Grant Holt scores Norwich City's winning goal from the penalty spot. Picture: Paul Chesterton / Focus Images
Premier League: Norwich City 2, Wolves 1
David Cuffley
Saturday, March 24, 2012
5:12 PM
Skipper Grant Holt produced a matchwinning Premier League double against relegation-threatened Wolves at Carrow Road before being sent off in the closing minutes.
Matt Jarvis put bottom side Wolves ahead in the 25th minute when he tucked home a cross from Michael Kightly.
But it took just a minute for the Canaries to reply, Holt nodding the equaliser after neatly flicking the ball over goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey from Simeon Jackson’s pass.
City went ahead in first-half stoppage time when Holt scored from the penalty spot after Wes Hoolahan’s shot was blocked by the arm of Eggert Jonsson.
His two goals took him into ninth place in the club’s all-time goalscoring list, but the gloss was taken off his afternoon with his late dismissal.
The Canaries failed to make the game safe in the second half despite numerous chances, and had to endure a nervous finale when Holt was sent off four minutes from time for a second yellow card for a tackle from behind on Kightly.
Victory ended a run of four Premier League matches without a win for Paul Lambert’s team and took them to 39 points with eight matches to go, surely enough to dispel any thought of a nervous end to the season.
City boss Lambert made wholesale changes once again with five of the team that started the 1-0 defeat at Newcastle left out.
There were recalls for Russell Martin, Simon Lappin – making only his second Premier League appearance of the season – Wes Hoolahan, Grant Holt and Simeon Jackson.
Kyle Naughton, Andrew Surman and Steve Morison were left on the bench, Adam Drury did not feature in the 18, and Anthony Pilkington was also missing after hobbling off with a hamstring problem at St James’ Park.
Wolves boss Terry Connor made three changes after the 5-0 home defeat by Manchester United. With Ronald Zubar suspended after a red card against United, skipper Roger Johnson returned in defence. Michael Kightly and Eggert Jonsson replaced Kevin Foley and the injured David Davis.
Foley was among the substitutes, as was Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, with five goals in his previous three games against the Canaries.
Ward had the first shot of the afternoon for Wolves, firing a long way wide in the opening minute after Howson cleared Jarvis’s cross.
Then Doyle almost gave Wolves the lead with a header from Kightly’s free-kick that forced Ruddy to dive to his right to save at the second attempt.
City responded well and after Hoolahan and Howson both had shots blocked, Hennessey kept out Jackson’s effort from a tight angle.
In the 11th minute, Whitbread went close to opening the scoring with a firm header from Fox’s corner, but Kightly, guarding the post, headed off the line.
Fox and Jackson combined well to find Bennett, but the winger pulled his shot across goal.
City earned a corner on 20 minutes when Jonsson cut out Holt’s cross, but Holt’s header from Lappin’s kick did not trouble Hennessey.
Jarvis caused more problems with a jinking run down the left and his cross only just cleared the head of Edwards, leaving Whitbread to head clear.
And it was Jarvis who broke the deadlock in the 25th minute when Kightly got the better of Lappin on the Wolves right, crossed into the six-yard box and a faint touch from Doyle set up Jarvis to sidefoot home.
City were level inside a minute, however, when Holt scored his 13th goal of the season with a splendid finish.
A flick by Bennett set up Jackson as the provider with a neat lob into Holt’s path, and the City skipper lobbed the ball over Hennessey before following up to nod it home as it dropped.
Kightly wasted a useful position for Wolves as they attacked in numbers, shooting into the crowd four minutes before the break.
In the final minute of the half, however, the Canaries were handed the chance to take the lead when referee Clattenburg awarded a penalty for handball by Jonsson.
A sustained City attack ended with Lappin setting up Hoolahan for a powerful shot that struck the left arm of Jonsson, and the official had no hesitation pointing to the spot.
As the half entered stoppage time, Holt drilled his penalty straight down the middle as Hennessey dived to his right.
The goal took Holt to 67 in his Norwich career, moving him one ahead of Jimmy Hill, Ron Davies and Ted MacDougall into ninth place in the club’s all-time scoring list.
Even then, Jarvis might have levelled before the break when he pulled a decent chance wide.
• Half-time: Norwich City 2, Wolves 1
Lappin’s return to the side was short-lived as he was replaced at the restart by Naughton.
Howson let fly from Naughton’s cross three minutes after the interval, but his effort struck team-mate Jackson before being hacked clear.
Jackson then missed out on a good opening when Naughton’s superb pass put him through on the left but with one touch too many, the ball ran away from him.
Wolves almost levelled at the other end with a curling shot that Whitbread diverted out for a corner.
