Roker Report - Norwich City Vs Sunderland: As It HappenedSunderland AFC's foremost blog and Podcast!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51357/rr-fav.png2014-03-24T10:00:06+00:00http://rokerreport.sbnation.com/rss/stream/52998392014-03-24T10:00:06+00:002014-03-24T10:00:06+00:00Quick Kicks: Thoughts On Norwich 2-0 Sunderland
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<p>Sigh. We'd love to pull the blankets over our heads and pretend that defeat didn't happen. We'd love to stay there until Wednesday night has passed, too. But we can't. Here's what we made of the shambles from Saturday. </p> <h3>What The Gaffer Said</h3>
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<p>I spoke to Paolo DI Canio and Martin O'Neill recently who warned me that the players would pull the wool over my eyes; lead me to believe that they could raise their performance levels and sustain it; that they were professional, talented and motivated enough to take on board new strategies and ideas, and ultimately, play every game with desire, commitment and give all they possibly could from first minute 'til last - only to then plateau at a very worrying level.</p>
<p>Wow, they were right.</p>
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<p>Okay, he didn't say that, Here's what he really said;</p>
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<p>It was one of the worst starts we've had, maybe comparable with the Cardiff game. I wasn't expecting it - we were ready and the team was strong enough to compete, but we didn't for half an hour. When you don't play well and the opposition does something they don't usually do [for the second goal], you find yourself in a very difficult situation.</p>
<p>I had to make a decision I don't like - I don't like changing players in the first half. Today it was Jack and Ki, but they paid the price because of the team performance, not their own personal performance. We needed to sort it out. Seb and Lee brought something and the team recovered a little bit. If we'd scored with Wes's header in the second half the game changes, but it was a bad day.</p>
<p>I stayed outside [afterwards] to check which players went over to the fans, because they backed us really well.</p>
<p>We need to keep believing - it is the only way.</p>
<p>What an opportunity on Wednesday - to play against one of the most in-form teams in England in their own stadium. I want them to go there and have a really good go, without any regrets.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I feel for Gus. I really do. This is driving him as crackers as the rest of us. He isn't immune from criticism, of course, he's getting certain things wrong. Every man and his dog thinks Borini should play centrally, for example. He's made a few team selections that have backfired and made some serious errors of judgement. But this isn't uncommon. In fact, it's very much the norm for any Premier League manager away from the elite.</p>
<p>It's interesting to see him mention the double substitution before half time. I think it was a good and proactive message to make at that point of the game. People liked Di Canio's initial stance on calling the players out on their attitude and performance levels, and this was Gus making it abundantly clear to fans and players alike that this wasn't acceptable.</p>
<p>The clear difference, of course, is he found it important to then protect the individual players sacrificed. The embarrassment of being withdrawn in the first half should, hopefully, be a good source of motivation to any player. Hearing their manager then call them a disgrace in front of the cameras would be too much. The manager going as far as defending the individuals, yet showing the authority to make this substitution, shows impressive man management qualities to me.</p>
<h3>The Players Need A Long Hard Look At Themselves</h3>
<p>To elaborate on the first paragraph in the previous section, Gus has to take some criticism on the chin. However... come on!!</p>
<p>I've banged the three man midfield drum for a long time now, while others crave the return of a 4-4-2 with direct wingers and purposeful play. We all have our own favored starting line ups and preferred players, and we'll never be in total agreement. But, at times, when it comes down to it, none of this matters in the slightest. We outnumbered Norwich in the middle of the park yesterday yet couldn't dictate play for as long as five minutes in the first half.</p>
<p>That's not down to any system, formation or footballing ideology; it's down to one side wanting it more than the other. And when you play against someone near you in the league table, at this stage of the season, it's simply not on. With the greatest of respect to Norwich, we shouldn't be caving in to relentless pressure birthed by sheer determination rather than talent or ability. Not when we need the points.</p>
<p>We saw this side pull the wool over Martin O'Neill's eyes for a short space of time. Now it could be argued the same has happened with Poyet.</p>
