Norwich City - Canaries take on Premiership! [FIFA 12 Manager Mode]

[mockme]

Battle between season's overachievers results in draw
Solid defensive displays from both teams earn a point

Wednesday, 14th December, 2011


These kind of fights for the ball were very much the story of the game

A drab match between two teams that have so far done better than expected in the Barclays Premier League ended in a goalless draw. Norwich had to make two substitutions in the first half because of injuries, but otherwise the match was nothing spectacular.

Wolverhampton started off well, creating a bit of pressure around the Norwich goal but it ultimately came down to nothing. The centre of Norwich's defense formed by Daniel Ayala and Leon Barnett - making his first Premier League start - looked tidy and seemed to always be in the right place at the right time.

19 minutes through the first real occurrence of the match happened, as Norwich's fullback Marc Tierney stayed down after a challenge holding his foot. The injury has since then been analysed as a broken ankle and Tierney will not return to action for a while. He was replaced by Russell Martin, who took over as right back with Kyle Naughton moving to the left side.

Norwich created a couple of chances after the injury, but nothing too dangerous. After that Simeon Jackson went down near Wolves' penalty area. Initially he was only taken outside the field of play to receive treatment, but a couple of minutes later he too was substituted. Norwich's biggest goal threat Grant Holt took his place but not even he could break the deadlock at the Molineux.

The second half didn't offer much to look at either. Both teams tried making substitutions to change the flow of the game their way, but the only real threatening chance was created by David Fox's free kick which ended with a quality header from Daniel Ayala. However, Wayne Hennessey was equal to it. He didn't hold the ball though, and Steve Morison nearly got on the end of it but the Wolverhampton defenders managed to clear it away.

A couple of minutes before the final whistle there was a claim from the Norwich players that the ball had crossed the goalline after Hennessey had catched it from a cross and back-pedaled a bit, but the referee didn't give the goal.

0 - 0

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Hennessey, Foley (Stearman 85'), Bassong, Berra, Ward, O'Hara (c), Milijas (Henry 57'), Jarvis, Hunt, Doyle, Fletcher
Norwich City: Ruddy (c), Naughton, Daniel Ayala, Barnett, Tierney (Martin 19'), Tchoyi (Pilkington 77'), Fox, Johnson, Surman, Jackson (Holt 36'), Morison

Wolves		Norwich
0	Goals	0
5	Shots	12
1	Shots on Target	3
45%	Possession	55%
29	Tackles	8
2	Fouls	1
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	2
0	Offsides	0
2	Corners	2
20%	Shot Accuracy	25%
71%	Pass Accuracy	82%

[mockme]

Outplayed Norwich grab victory with late goal
Ruddy puts in man of the match performance

Last Updated: Saturday, 17th December, 2011


One of the many scoring chances Everton had

Norwich City grabbed a valuable away win against Everton. Steve Morison scored the winner late in stoppage time.

It was a frustrating afternoon at Goodison Park for the Everton players and their fans. In a game that was mostly dominated by the Liverpool-based side, the Toffees ended up losing, as visiting Norwich City grabbed the vital goal despite having considerably fever chances than Everton.

The start of the game set the script for the rest of it as well. Straight from the kick-off Everton displayed some wonderful passing play and created quality chances, but Nikica Jelavic among others missed shot after shot, while occasionally Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy performed magical saves.

Norwich only had one significant chance in the first half, when Anthony Pilkington's cross found captain Grant Holt at the end of it. Holt's header, however, was easily saved by Tim Howard.

The second half began much like the first, with Everton bombarding the Norwich penalty area with crosses and through balls to Jelavic, Tim Cahill and Leon Osman. Osman was the one to get closest to scoring, as he found himself one-on-one with Ruddy. However, the attacking midfielder was denied by a quality leg save by the goalkeeper.

At 65 minutes Everton had to replace captain Marouane Fellaini in midfield. Johnny Heitinga took his place, and the Dutchman even got himself a scoring chance moments later, but missed the goal. Minutes after that, Jelavic missed a wide open chance.