Holt might have completed his hat-trick on the hour when a great cross by Bennett reached him at the far post, but Bassong got in a vital header to deny him clean contact at the expense of a corner.
Then Howson weaved his way into a shooting position before firing left-footed just over the top.
There was a yellow card for Wolves skipper Johnson after a clash with Holt. Johnson aimed a kick at Holt at one point before the City skipper responded by blocking him off, and also appeared to be booked.
Then it was all change with 25 minutes to go as Wolves made a double change, Milijas and Ebanks-Blake replacing Jonsson and Doyle, and Surman being sent on for City in place of Bennett.
There were some tasty challenges going in now and as City stepped up a gear, Whitbread shot wide following a corner, and Hennessey had to race out to deny the lively Jackson.
Lambert made his final change after 73 minutes, Jackson’s good afternoon’s work coming to an end as Morison replaced him.
A great piece of work by Hoolahan put Morison through on goal but Stearman got back to close him down and prevent him getting in a clean shot.
Then Hoolahan took an eternity over a shooting chance in the area and the ball dropped for Howson, whose low shot Hennessey saved, diving to his right.
With six minutes left, Jarvis threatened again but his shot was deflected into the side netting.
There was drama with four minutes left when Holt was sent off for a second yellow card after a bad challenge on Kightly.
In the final minute, Whitbread was booked for bringing down Milijas on the edge of the penalty area, conceding a free-kick inside the D in the process.
Ebanks-Blake fired the free-kick into the wall as the game entered four minutes’ stoppage time.
Milijas wasted Wolves’ final opening when he fired into the crowd.
• Result: Norwich City 2, Wolves 1
• Norwich City: Ruddy; Russell Martin, Elliott Ward, Whitbread; Elliott Bennett (Surman, 66), Fox, Howson, Lappin (Naughton, 45); Jackson (Morison, 73), Hoolahan; Holt. Subs (not used): Steer, Bradley Johnson, Crofts, Wilbraham.
• Wolves – Hennessey; Stearman, Roger Johnson, Bassong, Stephen Ward; Kightly (Gorman, 89), Edwards, Jonsson (Milijas, 65), Jarvis; Fletcher, Doyle (Ebanks-Blake, 65). Subs (not used): De Vries, Berra, Foley, Price.
• Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)
• Attendance: 26,752
• Goals: City: Holt (26, 45 pen). Wolves: Jarvis (25)
• Red card: Holt (86)
• Bookings: City: Holt, Whitbread. Wolves: Jonsson, Johnson
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65 comments
Liking it Baguio. I'm trying to remember what season that was.
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Preston Canary
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Oh it's true Preston. I was waiting for Gedward to have a little guess as to who it is but the cat seems to have got his tongue! What a surprise! Maybe Billy, Liz or the Tash fancy a guess?
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baguio
Monday, March 26, 2012
The three CB formation is probably also one that suits the talents of Martin. Looks like Lambert wants to start the planning process for next season now.
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Preston Canary
Monday, March 26, 2012
Good stat as long as it's true Baguio. Oh, and Ged who was it that was wanting rid of Lambert last week on this site. I read a comment from the bookie which was kind of to that effect, but seeing as his intelligence quotient is similar to yours nobody pays much attention to him either.
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Preston Canary
Monday, March 26, 2012
Poor Gedward, always worshipping Onan. It must be tough when your wit matches your endowment.
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Ded Sterile
Sunday, March 25, 2012
And why are you calling me pompous? I can shake my pompoms for you if you like but that don't make me pompous does it?
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Sian
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Poor Gedward, always worshipping Onan. It must be tough when your wit matches your endowment.
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Ded Sterile
Sunday, March 25, 2012
What's occuring Mad Brewer? I had a word with M'Fanwy and there's been a run on the delpilatory cream see, on account of Simon Lappin coming back into the team. He bought us out, a tidy amount. I see Mr Floppy has just got back. Sort it out, us girls have needs too you know.
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Sian
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Wait a minute, last week Ged assesed that Wigan, who just beat Liverpool at Anfied, were the worst team not only in the Premier League but the Championship and League 1. Now it's Wolves who are the worst in the league. Please, let's have some consistency in these delusions!
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Swiss Canary
Sunday, March 25, 2012
I see Ged is back on the laxatives again! The only place you ever get back from is the jacks! Norwich, thus far have had a fantastic season, by the way Ged, what was your prediction at the start of this season?
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RoadWarrior
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Season 201112 Mission accomplished.
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Peter Watson
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Are Wolves the worst team ever in this league then Gedward? One team currently holds records for the most losses in a season, most goals conceded away and biggest loss ever. Guess who?