<p>I wasn't a advocate of the Ulsterman's style of football, but again, that's irrelevant to the point. I think reading over my mock quotes at the start of this article cover it sufficiently without the need for me to rant on and on about it.</p>
<p>I have said for weeks on the <i>Wise Men Say </i>podcast that Phil Bardsley could only sustain his form when outside of his comfort zone. There's previous evidence to suggest he needs the reward of a new contract or the fans' trust to produce above average performances on a weekly basis. Now this isn't me singling him out, I just think that this example reflects the whole side at present.</p>
<p>In fact, let's investigate that further.</p>
<p>Ki's performance levels have drastically dropped, too. Why? Because Laudrup isn't at Swansea watching over him anymore? Because he has nothing to prove to Garry Monk? Or because he's perhaps done enough to guarantee another Premier League move on the back of his early form here?</p>
<p>Is Adam Johnson devoid of any blame because he had one outstanding month?</p>
<p>Is the lack of competition to O'Shea and Brown resulting in their collective decision to allow concentration levels to significantly drop?</p>
<p>Will Larsson, Colback, Gardner or Cattermole ever put more than two consecutive performances together? Will this "revolving door" scenario in central midfield ever cease? Who wants to keep their place? Does anyone <i>actually </i>want to keep it?Show us.</p>
<p>Of course the main problem we have within the playing staff is ultimately an ability issue, but the same starting eleven went to St James' and won convincingly, remember. Nobody can convince me that if they took to the Carrow Road field on Saturday with the same desire and willingness to work hard that we'd have lost in the manner that we did.</p>
<p>No chance.</p>
<h4>Thank God For The Weakness Of The Other Sides Around Us</h4>
<p>We should be gone. We should be so far out of sight by now that we can start planning for The Championship next season without question. But looking at it when detaching your own personal emotions to the situation, all Saturday may have done is remove Norwich from the relegation equation. When we sat with one point heading into the Wear-Tyne derby on October 27, would we have taken the scenario we're now in? I'd bet we would have, and that's without including a day out at Wembley.</p>
<p>My <i>Wise Men Say</i> companion Gareth Barker made the very good point that, essentially, we gave these sides around us a seven game head start and they've been too weak to take advantage. I'd agree with that. In fact, I'd throw the Swansea game into that, considering Gus had two days to work with this hapless bunch of misfits before that particular horror show. The Hull and Norwich defeats mirrored that performance in truth; an observation worth making to solidify my earlier point about a swift return to our true form.</p>
<p>So eight games, TEN if you include our two games in hand, yet we're amazingly ahead of two sides who were above us at that time. We're also within three and four points of three others. They have simply failed to propel away from us, and all that despite us being bang average ourselves. That has to offer some encouragement. It has to. Hell, we need something and I'll take it.</p>
<h4>Be Thankful We Don't Have To Travel To The Three Free-Scoring Sides Involved In The Title Race</h4>
<p>Oh wait, that's wrong.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
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https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/3/24/5539638/quick-kicks-thoughts-and-reaction-to-norwich-2-0-sunderlandGoldylad2014-03-22T17:56:36+00:002014-03-22T17:56:36+00:00Match Report: Norwich City 2-0 Sunderland
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<p>'It was a massacre, a total massacre', says sole witness Jozy Altidore, allowed to live out of sheer pity.</p> <p>The Norfolk Constabulary are searching the Norfolk Broads tonight, believing it to be the whereabouts of Sunderland manager Gus Poyet, on the run after murdering seventeen of his players following their abject performance at Carrow Road earlier today.</p>
<p>Goals from Robert Snodgrass, and an absolute screamer from Alexander Tettey gave Norwich a deserved win, but in truth it was the Black Cats that beat themselves today, laughable in defence, and terrible in possession, unable to string more than a couple of passes together.</p>
<p>According to Superintendent Duncan Taylor, 'Poyet, aged 46, and with short black hair and a face that resembles an owl, was growing visibly more and more frustrated throughout the match. We believe it was Marcos Alonso's red card for a second yellow in stoppage time where he finally broke; the possibility of having to play Andrea Dossena at left back against Liverpool being too much to bear'.</p>
<p>The opening spells of the match suggested it was only ever going to go one way. Norwich dominated this period, having 81% possession after the fifteen minute mark. Left back Martin Olsson's marauding runs and teasing crosses caused Sunderland a ton of problems, while Wes Hoolahan ran things in the middle of the park. The two linked up well early on, with Olsson's delivery just about cleared for a corner by Fabio Borini at far post.</p>
