 16, 2013
Yes it would , but surely even you can accept that telling all and sundry how great the opposition are before and after every single game , and yet making almost no mention of our threats , does nothing for our team . Don't you think ?

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mjc75

Saturday, March 16, 2013
Surely any manager will tell his players where the oppositions strengths are. It would be rediculous not too dont you think?

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sharky

Saturday, March 16, 2013
Shouldn't be surprised really , he does it before and after every game . Even the odd few we've won !!

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mjc75

Saturday, March 16, 2013
Sorry together, but Here we go again! More excuses BEFORE the game! For goodness sake put some spark in the team! They are plenty good enough!..

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Stew Pydsodd

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Norwich City striker Simeon Jackson heads a 10-man list of released players

Norwich City officials confirmed on Monday night the release of ten players from the club – headlined by the departure of Canadian international Simeon Jackson.

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