Lambert Finds the Right Formula

A magnificent Norwich City performance saw them take all three points from the Reebok on Saturday. The thrilling encounter saw Norwich score two goals in quick succession towards the back-end of the first half. The first half dismissal of Ivan Klasnic meant Bolton played more than half the game with ten-men. They had chances though, most coming through their unsuccessful late siege on the Norwich goal.

The atmosphere at the game was created and upheld by the strong two-and-a-half-thousand travelling Norwich faithful and right from the offset, the Canaries looked a different proposition from the side that faced West Brom. A different XI was partially forced and in some areas it was tactical, but it the changes worked.

Russell Martin, who struggled against Wigan and notably against MK Dons, was selected for the centre half berth. In this unfamiliar position, Martin had a fine performance and managed to sub-due and dominate the infamously physical Kevin Davies. Despite Leon Barnett’s error, which saw Norwich’s concede their fifth penalty in as many games, the two looked an assured presence at the back.

The midfield saw a return for Anthony Pilkington and Wes Hoolahan, both of whom contributed to Bolton’s demise. Hoolahan was on fire on Saturday, plucking space behind the Bolton midfield paring of Nigel Reo-Coker and Darren Pratley, to control the game in Norwich’s favour.

The usually indispensable Andrew Crofts was not missed as Bradley Johnson picked up his defensive duties, giving Hoolahan a free licence to create. Pilkington on the left grabbed a goal but importantly, the width that he and his right-winged counterpart Elliot Bennett created, stretched Bolton and this ultimately created the pressure that secured the City win.

Captain and stalwart Grant Holt, was left on the bench, as the Welsh international Steve Morison was given an opportunity to start. The decision paid dividend for Lambert as Morison’s extra yard of pace forced the Bolton defence into rash decisions and if it was not for Zak Knights last ditch block, the ex-Millwall striker’s clever touch and turns in the box would have seen him score in the second half.

Paul Lambert seems to have discovered and implemented the right tactics for at least, Norwich’s away games. It was a brave decision to leave Holt out and perhaps the City captain has the right to feel aggrieved but Morison played well. The two wingers stretched Bolton and gave Hoolahan room to operate and find space. Despite this, if it was not for John Ruddy’s point-blank save to deny David N’Gog’s last minute header, Norwich would have only gone home with a point.

All-in-all, a top class performance and tactical switches saw Norwich secure their first three points away from home in the Premiership for seventeen years.