<p>Indeed it was Olsson who played a major part in Norwich's first goal, with a great delivery into the six yard box. However, the Canaries also have Wes Brown to thank; the England international clearing Olsson's cross straight into the path of Johan Elmander, who played it back to Snodgrass for an easy finish.</p>
<p>Sunderland's inability to clear the ball proved to be a problem all day. Every Norwich delivery that was cleared went straight to a yellow shirt for another attack. Shortly after the goal, a cross saw the ball pinball around the away sides box, before eventually fallen to Johnny Howson, whose shot was well saved by Vito Mannone, not for the first time one of the few Sunderland players to come out of the game with any credit.</p>
<p>A poor header from Bridcutt fell straight to Hoolahan whose short went over, just minutes after the Irishman's cross was almost turned in by Ricky Van Wolfswinkle.</p>
<p>It was no surprise when the second goal came, though the way it came certainly was. Once again Sunderland struggled to clear their lines, until Wes Brown's header out fell to Alexander Tettey, around thirty yards out. He hit the ball first time on the volley, and the powerful effort went straight in the top right hand corner of the goal. It was a spectacular strike, a goal of the season contender, which effectively ended the game.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">*</p>
<p>'It was this point' continued Superintendent Taylor, 'that Poyet began to show signs that all wasn't well. Charlie Oatway, a long time member of Poyet's backroom staff, saw him turn around and stare at Emanuele Giaccherini for approximately 40 seconds. Giaccherini was said to look 'extremely terrified' before Poyet turned away and told Sebastian Larsson he was coming on.'</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">*</p>
<p>There are fewer signs of a terrible performance than a first half double substitution, and Poyet replaced Ki and Jack Colback with Larsson and Lee Cattermole. The latter made an instant impact, helping to provide his team with their first real chance of the half. The Teesider's pass found the otherwise completely ineffective Jozy Altidore with a good pass, who then found Borini free in the box. The Italian's shot from a tight angle was well held by John Ruddy, to end a half Norwich had dominated.</p>
<p>Anyone expecting a second half resurgence from Sunderland after the break were to be let down, as they started the half very much as they played in the first. A cross found Van Wolfswinkle in the middle, and his header was tipped onto the bar and over by Vito Mannone.</p>
<p>Up the other end Sunderland had their best, and only, chance of getting back into it. A short corner was played to Adam Johnson, whose terrific ball found Brown in the middle. His header was straight at Ruddy, but it still required a point blank save from England's official second choice keeper.</p>
<p>Norwich, content with their two goal advantage, didn't need to get out of second gear for the rest of the game, with the Black Cats never looking like creating a goal scoring opportunity.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">*</p>
<p>'Poyet's behaviour was becoming increasingly erratic at this stage' Superintendent Taylor told the gathered press. 'He sliced his finger open with a knife, and began to draw a skull and crossbow in his own blood, onto his ingrained snood, around the ''GP''. Poyet's assistant manager and good friend Mauricio Taricco aired his concerns to Poyet, who refused to respond to Oatway for around fifteen minutes, until he told him to bring Ignacio Scocco on the 71st minute mark'.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">*</p>
<p>The game followed a familiar rhythm for the rest of the game, with Sunderland giving away silly free-kicks and silly bookings. Norwich's best chance of a third came from one of these free-kicks, when Snodgrass's curling effort went just over the bar. The game finished 2-0, but not before Alonso received his second yellow for handling in the Norwich box. This defeat puts Sunderland in severe relegation trouble, after producing their worst performance of the season.</p>
<p>'Should anyone see Mr Poyet, please contact the police rather than attempting to engage him, as he should be considered very frustrated, and very dangerous. As for what will happen when we arrest Mr Poyet, we will probably let him off with a warning, as his crimes seem entirely justified'.</p>
<p><b>UPDATE: Mr Poyet was found and arrested by police on the Norfolk Broads at approximately 17.38 on Saturday evening. He was later released after calming down a bit, before telling the press that 'he is considering wholesale changes for the mid-week game against Liverpool.' Mr Poyet will face an FA disciplinary hearing on Monday afternoon. </b></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/3/22/5536594/match-report-norwich-city-7-0-sunderland-blood-lines-the-awayLuke Bowley2014-03-22T17:49:42+00:002014-03-22T17:49:42+00:00Norwich City Vs Sunderland: Player Ratings