After replacing Holt as Norwich's lone striker, Morison made a couple of threatening runs at the Everton defence, but was ultimately denied a shooting chance. His moment didn't come until the very last minute of stoppage time. Elliott Bennett whipped in the corner from the right side of the goal, and Morison's header beat Howard, hitting Leighton Baines and bouncing across the goal line. Immediately after kick-off the referee blowed the whistle to end the game.

0 - 1
90' Morison

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Coleman, Fellaini (c, Heitinga 66'), Cahill (Rodwell 65'), Pienaar, Osman, Jelavic
Norwich City: Ruddy, Naughton (Martin 65'), Ward, Whitbread, Drury, Brocchi, Bennett, Crofts, Howson, Pilkington, Holt (c, Morison 75')

Everton		Norwich
0	Goals	1
17	Shots	5
6	Shots on Target	3
55%	Possession	45%
40	Tackles	13
0	Fouls	1
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
2	Injuries	0
1	Offsides	0
3	Corners	2
35%	Shot Accuracy	60%
85%	Pass Accuracy	81%

[mockme]

Comeback Canaries
Norwich erase three-goal deficit to earn point against Spurs

Last Updated: Monday, 26th December, 2011


William Gallas (left) and Steve Morison fight for the ball

Norwich City produced a comeback against all the odds and for the ages as they went down 3-0 against a much more talented Tottenham squad and still managed to come back to tie the game. Emmanuel Adebayor scored twice for the London side, while Johnny Howson scored his first goal for Norwich.

From the start it looked like Norwich were in for a long Monday night, as Adebayor gave Spurs the lead after only two minutes had passed. The loanee from Manchester City broke through the Norwich defence and slotted a well-placed shot past John Ruddy, leaving the Canaries faithful wondering if they should have stayed at home.

Norwich were able to hold the difference at just one goal until half-time. They were given a scare after midfielder Somen Tchoyi went down with an injury, but the Cameroonian was able to continue playing after a little treatment outside the field of play.

The second half didn't start off much better for the Canaries. Seven minutes after kick-off the referee pointed to the spot following a handball by Adam Drury, and Adebayor shot the ball just past the outstretched arm of Ruddy.

Not even ten minutes later Tottenham were at it again. This time Dutch playmaker Rafael van der Vaart got the ball around the edge of the penalty box and released a low shot, that just crept inside the post, not giving Ruddy much chance to make the save. The fans were hanging their heads, but the Norwich players on the pitch weren't planning on giving up.

Only four minutes after van der Vaart's goal, Norwich got a corner following a block by Michael Dawson on Anthony Pilkington's long-range effort. David Fox took it, and found Daniel Ayala in the box. The Spaniard was able to produce a good, powerful header that soared over Brad Friedel's hands and into the net.

Encouraged by the goal Norwich started to throw more men forward whenever they got on the attack. This resulted in some counter-attacking chances for Tottenham, but all of a sudden Ruddy was playing the game of his life, making save after save on Jermaine Defoe - who had replaced Adebayor earlier - among others.

Then, 83 minutes through, Norwich got another corner, and once again it was Fox who took it. This time it was Steve Morison who got his head to the ball and was able to place it past Friedel. All of a sudden the home side were back in the game, and Tottenham wasn't looking all that comfortable.

Just five minutes after Morison's goal Howson - who had been subbed in to replace Bradley Johnson in midfield - made the biggest play of his Norwich career so far. Receiving a pass from Pilkington, the former Leeds man split two defenders with a fantastic change of direction, breaking into the penalty area and finding the bottom right corner with pinpoint accuracy. Carrow Road exploded, and the Norwich players were ecstatic.

The Canaries even came close to winning, as Pilkington got another shot in, but the winger just narrowly missed the right side of the goal. After Friedel took the goal kick the referee blew the whistle to end the game.

