Norwich City

Opinion: 'Negative tactics against Ipswich will cost Norwich City'

Matthew Soakell, North East Canary

Norwich City’s 3-1 defeat at the King Power Stadium on Easter Monday wasn’t a good watch, we all know that. It had shades of the 3-1 defeat to Middlesbrough in March, albeit minus a red card. The backlash David Wagner faced from the fans afterwards was born of frustration of the way that we were set up to play - or rather to not play. A similar shape, mentality and performance against Ipswich at the weekend will only result in a similar result.

Ipswich remind me very much of Paul Lambert’s Norwich City side; hard-working, never knowing they’re beat and performing way above expectations. They’re on the precipice of back-to-back promotions - just like Norwich under Lambert - and despite not having what you might class as any world-beaters, they’re an effective side who’ve earned their success. That might not be a popular view amongst Norwich City fans, but failure to acknowledge that Ipswich will likely get what they deserve at the end of the season could be seen as pure bitterness from those with yellow and green tinted glasses on.

Irrespective of what happens at the end of the season, this weekend’s game does feel like a bigger occasion for the side from Suffolk. They’re in better form than Norwich so will have greater expectations, haven’t beaten us for what would be 15 years should they fail to win on Saturday and arguably have more at stake in the run-in.

Ipswich will hope that Norwich go about the game in the same manner that we did against Leicester, however David Wagner would be foolish to set his side up like that two games running. Ipswich won’t give the Canaries a moment’s peace and our defensive record this season has been poor; we’ve already conceded more goals with six games remaining than we did in the entirety of last season and sitting back, trying to be hard to break down isn’t our strong point.

The decision to do this on Monday proved to be the wrong one and much of the criticism aimed at David Wagner came from it not being the first time he’s set his side up like this against top six opposition. Southampton at home on New Year’s Day was dreadful. We then let West Brom dominate the ball at Carrow Road later in January, although did manage to win that one. The defeat at Leicester was more of the same in terms of setup and I’d confidently stick my neck on the line and say that most fans would much rather Norwich lose games whilst playing on the front foot, than to lose without a scrap.

My fear is that on Saturday lunchtime, Wagner tells a team who’re more suited to attacking football to try and defend and stay in the game for as long as possible. I can’t see this going down well with the Norwich faithful and can’t see the scoreline being favourable either. The best way to get something out of the derby might well be to let loose and grab the game by the scruff of the neck.

On the ball, City!

David Wagner has spoken to the media ahead of the East Anglian derby against Ipswich Town on Saturday at Carrow Road (12:30 GMT).

Here are some of the key points:

• Jacob Sorensen will be out for 10-14 days, he limped out of City's defeat at Leicester

• Wagner indicates that Jonathan Rowe won't be fit enough to take part in the derby following a long injury lay-off. Wagner said he should be back in 7-14 days

• On the 15-year unbeaten run: "Nothing can destroy this group of players, it was the same four months ago when we played them (Ipswich). It gives a bit more flavour in the derby but at the end of the day, it's a super-important game"

• Wagner said being at home is a distinct advantage - "We would like to make it count"

• On the Canaries' great home record (they have won seven league games in a row at Carrow Road): "Positivity from the fans is crucial. If the performance on the pitch is good but the atmosphere in the stands is not good enough, you will not achieve anything"

• On Josh Sargent's fitness - Wagner said he is back to full training and had no issues when playing two games in four days

Norwich City left-back Dimitris Giannoulis says he hopes to be back playing for the team by the time the Championship play-offs begin - if the Canaries make it.

City are currently sixth in the table and face title-chasers Ipswich Town in a much-anticipated East Anglian derby at Carrow Road on Saturday (12:30 GMT).

Greece international Giannoulis is out with a hamstring injury and has been speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk:

"I'm getting better, hopefully in a few weeks I'm going to be able to play for the club again.

"I need to be safe but it's the end of the season and I want to play for the team. Of course, the lads are doing whatever they can and hopefully we make it to the play-offs and I will be playing there."

Giannoulis also spoke about his frustration of never playing in an East Anglian derby against Ipswich despite being at City since January 2021:

"The first season we faced Ipswich, I was injured for both games so I'm a bit unlucky.

"I want to play in a derby, because I know what a derby means. Back in Greece it's the same thing.

"So unfortunately I won't be there again, but hopefully we are going to get three points and I will be happy with that."

You can listen to a full interview with Dimitris Giannoulis here.

Opinion - 'No room for timidity and caution on derby day'

Gary Gowers, My Football Writer, Norwich City, external

As the saying goes, 'you’re only as good as your last game’, and never has it been more apt than in 'Norwich City-world' over the Easter weekend.

A Good Friday followed by a terrible Monday. Feast and famine.

Yet, somehow, despite one of the poorest away performances of the season at Leicester – one that bore far too many of the hallmarks of our bleak autumn – City managed, if anything, to fortify their position in sixth.