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<p>Our opinion on how Sunderland's players did today - spoiler alert - they were terrible.</p> <h3>Vito Mannone - 6</h3>
<p>Started nervously, with a poor touch almost leading to an interception but recovered well and was his usual solid self afterwards. Had no chance with either goal.</p>
<h3>Phil Bardsley - 4</h3>
<p>Struggled against Wes Hoolahan who drifted inside regularly to support his strikers and was also poor in possession, almost gifted Norwich a goal but luckily Ricky Van Wolfswinkel couldn't get anything on Hoolahan's cross. Better in the second half but game was already over.</p>
<h3>John O'Shea - 3</h3>
<p>Did nothing to close down Johan Elmander twice for the opening goal and with all the time in the world at the second attempt, the Swede picked out Robert Snodgrass who gave Norwich the lead. This was a game where we needed a captain's performance but our leader on the pitch failed to deliver.</p>
<h3>Wes Brown - 5</h3>
<p>Could have done better with his attempted clearance for the opening goal but was much better than his partner in the centre of defence. Had our best chance when his header from an Adam Johnson cross was well saved by John Ruddy.</p>
<h3>Marcos Alonso - 5</h3>
<p>I may have given him man of the match but for a needless red card in injury time. Had a good battle with Snodgrass and Russell Martin on the left all afternoon, always gave us an attacking outlet but lack of support left him exposed defensively.</p>
<h3>Adam Johnson - 4</h3>
<p>Created our best two chances with his cross for Brown's header and a lofted ball into the box that Jozy Altidore should have done better with but was easily kept quiet otherwise.</p>
<h3>Ki Sung-Yueng - 2</h3>
<p>The good form of earlier in the season has completely disappeared and he couldn't get into the game today as Norwich dominated early on, hauled off in the first half. Our recent poor results is directly related to Ki's loss of form, without the Korean's influence we struggle to impose ourselves on the opposition.</p>
<h3>Liam Bridcutt - 5</h3>
<p>Covered a lot of ground and worked hard but had little support until Lee Cattermole came on late in the first half. Was guilty of going to ground a little early and sloppy in possession on occasion.</p>
<h3>Jack Colback - 1</h3>
<p>Not spotted on the pitch until taken off as Poyet re-shuffled after Norwich went 2-0 up. He may want an improved contract but on this showing is not worth one.</p>
<h3>Fabio Borini - 5</h3>
<p>Typically hard-working performance by the Italian striker but again wasted on the left wing to accommodate an out-of-form striker from the start and couldn't find a way through the Norwich defence when moved up front later in the first half,</p>
<h3>Jozy Altidore - 1</h3>
<p>Was given another chance to lead the line but again failed to impose himself. Barely won a header, struggled to find his team-mates and when put through on goal by Johnson was easily out-muscled by Sebastian Bassong when he really should have done better. A waste of shirt.</p>
<h3>Lee Cattermole - 6</h3>
<p>Came on in the first half after Norwich took a 2-0 lead, more on him below.</p>
<h3>Seb Larsson - 3</h3>
<p>Also came on in the first half, as Poyet made a double change. Can't fault his effort but apart from a late show that flew into the stand, he didn't feature in the game,</p>
<h3>Nacho Scocco - 2</h3>
<p>Late substitute who came on when most of the players had already given up, like Borini played out of position to accommodate an out-of-form striker but clearly still lacking match fitness.</p>
<h3>Man of the Match: Lee Cattermole</h3>
<p>The best of a bad bunch. Until Cattermole came on in the second half Sunderland's three man midfield couldn't cope with the Norwich midfield, despite outnumbering them and Cattermole's introduction helped the visiting side gain a foothold in the game. For all his faults and loss of concentration on occasion, his leadership and desire is something we lacked at the start of the game and you suspect that without his introduction the defeat could have been a lot more embarrassing.</p>
<p>We will have more match reaction right <a href="http://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/3/22/5535798/norwich-city-vs-sunderland-live-coverage-match-report-epl-2014">HERE</a>, tonight, tomorrow and throughout the week.</p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/3/22/5536828/norwich-city-vs-sunderland-player-ratingsAndy Tomlinson2014-03-22T15:35:31+00:002014-03-22T15:35:31+00:00GIF: Tettey Screamer Doubles Norwich Lead<img src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-wLCuRG5cIFBORSOEk75T3yfuO8=/410x410/cdn.vox-cdn.com/fan_shot_images/324025/ibbmuQBUqjzozL.gif" />