3 - 3
2' Adebayor
53' Adebayor (pen)
61' van der Vaart
65' Daniel Ayala
83' Morison
88' Howson

Norwich City: Ruddy, Martin, Daniel Ayala, Ward, Drury , Tchoyi (Bennett 53'), Fox, Johnson (Howson 71'), Pilkington, Morison, Holt (c)
Tottenham Hotspur: Friedel, Walker, King (Nelsen 64'), Dawson (Gallas 80'), Assou-Ekotto, dos Santos, Modric (c), Parker, Bale, van der Vaart, Adebayor (Defoe 59')

Norwich		Tottenham
3	Goals	3
13	Shots	18
6	Shots on Target	10
51%	Possession	49%
11	Tackles	28
3	2
1	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
1	Injuries	0
0	Offsides	0
3	Corners	6
46%	Shot Accuracy	55%
83%	Pass Accuracy	82%

[mockme]

Holt's hat-trick sinks QPR
Norwich captain reaches 12 league goals

Last Updated: Thursday, 29th December, 2011


QPR couldn't contain Grant Holt

Norwich City captain Grant Holt made sure that his team continued their terrific run of games without a defeat, increasing the number to five as the striker scored a hat-trick to earn Norwich a 3-2 victory against fellow promotion team Queens Park Rangers.

Norwich were on the frontfoot right from the get-go, as just minutes after kick-off Steve Morison's shot was deflected into the right goalpost by a diving Paddy Kenny, and Anthony Pilkington's effort went wide. After nine minutes Morison was causing trouble again, this time delivering a cross from the right side that Holt easily headed into the top corner to give his team the lead.

The joy of going ahead wouldn't last for long, however, as just a minute after Holt's goal QPR pegged back. Leon Barnett's tackle on Djibril Cisse had an unlucky result, as the ball drifted to Cisse's strike partner Bobby Zamora, who had all the time he needed to put it past John Ruddy and into the Norwich net.

After that the game settled down somewhat, with Norwich having most of the possession. However, after half an hour a long through ball from captain Joey Barton found the pacey Shaun Wright-Phillips racing behind the Norwich defense. The winger received the ball with a great first touch, displayed fantastic footwork while going past Daniel Ayala, and in the end beating Ruddy with a well-executed left-footed shot, scoring the last goal of the first half.

It looked like QPR would hold onto their lead, as the London side even had chances to increase it in the second half. It wasn't until the 84th minute when Andrew Crofts played a fantastic through ball to Kyle Naughton on the right wing. Naughton's cross found Holt at the backpost, and once again the captain didn't miss.

From there on Norwich started piling on the pressure, and in stoppage time Holt got the ball at his feet around the edge of the QPR penalty area. One neat turn to beat Daniel Gabbidon, and Holt was free on goal. The striker executed a beautiful finish, sacrificing power for technique and accuracy and found the top right-hand corner to beat Kenny and effectively win the game for Norwich.

After the goal, Norwich sat back in their own half while QPR tried throwing all of their players forward in a last-minute bid for the tying goal. This resulted in Holt getting one more chance, but this time Kenny was equal to the effort. Soon after the referee blew the whistle to end the game.

2 - 3
9' Holt
10' Zamora
33' Wright-Phillips
84' Holt
90' Holt

Queens Park Rangers: Kenny, Ferdinand, Gabbidon, Hill, Taiwo, Wright-Phillips, Tiago (Diakite 57'), Barton (c), Traore, Cisse (Macheda 72') Zamora (Campbell 64')
Norwich City:Ruddy, Naughton, Daniel Ayala, Barnett, Lappin, Bennett, Fox (Crofts 80'), Howson (Johnson 58'), Pilkington (Surman 80'), Morison, Holt (c)

QPR		Norwich
2	Goals	3
11	Shots	16
8	Shots on Target	10
40%	Possession	60%
43	Tackles	9
1	Fouls	3
0	Yellow Cards	1
0	Red Cards	0
1	Injuries	0
0	Offsides	1
5	Corners	4
72%	Shot Accuracy	62%
76%	Pass Accuracy	87%

[mockme]

Norwich maintain form against Fulham
Wilbraham makes history with two goals

Last Updated: Saturday, 31st December, 2011


Aaron Wilbraham was the man of the match

Norwich City maintained their fine form of late as they beat Fulham 4-2 at Carrow Road. The talk of the day was striker Aaron Wilbraham, who started his first Premier League game and also scored two goals that represented personal milestones for him.

