It was a exasperating end to Norwich City’s league opener against Oxford United at Carrow Road. This loss prevented them from getting their first home victory of the entire season. Despite leading 1-0 until the dying moments of the game, a stoppage-time equalizer from Filip Krastev salvaged a point for the visitors. This game was a microcosm of the continued plight for Norwich. They had lost their last seven home Championship games in a row and an earlier exit from the Carabao Cup.
Phillippe Clement, in his second game as Norwich’s head coach, observed notable improvements in his team’s performance compared to their last outing. Norwich dominated the majority of the match, displaying flashes of exquisite football and generating a slew of quality chances. Their failure to find a second goal would be immensely damaging.
Missed Opportunities Haunt Norwich
Norwich went close two more times immediately after the break too as they looked to kill the tie off early. Josh Sargent had a golden opportunity to bank the US a win but whiffed. His shot went straight at Oxford goalkeeper James Cumming, even though he’d been found with a terrific lay-off by Kenny McLean. This miss would leave fans wondering what might have been had Norwich taken their opportunities.
On another occasion, Jovon Makama had a chance to be the hero, but skied an open goal over the bar and wide. On top of that, Emi Marcondes had another third as a goal-bound effort within a whisker of the target, deflected up and over. Along the way, Norwich produced some scintillating football. They weren’t able to capitalize on their chances to win.
“There was a big improvement from Saturday.” – Norwich’s Philippe Clement
Defensive Resilience Under Pressure
Despite their attacking shortcomings, Norwich demonstrated resilience in defense during a crucial 20-minute spell when Oxford ramped up the pressure. The home team struggled to hold onto their narrow advantage. They were able to withstand multiple waves of Oxford pressure and bailed out their team defenders on a few occasions.
Clement’s side are riding the storm of disappointment. They have certainly made a poor start with the first seven of their opening Championship fixtures at Carrow Road all lost. The passionate defensive display at home to Oxford lit a fire of hope in the supporters. They are hungry for progress—from their team, and from their community.
Late Drama Sees Points Shared
As the match moved into added time, Norwich looked set to leave St Andrews with a well-deserved three points. Makama opened the scoring with a phenomenal strike in the first half to give them a 1-0 lead. Not taking the chance to double their lead would prove an important error. In the dying seconds, Oxford took advantage of an error to the burgeoning seeming Norwich backline. After catching the US team nudging forward, Filip Krastev found time and space to send an equalizer ricocheting through the stadium.
Gary Rowett, Oxford’s manager, expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
“On the balance of play, I am more than happy with a point.” – Oxford’s Gary Rowett
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