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Alexander Tettey puts Norwich 2-0 with a volley from distance</p></p></div>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/3/22/5536538/gif-tettey-screamer-doubles-norwich-leadAndy Tomlinson2014-03-22T15:23:58+00:002014-03-22T15:23:58+00:00GIF: Norwich Take The Lead<img src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ifd_tga2Yw29vqjrQwm5MEXeZeU=/410x410/cdn.vox-cdn.com/fan_shot_images/324019/imhjLdoIjZQ6.gif" />
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Robert Snodgrass gives Norwich the lead.</p></p></div>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/3/22/5536498/gif-norwich-take-the-leadAndy Tomlinson2014-03-22T14:11:52+00:002014-03-22T14:11:52+00:00Norwich City Vs Sunderland: Confirmed Lineups
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<p>The teams are in for today's clash on the Plump Peninsula... </p> <p>Gus Poyet has opted to make just two changes to the side that drew 0-0 at home to Crystal Palace last Saturday. Jack Colback comes back into the team in essentially a like-for-like swap for Seb Larsson. After coming on at half-time for an injured Steven Fletcher, Jozy Altidore retains his place as Sunderland's central striker.</p>
<p>Unsurprisingly, the defensive unit remains the same as ever with Phil Bardsley and Marcos Alonso flanking John O'Shea and Wes Brown. In front of them it's expected to be Liam Bridcutt sitting deep, with Colback and Ki slightly advanced of him. Wide of central striker Altidore will be our two main (ok, only) goal threats Adam Johnson and Fabio Borini, with the Italian once again being placed on the left wing rather than being given another run out at the spearhead of the Sunderland attack.</p>
<p>On the bench there's a return for Emanuele Giaccherini, whilst Steven Fletcher misses out due to his injury. Craig Gardner doesn't make an appearance, but Seb Larsson and Lee Cattermole are there as midfield options should they be needed.</p>
<p><b>Sunderland (4-3-3): </b>Vito Mannone; Phil Bardsley, John O'Shea, Wes Brown, Marcos Alonso; Liam Bridcutt, Jack Colback, Ki Sung-Yueng; Adam Johnson, Jozy Altidore, Fabio Borini.</p>
<p><b>Substitutes:</b> Oscar Ustari, Seb Larsson, Ondrej Celustka, Emanuele Giaccherini, Santiago Vergini, Nacho Scocco, Lee Cattermole.</p>
<p>Meanwhile Chris Hughton has opted to change it up and go for two up front. The two he's picked are Ricky van Wolfswinkel with one Premier League goal for Norwich (in August last year), and Johan Elmander with none. In the middle Howson will be expected to provide the brains and Tettey the brawn, whilst Snodgrass and Hoolahan will be tasked with providing the deliveries from out wide.</p>
<p><b>Norwich City (4-4-2): </b>John Ruddy; Rusell Martin, Joseph Yobo, Sebastian Bassong, Martin Olsson; Robert Snodgrass, Johnny Howson, Alexander Tettey, Wes Hoolahan; Johan Elmander, Ricky van Wolfswinkel</p>
<p><b>Substitutes: </b>Mark Bunn, Steven Whittaker, Bradley Johnson, Gary Hooper, Jonas Gutierrez, Lucciano Becchio, Nathan Redmond.</p>
<p><i>Follow all the action with us live on Twitter <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/rokerreport/">@RokerReport</a>, and click back to our match stream for reports and ratings later on, <a href="http://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/3/22/5535798/norwich-city-vs-sunderland-live-coverage-match-report-epl-2014">HERE</a>.</i></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/3/22/5536218/norwich-sunderland-confirmed-line-upsNick Holden2014-03-21T15:00:03+00:002014-03-21T15:00:03+00:00Preview: Norwich Vs Sunderland
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<p>We look ahead to tomorrow's vital game at Carrow Road in Sunderland's bid to beat the dreaded drop</p> <h4>Sunderland Team News</h4>
<p><span>Steven Fletcher</span> remains <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/">Sunderland's</a> major doubt for Saturday afternoon following his withdrawl from procedings last week at half time having sustained an ankle injury, having landed awkwardly whilst contesting for a header. The club are yet, at the time of writing, to receive the results of a scan which was undertaken earlier in the week, however Poyet has already stated that the game will come too soon for the forward. Ultimately, given the Scot's out-of-sorts form of late, this is unlikely to give any reason to lose any sleep.</p>
<p><span>Emanuele Giaccherini</span>, the much heralded and assumed all conquering protagonist following his arrival in the summer has also been acclaimed in the press during the week by the gaffer, despite not even featuring on the bench last time out. Despite Giaccherini's failure to make an impact you have to feel that there is a good player there somewhere and if Poyet can find a way to make him work in a front three including Borini up top and Johnson on the right then he could be on to a winning formula, especially given Fletcher's absence and the uncertainty surrounding <span>Jozy Altidore</span> and his future.</p>
<h4>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.flightofthecanaries.com/">Norwich City</a> Team News</h4>