Wilbraham's first goal came only six minutes after Zak Whitbread had put the Canaries ahead with a well-placed header from Elliott Bennett's corner. Wilbraham scored with a header as well. After Bennett had played Kyle Naughton through on the wing, the right back delivered a perfect cross that was easily finished by Wilbraham. The goal was special in two ways. It was Wilbraham's 100th career goal, and it also made him a member of an elite group of players that have scored on all different levels of English professional football.

Norwich dominated the first half, and only allowed one shot towards their own goal. Unfortunately for them, that goal resulted in a goal. Clint Dempsey received the ball in an area where he couldn't miss, and he didn't. After a miscue he found himself right in front of John Ruddy's goal and beat the keeper with a good finish.

However, Norwich would increase their lead to two before the first half ended. Anthony Pilkington had missed two free kicks earlier in the half, but redeemed himself with a long-range effort that beat Mark Schwarzer and went into the right bottom corner.

The Canaries continued right where they left off as the second half began. They created constant chances, but didn't reap the rewards before the 79th minute, as that man Wilbraham popped up again. This time the 32-year old striker received the ball at his feet on the edge of the area, slipped past a defender and beat Schwarzer with a powerful drive to the top corner. A pretty special way to introduce yourself to the top flight.

Fulham would claw one back as Pavel Pogrebnyak beat Ruddy after making his way past two Norwich defenders, but it was too late for the team that had been placed above Norwich in the league table before suffering the defeat.

4 - 2
7' Whitbread
13' Wilbraham
40' Dempsey
45' Pilkington
79' Wilbraham
88' Pogrebnyak

Norwich City: Ruddy, Naughton, Ward, Whitbread, Drury , Bennett (Surman 64'), Brocchi (Johnson 76'), Howson, Pilkington, Wilbraham, Holt (c, Morison 71')
Fulham: Schwarzer, Grygera (Kelly 54'), Hughes (c), Halliche, J. Riise, Sidwell, Etuhu, Ruiz (B. Riise 64'), Dempsey (Davies 54'), Dembele, Pogrebnyak

tr>

Norwich		Fulham
4	Goals	2
10	Shots	6
3	Shots on Targer	3
53%	Possession	47%
15	Tackles	35
4	Fouls	4
1	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
0	Injuries	2
1	Offsides	0
3	Corners	1
30%	Shot Accuracy	50%
84%	Pass Accuracy	81%

[mockme]

January 1, 2012

Barclays Premier League - Jan 1, 2012
TEAM	GP	W	D	L	PTS
1. Manchester City	20	14	3	3	45
2. Manchester United	20	12	5	3	41
3. Chelsea	20	12	5	3	41
4. Arsenal	20	11	6	3	39
5. Liverpool	20	11	4	5	37
6. Tottenham	20	10	6	4	36
7. Everton	20	10	6	4	36
8. Newcastle United	20	11	1	8	34
9. Norwich City	20	6	10	4	28
10. Wolverhampton	20	7	6	7	27
11. Fulham	20	6	8	6	26
12. Sunderland	20	4	8	8	20
13. Stoke City	20	3	10	7	19
14. Blackburn	20	4	7	9	19
15. Aston Villa	20	3	9	8	18
16. QPR	20	5	3	12	18
17. West Brom	20	3	8	9	17
18. Swansea City	20	3	8	9	17
19. Bolton	20	2	5	13	11
20. Wigan Athletic	20	2	5	13	11