Defeats for Coventry, Hull, and Preston meant that not a single point was lost in the battle for the final play-off berth, and with another game ticked off, the chasers' task was made that little bit more difficult.

That’s not to say there won’t be plenty of twists and turns to come because there will be. This is, after all, the Championship where anything and everything is possible, but what is certain is that many more King Power-type performances will quickly erode the goodwill David Wagner has earned since the turn of the year.

‘Attacking football, played on the front foot’ is part of sporting director Ben Knapper’s vision of Norwich City, but almost for the first time since Southampton's visit on New Year’s Day, Wagner ignored all of the above and set his team up not to lose … which they did anyway.

On a day when bravery and fearlessness were needed, they delivered timidity and caution.

All of which has made the City faithful a tad twitchy ahead of this Saturday, when we welcome our lovable neighbours and league leaders Ipswich Town to Carrow Road.

‘Everyone’s favoured second team’ is how the Tractor Boys have been described. Not in Norfolk.

So, in addition to the angst that accompanies every East Anglian derby, there is now the added concern that Wagner, when again faced with an automatic-promotion-chasing opponent, will set his team up to hunker down.

Most of us hope, of course, that City’s attacking potential – so prevalent in recent weeks but so absent at the King Power – will be unleashed again on Saturday in the spirit of the derby, but such was the collective blow to the solar plexus experienced on Monday, that no longer feels a given.

For most of us, local derbies require fearlessness to accompany the fire and brimstone – qualities Ipswich are sure to bring. We just have to hope that Wagner releases the handbrake and allows his players to do the same.

Image source, PA Media

As we build up to the East Anglian derby on Saturday, we will be bringing you some classic Norwich City moments from matches against their arch-rivals Ipswich Town at Carrow Road.

On 1 March 2015, Bradley Johnson scored his 10th goal of the season as the Canaries beat Town 2-0, City's other goal came from Lewis Grabban.

It was a memorable goal for Canary fans, Johnson hit a stunning, powerful left-foot shot into the back of the net.

The two teams met again later that season in the Championship play-off semi-final. Norwich fans won't need reminding that they won that encounter over two legs and went on to beat Middlesbrough in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium.

Image source, Getty Images

It was a poor start to a big few days for Norwich City as they were beaten at Leicester on Monday.

What are your thoughts on the defeat?

Is head coach David Wagner to blame for the way the team was set up?

Or should the players have shown more on the day?

How are you feeling ahead of the East Anglian derby against Ipswich on Saturday?

Get in touch here.

Reevo Reacts: 'It's one of the biggest East Anglian derbies'

BBC Radio Norfolk's Scrimmage co-host Chris Reeve gives his first reaction to the Canaries' disappointing defeat at Leicester on Monday.

He also looks ahead to Saturday's East Anglian derby against Ipswich at Carrow Road.

Norwich City captain Kenny McLean says his side have total focus on preparations for the East Anglian derby.

The game against Ipswich Town is at Carrow Road on Saturday (12:30 GMT).

The Scotland international was speaking to the BBC following the Canaries’ 3-1 defeat at Leicester City on Monday.

You can listen to a full interview with Kenny McLean here.

Leon Barnett's view on Leicester City 3-1 Norwich City

Norwich City were beaten 3-1 at Leicester City on Monday, but the Canaries are still in the Championship play-off places ahead of the East Anglian derby against Ipswich on Saturday (12:30 GMT).

Former City defender Leon Barnett was BBC Radio Norfolk's summariser for the game against the Foxes, here's some of his full time thoughts:

"I think the strength and power is definitely on their (Leicester's) bench.

"They were able to take players off and just charge again with the talent they've got.

"It's really difficult, really tough. I think Norwich's starting eleven is more than capable of beating Leicester and I think we did do that in the first 18 minutes but other than that it has been difficult. Especially in the second half, it was one-way traffic."

You can hear more from Leon Barnett on Canary Call with Rob Butler here.

Image source, Getty Images

Here is the answer to our recent quiz question.

First, a reminder of the teaser we posed:

Which member of the current Norwich City squad is a graduate of Jamie Vardy's 'V9 Academy'?

The answer: Sam McCallum.

Well done if you got the correct answer.

Norwich City are at Leicester City for an Easter Monday Championship fixture (12:30 GMT).

The Canaries have a four-point cushion in the play-off places with seven games left to play.

You can listen to full live coverage of the game with BBC Radio Norfolk on FM, DAB and Freeview.

Special guest is former City defender Leon Barnett. The programme starts at 12:00 GMT.

Here's some statistics provided by OPTA ahead of Norwich City's game at Leicester City on Monday:

• Leicester City have won their last three league games against Norwich City by an aggregate score of 7-1

• Norwich have lost two of their last three away league trips to Leicester (D1) since a 3-2 win in March 2011, which was also their last game at the King Power in the Championship

• This is Leicester City’s first league game on Easter Monday since a 2-0 defeat at Barnsley back in April 2013 – they won four in a row before that game between 2009 and 2012 on Easter Monday

• Norwich City have only lost one of their last nine league matches on Easter Monday (W6 D2), going down 4-1 at QPR in April 2018

• Leicester have lost six of their last eight league games played on April Fools’ Day (W1 D1), losing 2-1 to Crystal Palace last year

Norwich City head to Championship automatic-promotion hopefuls Leicester City on Monday (12.30 GMT).