<p>Norwich are set to welcome back a familiar face into their squad this weekend as <span>Michael Turner</span> makes his long awaited return from injury. Turner has been out of action since New Year's Day, picking up a hamstring injury against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/crystal-palace">Crystal Palace</a>, but his road to recovery is set to end this weekend and he will be a big boost to <span>Chris Hughton's</span> side. It is however unlikely that Turner will break up Sebastien Bassong and Joseph Yobo's partnership at the back just yet.</p>
<p>Another name Sunderland fans will be familiar with, Jonas Gutierrez, is also set to return to the fold having featured in a midweek under-21's game, along with Turner, having been out through injury since the beginning of February.</p>
<h4>Predicted Line-ups</h4>
<p><a title="Click to view tactic" href="http://sharemytactics.com/8211/"><img alt="Norwich City vs Sunderland - Football tactics and formations" src="http://sharemytactics.com/8211/Norwich-City-Sunderland-formation-tactics.png"></a></p>
<p><b>Sunderland (4-1-4-1):</b> Mannone; Bardsley, O'Shea, Brown, Alonso; Cattermole; Larsson, Ki, Johnson, Giaccherini; Borini</p>
<p><b>Norwich City (4-4-1-1):</b> Ruddy; Martin, Yobo, Bassong, Olsson; Snodgrass, Tettey, Johnson, Redmond; Hoolahan; Wolfswinkel</p>
<h4>Key Match-up: <span>Fabio Borini</span> Vs Sebastien Bassong & Joesph Yobo</h4>
<p>If Gus Poyet toes the party line and opts to field Fabio Borini as the spearhead of his attack as is the desire of many a Sunderland fan then the Italian's movement and guile will be key to getting in and behind Norwich's big, burly central defence.</p>
<p>Out of all Sunderland's striking options Borini is possibly the best selection this week as fielding Jozy Altidore would surely play into the hands of Bassong and Yobo who would be right at home with a physical encounter. However giving them something to think about with Borini buzzing around their heels and we may just be able to force them out of their comfort zone.</p>
<h4><span>Recent Form: LWLDL</span></h4>
<p>Loss: West Ham 2 - 0 Norwich (Collins 84, Diame 90)<br>Win: Norwich 1 - 0 Spurs (Snodgrass 47)<br>Loss: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/">Aston Villa</a> 4 - 1 Norwich (Hoolahan 3, Benteke 25, 27, Bacuna 37, Bassong OG 41)<br>Draw: Norwich 1 - 1 Stoke (Johnson 56, Waters PEN 73)<br>Loss: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/">Southampton</a> 4 - 2 Norwich (Schneiderlin 5, Lambert 57, Rodriguez 72, Elmander 85, Snodgrass 86, Gallagher 90)</p>
<h4>Last Time Around: Sunderland 0-0 Norwich City, 21/12/13</h4>
<p>A scrappy, goalless draw at the Stadium of Light back in December condemned Sunderland to remaining at the foot of the table at Christmas, a position which only West Brom have managed to fight back from to avoid the drop in the Premier League era.</p>
<p>The game itself was only memorable for a rare lack of discipline from <span>Wes Brown</span> who earned himself a straight red card for an ugly, reckless and frankly ridiculous challenge on Ricky Van Wolfswinkel in injury time. The dismissal would see Brown serve a three game ban for his stupidity and rumours of players deliberately seeking suspensions over Christmas were perhaps not simply the stuff of rumour and wild conjecture.</p>
<p>It was indeed Brown who perhaps came closest to breaking the deadlock that afternoon with a header which crashed off the post but it was Sunderland's inability to break down Norwich or create any real clear cut chances which would frustrate the most.</p>
<h4>The Ref: Phil Dowd</h4>
<p>Phil Dowd has overseen three fixtures involving Sunderland this season; the 3-0 away defeat at West Brom, the 3-4 home defeat to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> and most recently the 3-0 away win in the Tyne and Wear derby at St. James' Park.</p>
<p>The refreree from Staffordshire (remember when the referee's county used to be all-important, whatever happened to the importance of that snippet of information?) has been in charge of twenty-seven games so far this term and has dished out one-hundred and twenty one yellow cards but just two red cards.</p>
<h4>What They Said</h4>
<p><b>Gus Poyet:</b></p>
<p>Sunderland boss Poyet has stressed the need for his side to treat each remaining Premier League game as if it were their last. A little dramatic maybe, but needs must when you're in such a mess:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I think this is a crucial game for both sides.</p>
<p>Every game is crucial.</p>
<p>The idea is to take every game as the last one - a cup final, people call it - you need to win this one to stay up.</p>
<p>There are ten teams at the bottom, if every single player gave everything from now to the end of the season, still three team will go down.</p>
<p>So the main thing is to be yourself, play the way you play, accept responsibility and go and give everything. Then, there are no regrets.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Chris Hughton:</b></p>
<p>The much maligned Canaries boss is looking for a response from his players following last week's 4-2 defeat at Southampton:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>We need to be better.</p>
