Opinion

‘A shame to lose but so much to be encouraged about’ – Canaries shine but waste big chance of cup upset

PUBLISHED: 22:35 30 October 2018 | UPDATED: 23:02 30 October 2018

Onel Hernandez, left, celebrates scoring City's equaliser at Bournemouth with Tom Trybull Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images

Paul Chesterton

The Carabao Cup adventure may have come to an end in the fourth round for a fourth successive season for Norwich City – but the Canaries did themselves proud against top-flight opposition.

Christoph Zimmermann couldn't hide his disappointment as he thanked the away fans at full-time

There were a host of chances for both teams at Bournemouth on Tuesday night, with City equalising with a third goal of the season from Onel Hernandez midway through the second half.

However a failure to clear a corner less than three minutes later saw defender Steve Cook slam home for the hosts and edge Eddie Howe’s high-flying team into their third quarter-final in five seasons.

Dennis Srbeny had smashed a shot against the post and been denied by home keeper Artur Boruc in the first half and substitute Jordan Rhodes somehow headed wide a golden chance to take it to penalties in the fifth minute of injury-time – to consign Daniel Farke’s resurgent team to just a second defeat in 13 games in all competitions.

Our Carabao Cup journey comes to an end but the lads can be proud of their performance tonight. #ncfc pic.twitter.com/SJPWHYVfeN
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) October 30, 2018

It's not an exaggeration to say #ncfc could have scored 4 or 5 tonight. It's a shame to lose but there is so much to be encouraged about after that. We've properly got an exciting young team playing some bloody good stuff.
— Cory (@iwritethings23) October 30, 2018

What I will say though is that considering this is a second XI in effect, the style of play and fluidity of performance has pretty much remained the same as the first eleven and that's extremely encouraging and yet another sign of good coaching. #ncfc
— Das Finz (@JamesFinbow) October 30, 2018

Plucky little Bournemouth. #ncfc pic.twitter.com/bF3GX7B5Gy
— Adam Brandon (@AdamBrandon84) October 30, 2018

Great effort from City tonight. Too many missed chances ultimately. Plenty of good stuff though. Lots to be positive about. Roll on Saturday at Hillsborough #ncfc
— Ian (@Ian_M1) October 30, 2018

So Rhodes missed a chance and now seems to be getting a fair amount of flak on here.
Literally a week ago he was winning us 3 points.
How short are the memories of some people? #NCFC
— Steven Pearce (@pearciencfc) October 30, 2018

Short term pain will be long term gain for #NCFC - great fluid football, minutes in the legs for those who haven't been making the squad and important players rested. Excellent support from travelling fans. Bring on league football Saturday. OTBC.
— Jack Reeve (@JackReeveTNC) October 30, 2018

Mario Vrancic is so unfortunate not to be starting on a regular basis. Been super impressed whenever he's come on this season. #ncfc
— Cory (@iwritethings23) October 30, 2018

Last time we were at Bournemouth the players were booed off and fans were arguing amongst themselves. Tonight we were all together and sang Happy Birthday to The Boss. It's a wonderful time to be a @NorwichCityFC fan. #ncfc #oneunity
— Sharon Bowles (@sharonmbowles) October 30, 2018

Out of the cup but given this was our weakened side they still played some lovely fluid football. It's showing that everything is clicking together and the players are buying into it. On to the next game we go #NCFC
— Irish Canaries (@IrishCanaries) October 30, 2018

City are back in Championship action on Saturday when they go to Sheffield Wednesday in search of a fourth consecutive Championship victory.

• Take a look at some of the best of the reaction above and below

Last season disappointing cup exits seemed to be followed with a significant drop in form, 1 win in 10 after exits to Arsenal and then Chelsea, important we bounce back on Saturday #ncfc
— Ginja (@ginjadave) October 30, 2018

Wonder if Oliveira watches this season regretting it. His awful attitude & temperament has seen him not get near a squad. I still rate him highly when he's on it. Problem is he chooses when he's on it. Very talented striker #ncfc
— Lee Jermyn (@LeeJermyn) October 30, 2018

Maybe it's something about the sea air...

Norwich City's last five visits to south coast teams have resulted in five defeats, with an aggregate score of 1-14 #ncfc pic.twitter.com/JHIziyxU54
— NCFC Numbers (@ncfcnumbers) October 30, 2018

Shame to lose, but let's keep our eyes on the championship now #NCFC
— Matthew Alden (@MatthewAlden10) October 30, 2018

Is it just me, or does Vrancic look more suited to Premier League football - looked so comfortable tonight and probably his best performances last Season was Arsenal #ncfc
— Will Bunn (@wbunny) October 30, 2018

As much as his all action style has caught the eye, I think it was notable that Steipermann does seem pretty poor with his decision making. Maybe starting Vrancic at 10 on Saturday could give us a bit of a boost? Such a strong squad we've got right now #ncfc
— Patrick (@amimont2) October 30, 2018

How the chuff did we win that????! Norwich a good side, play nice football and worked very hard off the ball. Very unlucky not to come away with the win. #afcb #ncfc #canaries
— Jim Smith (@Jim_AFCB) October 30, 2018

This squad, with a few shrewd additions, would more than capably handle itself in the Premier League. Zimmermann and Godfrey restricted Defoe and Wilson to one shot between them, Hernandez absolutely TERRIFIED them at times, Lewis looks like a PL player already. I could go on...
— Nathan Hill (@NathNCFC) October 30, 2018