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baguio
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Nerd.
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Mad Brewer
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Thanks Cutty. I know I'm a legend. It's good to be appreciated. Gedx - The Legend.
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Ged Steroo
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Glad to see you back Ged, life was beginning to get a bit boring without your laughable comments .
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cutty
Sunday, March 25, 2012
A very welcome 3 points, lucky for us the worst team in Premier League history came along just at the right time. I see you lot all now think Shambert is a legend again!! Ridiculous, only last week you couldn't all wait to get rid of him!! Make you minds up you pathetic bunch of gloryhunters!! Ged - A true City legend.
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Ged Steroo
Sunday, March 25, 2012
All or nothing. Perhaps Aaron has lost his ending, Sian?
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Mad Brewer
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Sian, you little Welsh Wrongdoer, where is my share of the depilatory market dosh? Sort it out!! Aston Bungalow, you are brilliant!!
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Mad Brewer
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Sian, you little Welsh Wrongdoer, where is my share of the depilatory market dosh? Sort it out!! Aston Bungalow, you are brilliant!!
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Mad Brewer
Sunday, March 25, 2012
And not at all pompous.
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Mad Brewer
Sunday, March 25, 2012
We'd all like to see Wilbraham getting a start but mostly we'd like to see him getting a few finishes in as well!
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Sian
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Preston, at least he qualifies it with, "All I can say is..."
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Swiss Canary
Sunday, March 25, 2012
The sense of relief that resonates in this forum is right. 3 points against the bottom team at home after a mini slump, at this stage of the season, was an absolute must. Let’s crack on and pick off points in the remaining games off the back of this timely confidence booster. Morison will want to prove a few doubters wrong, let’s see him step up to the mark again in Holt’s temporary absence, on PL’s say so obviously.... .
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NihongoCanary
Sunday, March 25, 2012
I'm hoping to see Wilbraham get a start next week along side Simeon. He looks far more dangerous than Morow who has zero confidence right now. It will be my first away day next week so hoping for a great game and another 3 points that will remove any doubts that we will be premier league next season. Come on the lads! OTBC
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baguio
Sunday, March 25, 2012
The sense of relief that resonates in this forum is right. 3 points against the bottom team at home after a mini slump, at this stage of the season, was an absolute must. Let’s crack on and pick off points in the remaining games off the back of this timely confidence booster. Morison will want to prove a few doubters wrong, let’s see him step up to the mark again in Holt’s temporary absence, on PL’s say so obviously.... .
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NihongoCanary
Sunday, March 25, 2012
cutty Hopefully the troll police are on duty today or could it be that they lost another game yesterday so they all have shut the ****up
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yarco
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Got to say Howson looks the business on his home debut, and Holty's goal was beautiful. Where have all the trolls gone?
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cutty
Sunday, March 25, 2012
I agree that there will be FBs on the shopping list for the summer Brewer and I would really like us to be able to keep Kyle Naughton but I guess we been round that one many times before. As for the forwards, if Vaughan ever manages to get out of the treatment room, he could be a really good option with Holt but overall his track-record with injuries is not good. One thing I am sure of, unlike Mr Steroo, I have confidence in our keepers. No business to be done there, in or out!
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Swiss Canary
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Phew! Got one!
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Mad Brewer
Sunday, March 25, 2012
I like that formation too, Swiss. I suppose E. Bennett and Pilks are the obvious Wing-backs for now? I wonder if we`ll recruit FBs in the Summer?
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Mad Brewer
Sunday, March 25, 2012
I really like the 3CB idea as it gives us the chance to play a 5-man midfield and have two up-front. One lone soldier has always looked toothless this season. The problem with this fomation is having the corrcet players for the wing backs who have to run the length of the pitch many times to stay in postion and I don't think that the formation is practised enough for the 3CBs to know instantly where they should be all the time at the moment. They tried this formation against Chelsea away until Zak went off injured.
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Swiss Canary
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Let's try this way. I am feeling a lot better after that result. I think that Lobbo just has that comment on automatic cut and paste. It had the feel of a scrappy win, but when you look at the stats we look quite dominant. I think a few of us said beforehand that we would be quite happy with any win so lets celebrate it, and hopefully crack on from here. I'd like to see Ryan Bennett given a go now, perhaps alongside Whitbread.