<p>We're at home, and our record at home has certainly been good of late.</p>
<p>We haven't conceded many goals at home and we've got to be positive enough to make sure we can score the goals we need to win.</p>
<p>It's a real opportunity to bounce back and generally with this team the reaction to a bad performance has generally been good.</p>
<p>It's a big game for us, particularly with the season coming to that last eight games. We need to make sure we're picking up the point that we need and that has to start with the next game.</p>
</blockquote>
<h4>Roker Report Predicts</h4>
<p>Who bloody knows? Sunderland are a real mixed bag of late and all the praise and accolades they were afforded for their valiant display at Wembley have now been long forgotten with subsequent disappointing performances and results against Hull in the FA Cup and most recently Crystal Palace last time out.<br><br>Wes Brown was quoted during the week on the freedom that the team enjoy away from the now highly pressurised home fixtures. While this does ring some alarm bells given the importance that was placed on said home games it may also provide some confidence in the side taking points on the road.<br><br>A win for Norwich could go a long way to moving the Canaries away from the drop zone whilst also holding Sunderland firmly in the mire.<br><br>I'm going to stick on the fence and predict a 1-1 draw which helps nobody greatly.</p>
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https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/3/21/5530292/preview-norwich-city-vs-sunderlandDavid Boyle2014-03-21T10:00:02+00:002014-03-21T10:00:02+00:00Fan Focus: Carrow Road Chatter
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UYpvscoTuh9pju_NIaREgrV-kXw=/275x123:3641x2367/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30193507/458754147.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jan Kruger</figcaption>
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<p>For this week's Fan Focus we speak to expert Norwich blogger Gary Gowers to get his opinion on his club's season, and the game this weekend.</p> <p><b>How has Norwich's season been so far for you, and how has it stacked up against your preseason expectations for the club?</b></p>
<p><i>Gary Gowers: </i>Traumatic would be one way to describe it. Exasperating would be another. If you hadn't already gathered things are a little fraught in these parts with a relegation battle akin to last season's not having gone down well with the locals.</p>
<p>A £25million summer spending spree was designed to, at the very least, enable us to stand still but has done nothing of the sort. Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Gary Hooper were purchased for a combined total of £13million'ish and have, so far, contributed six goals between them - hardly the return you expect for said combined fee. Add into the mix a style of play, particularly away from home, that has been for the most part turgid and you can imagine the reaction.</p>
<p>Hughton still has his supporters, particularly in the national media (borne partly of the fact he's a thoroughly decent bloke) and every so often they chirp up and remind us that we should stop whining and just be glad to be in the Premier League. One that really irked was a comment from a dear lady from The Times who wrote: ‘What do they expect? Top half?'</p>
<p>So, there you have it. Teams like ‘little Norwich' are not permitted to aspire to the top half of the table, even when we've finished 12th and 11th over the last two seasons.</p>
<p>Clearly this went down as well Shearer at the Stadium of Light and for many, for all his ‘niceness', Hughton's tenure as Norwich City manager is well past its sell-by date.</p>
<p>I've done my best to be supportive of Hughton (I'm a sucker for an underdog) but of late have been getting a little short of ammunition. While the home form has stood up quite well (we drew with Man City and beat Tottenham since the turn of the year) it's the away form that's has been the problem with both performances levels and results heading, and staying, southwards.</p>
<p><b>Sunderland fans often hammer Jozy Altidore for just the one Premier League goal this season but Ricky Van Wolfswinkel is also in the same boat after a big-money arrival. Has he felt the force of fans anger or are you still giving him time?</b></p>
<p><i>GG: </i>They've been quite patient, but it is starting to wear a little thin. His single goal, which came on the first game of the season, is clearly an awful return for £8.5million and in truth he hasn't really looked like adding to that total. He bought himself some time with an injury early on in the season but - despite us hoping he would emerge a different player - the same non-goalscorer rejoined the squad when he regained fitness.</p>
<p>He's not a terrible player - like some who have darkened our doors - and is technically proficient as you'd expect of a Dutch international. He certainly ‘puts in a shift' too but when you're hired to score goals, some nice touches and a good work ethic are the bare minimum requirements. A few goals would be nice too. The jury is still out, but I'm not sure for how much longer.</p>