The Foxes' form has stuttered recently, on Saturday they lost 1-0 at Bristol City.

The Canaries beat Plymouth Argyle 2-1 at Carrow Road to open up a four-point cushion in the play-off places.

Here's David Wagner speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk ahead of the trip to the King Power Stadium:

Your views on a big week for Norwich City

Here are some of your thoughts on a big few days for Norwich City, with a trip to Leicester on Monday (12:30 GMT) and the visit of Ipswich to Carrow Road on Saturday (12:30 GMT):

Freddie - I'd be more than happy with just the two points from a possible six over the next few days. But with how poor Leicester look at the minute with just one win in their last six games, it wouldn't shock anyone if we are to beat them on Monday. As for those lot down the road - as long as we maintain the 15-year unbeaten run once again, I'm a happy man.

Shane - Norwich City are in great form now. Our home record has been really good in recent times, maybe not our away form, which we do need to improve between now and the end of the season. We beat Stoke away 3-0, we need to show fight and determination against Leicester as they will want to get back to winning ways. So, Norwich will need to dig in on Monday and Saturday!

Sophie - If we can get four points from the next two games, I'll be very happy! As long as we get near maximum points for the final games, we should make the play-offs. Bring on Leicester and 1p5wich! OTBC

Jason - If we can avoid injuries and perhaps get Rowe back, a couple of draws from this week I think would be a good result - although I'm hoping for more. It’s too early to push the squad, need Rowe back to take the pressure off.

Tim - Two massive games coming up. We have to get a result in at least one of the two games to remain in the play-off driver's seat but obviously we have to look at the bigger picture and beat Ipswich to keep the balance in the universe.

Paul - Leicester are on a poor run so I think we should be going for the win and playing our strongest side.

Here's our regular pre-match quiz question, which has been devised by BBC Radio Norfolk's Chris Goreham.

Ahead of the Leicester City game on Monday, the teaser has a connection to the Foxes:

Which member of the current Norwich City squad is a graduate of Jamie Vardy's 'V9 Academy'?

Send us your guesses here.

How are you feeling ahead of a big week for Norwich City?

Most Norwich City fans will look at the coming days as the biggest week of the season for the Canaries.

On Monday they head to Leicester City (12:30 GMT), before Ipswich Town come to Carrow Road on Saturday for the second East Anglian derby of the campaign (12:30 GMT).

How are you feeling about these big games?

What would your points target be?

Should City rest players on Monday ahead of the derby?

How many more wins are required to secure a play-off place, in your opinion?

Get in touch with us here.

Norwich City defender Sam McCallum was on the end of a set-piece corner which found it's way into the net during the Canaries 2-1 win over Plymouth on Saturday.

Argyle defender Ashley Phillips got the final touch which took the ball into the goal.

McCallum told BBC Radio Norfolk that set-piece coach Andrew Hughes deserves the credit for coming up with some unique routines - only Cardiff have scored more goals from set-plays in the Championship this season.

Norwich City scored twice from set-pieces to see off Plymouth in the Championship on Saturday, the game finished 2-1 to the Canaries.

David Wagner told BBC Radio Norfolk that practising set-plays definitely pays off.

Image source, Getty Images

Time for the answer to our regular quiz now.

This one was all about Grant Holt, a reminder of the question:

Holt scored his first ever league goal 21 years ago this month for Sheffield Wednesday in a 1-1 draw at Brighton.

Which former England goalkeeper did he score it against?

The answer: Dave Beasent.

Well done if you got it right.

Good luck to Grant Holt as he embarks on a mammoth walking challenge to raise money for charity.

You can hear more about it here.

Simon Lappin's thoughts on Norwich City 2-1 Plymouth Argyle

Norwich City have a four point cushion in the Championship play-off places, following a 2-1 home win over Plymouth at Carrow Road on Saturday.

The Canaries went behind in the first half but stormed back in the second period to take all three points.

Former City midfielder Simon Lappin was BBC Radio Norfolk's guest summariser, here are some of his full-time thoughts:

"It's all about the result, massive three points and they (Norwich) keep the run going.

"Over the 90 minutes you have to say Norwich deserved it. Plymouth didn't sit in and drop off, they got their goal and that gives them something to defend.

"Then it starts to ask questions of Norwich."

He continued: "Two brilliant goals (from Norwich). You talk about subs coming on and making an impact, the ball from Fassnacht (for the first goal), everybody played their part.

"Another game ticked off, another three points on the board, seven (games) to go!"

You can hear more from Simon Lappin on Canary Call with Rob Butler here.