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Preston Canary
Sunday, March 25, 2012
AArrgghhh. Ethered
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Preston Canary
Sunday, March 25, 2012
I am feeling a lot better after that result. I think that Lobbo just has that comment on automatic cut and paste. It had the feel of a scrappy win, but when you look at the stats we look quite dominant. I think a few of us said beforehand that we would be quite happy with any win so lets celebrate it, and hopefully crack on from here. I'd like to see Ryan Bennett given a go now, perhaps alongside Whitbread. I also thought I'd point out an intelligent comment by David Pleat on R5 who mentioned the way in which Lambert has so successfuly rotated the squad. Anyway, lets get at least another couple of wins and keep picking up the points so that we carry some momentum into next season. OTBC
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Preston Canary
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Then there were two.....
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Mad Brewer
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Doubly ethered. Should have given up while I was ahead. Be joining Timbo in retirement soon.
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Mad Brewer
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Doubly ethered. Should have given up while I was ahead. Be joining Timbo in retirement soon.
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Mad Brewer
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Hi Pondlife. It`s a pity we cannot expose Dickson Etuhu to a bit of Holtery, since that very naughty boy got himself sent off yesterday. I`ve seen Aaron Wilbraham dish it out a bit in his time, though. Specially at MK Dons, when the spirit of the Saintly Paul Ince infected that side. Looks like a good game for a contribution from Alby. Would be good to see City finish the season with a flourish. But whatever happens, we have to be delighted with what they`ve achieved overall. As long as we don`t suffer a "freak relegation", that is! OTBC.
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Mad Brewer
Sunday, March 25, 2012
You are so right Crab. Them teachers should have learnt the kids to write proper. Brilliant win. . We are probably safe so let us go for it in the remaning games especially next week at Fulham.To avoid a repeat of 0 - 6 Lambert needs to check which players think they are too good for City and leave them out of the side (Oh hello Dixon - how are things?)
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Pondlife
Sunday, March 25, 2012
You are so right Crab. Them teachers should have learnt the kids to write proper. Brilliant win. . We are probably safe so let us go for it in the remaning games especially next week at Fulham.To avoid a repeat of 0 - 6 Lambert needs to check which players think they are too good for City and leave them out of the side (Oh hello Dixon - how are things?)
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Pondlife
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Krebs, I assumed your typo was a deliberate injection of irony! Dubai, funny thing is that yesterday Lambo played a "Back 3" of Martin, Ward & Whitbread. The man is experimenting in vital games. He has nerves of steel, ironically. It`s all that "Irn Bru" they`re suckled on in Caledonia. Brewed with real nails! Lobbo, you`ve made that Elliott Bennett comment so often now, the lad will be starting to think you don`t rate him! I wonder if that "Back 3" formation will become a regular feature? When, or if, Grasshopper returns to Spurs; if, or when, Tierney does not return to favour and if Adam Drury hangs up his boots ere long, we`ll be nearly empty on the full-back front. Kafu and Francomb (if, or when, he returns from loan) will be the only two? Exciting times. OTBC.
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Mad Brewer
Sunday, March 25, 2012
@ baguio - yeah - just noticed the typo myself. Oops :o)
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The Crab
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Well, we needed to win this one and we did - not very convincingly though...with our tough run in and bolton and wigan both winning - hard to say if we are safe - I hope so! We musn't go on the type of run Bolton did at the end of last season or we will have a tough start to next season. We need to finish as high as possible to make as much money as we can because we need to buy this summer. 3 valuable points - we need four from the next 2 games. Sorry to be slightly negative. OTBC!!!
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JMH
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Ruddy had a good go at Ward at half time...the crowd supporting Ruddy.....when will PL bring on Ryan Bennett??
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tom the taxi
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Yes, Crab 'probably!' Arrgh!!!!!!!!!!!
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baguio
Saturday, March 24, 2012
And when I say "sense", I mean it in the sense of "as long as the meaning is clear", not in the sense of " sensible". .. .If that makes sense!
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The Crab
Saturday, March 24, 2012
You're not alone, baguio, and neither does it happen only on here. I think it's partly the result of not being corrected at school, where the teachers are probebly just as bad anyway; and partly because of the constant use of "textese", where anything seems to be OK, as long as the sense is there.
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The Crab
Saturday, March 24, 2012
It was all about the 3 points, but it was a battling performance. I don't know what Ward was on in first half - yellow black colour blindness? Better second half. Crowd was great, brilliant atmosphere.
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bogbog
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Can't agree with the accusation that our defence is 'shaky'. They held firm today, Ruddy had one of his quieter days of the season, yet he is a player of the season contender, as is Zak Whitbread who has been a revelation. Russell Martin always gives 100% for 90 mins. As much as I like Lappin it didnt really work with him on the left in the 1st half today. Ward perhaps gave the ball away a few times today, but we held firm particularly in the last 5 mins when they threw the kitchen sink and our boys also put everything on the line and in the way. We need to think about where the goals will come from without Holt, as was clear last week when he didn't play at Newcastle.