Soccer Leaders - Updated: Jan 1, 2012
Goals		Assists
1. Juan Mata - Chelsea	13	1. Javier Hernandez - Man Utd	7
2. Grant Holt - Norwich	12	2. Aaron Lennon - Liverpool	6
3. Wayne Rooney - Man Utd	11	3. Scott Parker - Tottenham	5
4. Emmanuel Adebayor - Tottenham	10	4. Andriy Arshavin - Arsenal	5
5. Robin van Persie - Arsenal	9	5. Theo Walcott - Arsenal	5
Clean Sheets		Yellow Cards
1. Anders Lindegaard - Man Utd	10	1. Craig Gardner - Sunderland	7
2. Tim Krul - Newcastle	10	2. Yaya Toure - Man City	6
3. Mark Schwarzer - Fulham	8	3. Jamie O'Hara - Wolves	6
4. Joe Hart - Man City	8	4. Morten Gamst Pedersen - Blackburn	5
5. Brad Friedel - Tottenham	8	5. Phil Jagielka - Everton	5
Red Cards
1. Joleon Lescott - Arsenal	2	1.
2. Micah Richards - Man City	2	2.
3. Jay Spearing - Liverpool	2	3.
4. Jose Bosingwa - Chelsea	1	4.
5. John O'Shea - Sunderland	1	5.

[mockme]

Norwich City taking the Premiership by storm
Canaries drawing attention to themselves

Last Updated: Sunday, 1st January, 2012


Paul Lambert has his team playing superbly

Out of the three teams promoted from the nPower Championship after last season, none are performing as well as Norwich City, who find themselves ninth in the table as the January transfer window opens.

Following their 4-2 victory over Fulham yesterday, Norwich leapfrogged the London-based side in the league table, and are now chasing a spot in the Europa League qualifications, six points behind Newcastle United. As Swansea and QPR - the other teams that got promoted - find themselves in the thick of the relegation battle, the Canaries have made it quite clear that they intend to stay at the top level of English football. Manager Paul Lambert says that there is only one explanation for their success.

"It's team spirit. We have guys who are willing to do anything for each other, for this team to stay up, and it shows on the field," the Scottish manager said. "We have a fantastic group of players and each and every one of them are doing more than I can ask."

But none are doing quite as much as team captain, striker Grant Holt. The Carrow Road favourite is second in the scoring charts with twelve goals, right behind Chelsea's Juan Mata, who has thirteen strikes. That makes Holt the best English goalscorer in the top flight, and the tall goal threat is drawing consideration for next summer's European Championship.

"I think he definitely deserves a chance," said midfielder David Fox, who has had an incredible season as well, orchestrating Norwich's midfield in the absence of injured Wes Hoolahan. "The goalscoring record he has speaks for itself. If they don't give him a chance then I don't know who deserves it."

What makes Norwich's success even more incredible is the fact that they are currently riddled with injuries. Hoolahan's injury will keep him sidelined for at least one more month, and the Canaries are also missing fullback Marc Tierney, midfielder Somen Tchoyi and striker James Vaughan.

"Yes, we've had injuries, but you know, the guys who have replaced the players who are out have done more than their share of work. Adam (Drury) has been fantastic at left back. Obviously losing Wes (Hoolahan) was a huge loss but the other guys have stepped up and replaced him. It's like we have no gaps," said Lambert.

Even considering the success they've had, the manager sees that there might be room for improvement in the transfer window. At least he refused to rule out any signings that could help the team.

"We are looking at a few players and hope that we can improve some areas. But even with that said we won't sign anyone who we think can't make a difference in the first team right now."

Regardless if they make any signings or not, Norwich have the potential to cause a real stir in the top flight this year. Their next game is an FA Cup match-up with league leaders Manchester City, but you can never put it past this team to cause an upset. Definitely the biggest surprise of the season so far.

[orion523]

Fantastic achievement!!! Quick question, if a top club comes calling in the future would you consider moving? Also do you plan on staying only in England or are you open to jobs in other Countries as well? I've been thinking over this recently myself, and if at the end of the year I'm fired( good possibility without some hardware), I plan on remaining in English football, be it in the Premier, Championship, or League 1 or 2