<p><b>Looking at our respective league positions, how big is this game being built up by Norwich fans, and does it look as key as it does for us?</b></p>
<p><i>GG: </i>I hate the term ‘six-pointer' but it's hard to avoid. ‘Must-win' is another cliché' that'll be doing the rounds ahead of Saturday but, again, it's unfortunately true - for both teams.</p>
<p>Whether the panic button has been hit in Norfolk or not will be determined by the pre-match build-up. Historically - last season actually - a ‘bum-squeaking' run-in is accompanied by the local newspaper providing those ‘clapper' things for every home supporter and the club trotting out a series of club ‘legends' just prior to kick-off.</p>
<p>So, if Darren Huckerby and Dion Dublin stroll out on to the pitch at 2:55 accompanied by the hideous sound the clappers you know it's a biggie. And I suspect they will.</p>
<p>It's massive for both of us - season defining possibly - and there's no getting away from it.</p>
<p><b>Do you consider Norwich to be in the relegation battle, or are you confident you'll be okay?</b></p>
<p><i>GG: </i>We're very much in a relegation battle - no doubt about that - and I fear it's going to the wire. Failure to win on Saturday could well tip the balance the wrong way and with the mother of all run ins - Liverpool (a), Man Utd (a), Chelsea (a), Arsenal (h) - we'll definitely be staring down the proverbial barrel. The reaction to defeat from the Carrow Road crowd is not something I'll dwell on for now - but it won't be pretty.</p>
<p>But I remain confident we'll be OK.... just.</p>
<p><b>Looking ahead to this weekend, how do you see Norwich lining up?</b></p>
<p><i>GG: </i>Now there's a question.</p>
<p>Given that Hughton made five changes last Saturday for the trip to St Mary's (having previously drawn at home to Stoke) I couldn't possibly predict a starting XI. Only John Ruddy in goal and Martin Olsson at left-back look ‘certs' to play; the other nine positions are technically ‘up for grabs', although I expect Alex Tettey to be one of the holding men at the base of the midfield. Up front it could be either Ricky van Wolfswinkel or Gary Hooper - or Johan Elmander for that matter); none of whom have exactly been bursting with goals (six between them all season).</p>
<p>However, I do expect them to line up in a 4-2-3-1 which, at the slightest whiff of danger, will morph into a straight 4-5-1. <br><br><b>From our side, is there anyone you think will give you problems? Perhaps a notable weakness in the Norwich side Sunderland can exploit?</b></p>
<p><i>GG: </i>You seriously expect me to tell you? Plenty of weaknesses in truth, although things do tend to tighten up a little when playing at home. Ball retention has been an issue all season and has shown little sign of improving of late. If Sunderland are patient enough you can be sure we'll give the ball back to them, and that remains a problem - along with the obvious lack of a cutting edge.</p>
<p>Borini is one of those who has caused us problem aplenty over the years - dating back to his Swansea days. If he plays down the middle I can see him making life difficult for Messrs Yobo and Bennett (or Bassong or Martin) and if I were a betting man...</p>
<p>Perversely I wouldn't rule out a goal for Jozy Altidore (if he features...). We have developed, over the years, an unhealthy habit of kick-starting the careers of those who are floundering and who are in desperate need for a goal, so again, if I were a gambler...</p>
<p><b>Who do you think WILL go down?</b></p>
<p><i>GG: </i>Hhmm... was asked this question a few weeks ago and had no hesitation in answering: "West Brom**, Cardiff and Fulham". Typically the world has changed since (and even back then the West Brom one was more like wishful thinking...) but, assuming you're able to make capital from your games in hand I'm going to stick with my original gut feeling.</p>
<p>** I still have this image in my head of Baggies' fans celebrating wildly on the Hawthorns pitch back in 2005 when their final day victory, coupled with our 6-0 humiliation at Fulham, sent us down. It still hurts to this day, hence the ‘wishful thinking'.</p>
<p><b>Finally, what's your prediction for this weekend's game?</b></p>
<p><i>GG: </i>Well, for obvious reasons I'm not anticipating a goal-fest but am hopeful an early goal followed by 80-odd minutes of resolute defending *may* just be enough to see us through to a 1-0.</p>
<p>Or is that just wishful thinking too...?</p>
<p>No, I'll stick with it. 1-0 to City.</p>
<p><i>Many thanks to Gary for answering our questions. Check out his daily musings on Norwich over at <a href="http://norwichcity.myfootballwriter.com/" target="_blank">My Football Writer HERE</a>, and follow on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lgrgary" target="_blank">@LGRGary</a></i></p>
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https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/3/21/5517348/fan-focus-carrow-road-chatter-ahead-of-crunch-clashSimonWalsh