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Bruce87
Saturday, March 24, 2012
You heard it here first. Looking at statistical probability, Norwich City will not be relegated. Looking at the last 16 years (with the Prem having 20 teams), the points scored by the team in 18th place at the end of March compared to the tally scored by the team relegated in 18th at the end of the season has never exceeded 12 points. In fact only 4 times has it reached double figures. in 200910 it was only 3 points! So, we are 14 points clear of 18th place. If we lost every game from now on, it would be something of a record. Let's hope the team stops playing panic mode, which is what the last 2-3 games have felt like.
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Tom Jeffries
Saturday, March 24, 2012
GHolt is without doubt the surprise package of the season. I, along with many others in Sept, thought he would be a struggling carthorse in the Prem and would soon be plying his trade in the Blue Square or Ryman leagues. But I was wrong. He's really upped his game. Especially after being dropped as captain. That really must have hurt his pride. Yet he just shrugged it off and came back doing what he does best. And not without the odd touch of ball skills here or there - what about that goal against Everton for example? After the confidence (and technique) gained this season, he'll be hitting the back of the net with even greater regularity next season. Maybe he could still be the first player to play for England sporting a zimmer frame!!!
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Aston Bungalow
Saturday, March 24, 2012
The General, Holty will be suspended FOR one game. Am I turning into a grumpy old man or am I not alone in despairing at the appalling written English on here?
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baguio
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Anyone know how many games Holty will be suspended four?
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The General
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Yes most of the team have a spot on atitude, that is except Morison. His ball control is weak. He was given two opportunitys to do something today, but ran the ball out. If we sell him we will not get a good price based on his current performances.Rest him now - forever!
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MickH
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Too many passes intercepted or poor. Should have finished them off. Never the less "celebration time, come on" All I can say is the Elliott Bennett must really impress in training !!!!
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Lobbo
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Too many passes intercepted or poor. Should have finished them off. Never the less "celebration time, come on" All I can say is the Elliott Bennett must really impress in training !!!!
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Lobbo
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Extremely pleased with the win, but too many poor or intercepted passes and not enough running off the ball. Our limitations are there for all to see. Once we were 2-1 up we should have killed off the game with more goals. On another day Wolves could have equalised and that would have been a real bummer. Can't wait for next season and to take the team to another level. Celebration time, come on !!!
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Lobbo
Saturday, March 24, 2012
I always say King Kenny cos I am surrounded by Liverpool supporters at work, and it makes me laugh that he has spent so much money and achieved so little. A win is a win in the premier league, no easy games, that's why the Premier League is the only one to be in!
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RoadWarrior
Saturday, March 24, 2012
i agree dubai, dont know why we look so nervous at the back, we are a good team and should draw strength from our ability on the ball Foxy, looked so comfortable cant wait for next season
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spanishcanary
Saturday, March 24, 2012
To be perfectly honest, we made hard work of putting away a very ordinary Wolves side. ANyway, at leats we are safe now - lets hope PL is in the market for a solid back four in the summer - we looked very shaky at the back at times today ! OTBC
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Dubai Canary
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Hmmmm king kenny im not so sure, king Paul maybe. Nice to see Simon Lappin given a run out, a good pro. Thought Simione worked so hard, anther good pro. We are so lucky to have so many players with a spot on attittude, well done guys
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spanishcanary
Saturday, March 24, 2012
It was a must win game and we won. We are staying up and Lambo seems to have plenty of ambition for the future, with Norwich. Great turn around driven by Holt even though he let himself down - you can take the man out of Sunday football......
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Swiss Canary
Saturday, March 24, 2012
City I feel made hard work of it,though this has always been their style down the years,nonetheless well done the boys.
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Albert Cooper
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Well said Spanish Canary, Great place to go for a holiday! Yes results today will show that the 1 - 1 with Wigan was a good result just ask King Kenny! Another 3 points today towards safety. I always say Norwich look a more complete side when Super Wes is playing. I know we can't get carried away, however I am sure most Villa supporters would currently swap places with us! A great result,so onwards and upwards.
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RoadWarrior
Saturday, March 24, 2012
just got back, from the playa im a very happy spanish canary, thought we actually played some good stuff, just not many clear cut chances. 1-1 with wigan now seems like a good point.. we are safe now PL. just a couple of points 1. Hasnt owen coyle conducted himself in a fantastic manner? 2. Grant, i love you, but you are a silly billy !!!
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spanishcanary
Saturday, March 24, 2012