Now I have often been a regular critic of Hughton's perceived negativity - however his in-game management on Saturday showed an attempt to alter the game in ways we have been crying out for since he took over last summer. Yes, his team selection and tactics to start off were questionable at very best. Starting with four central midfielders against a team like Hull gave the impression that we had come to the KC expecting to defend a regular Hull onslaught, when we should have been looking to show just what the last two years of Premier League football had put between us. Even the consideration of playing Howson wide-right was farcical, but to actually implement it - I can't even begin to contemplate how Hughton came to such a decision. For the entire first-half, we played without a right-midfielder - for Howson, naturally, kept moving to a central position. It was left up to Whittaker to cover the entire right-side.
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Thankfully, Hughton recognised his mistake (or the tone of this post would have been considerably worse, for sure). On came an actual winger in Robert Snodgrass, who was visibly lacking match-fitness, and his performance suffered accordingly. Yes, this showed starting with Snodgrass would not have been plausible, but there was no excuse for not selecting Olssen - who could have filled in on the left - with Remond moving across to the right. The next clear fault, for me, was playing Fer as an attacking midfielder. Excluding one close header, Fer was largely irrelevant first-half. Seeing little of the ball and providing limited influence, it appeared obvious Fer needed to drop deeper to get on the ball more frequently, push forward with the ball, and provide a link to the attack - which is exactly what happened once Hoolahan was introduced. Fer, consequently, became much more involved. Finally, Hughton has been widely criticised for his complete refusal to play two up-front. So when Elmander came on to provide support for RVW - little could we complain.
On a very worrying note, Alexander Tettey has become a shadow of the promising deep midfielder we signed from Rennes one year ago. His performance on Saturday was, quite frankly, appalling. His passing was wayward, his touch inconsistent, and when the ball fell kindly from van Wolfswinkel's knock-down - his shooting was hopeless. It was a relief to see him leave the field, and I seriously hope he is dropped for Southampton. With Fer more effective in a deeper role, and Howson showing glimpses of quality when he was moved into the centre - I can't see Tettey retaining his place.
The concerns that we significantly lacked creativity are certainly not false. There was no cutting edge whatsoever, and had we have played for another half an hour - I still don't think we would have found a goal. Yet, there are substantial indications that things can, and will, improve. First off, is Snodgrass. Arguably our most creative player of last season, the Scot's return to fitness should coincide with a more consistent supply of chances. Secondly, once tactical mistakes were rectified, both Fer and Howson were far more effective, with the latter unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions. Add to that the return of Pilkington and the eventual introduction of Hooper, alongside the willingness of Redmond to run at the opposition and look for openings, there are plenty of reasons to remain optimistic.
Seeing the introductions of Snodgrass, Elmander and Hoolahan on Saturday was refreshing. Not only because they were all attack-minded substitutions, or because they were brought on in plenty of time to make an impact - but more for the reflection those three have on how far we've come in the past year. This time last season, Chris Martin and Steve Morison were the only used substitutes in a 1-1 draw at home to QPR. The talent now at Hughton's disposal has improved massively, which is reflected in an increased willingness to make changes, and fully utilise a squad that he now holds far more confidence in.
The new players have been brought in by the manager, and they have joined to play for the manager. These are extremely talented players, and any rush to get rid of Hughton would have a significantly adverse effect on their development as Norwich City players. Five games should be the minimum before any consideration of Hughton's future is taken. We have a strong squad here, one that will improve, and will get results. So for now, let's just let them do their job, shall we?
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Thankfully, Hughton recognised his mistake (or the tone of this post would have been considerably worse, for sure). On came an actual winger in Robert Snodgrass, who was visibly lacking match-fitness, and his performance suffered accordingly. Yes, this showed starting with Snodgrass would not have been plausible, but there was no excuse for not selecting Olssen - who could have filled in on the left - with Remond moving across to the right. The next clear fault, for me, was playing Fer as an attacking midfielder. Excluding one close header, Fer was largely irrelevant first-half. Seeing little of the ball and providing limited influence, it appeared obvious Fer needed to drop deeper to get on the ball more frequently, push forward with the ball, and provide a link to the attack - which is exactly what happened once Hoolahan was introduced. Fer, consequently, became much more involved. Finally, Hughton has been widely criticised for his complete refusal to play two up-front. So when Elmander came on to provide support for RVW - little could we complain.On a very worrying note, Alexander Tettey has become a shadow of the promising deep midfielder we signed from Rennes one year ago. His performance on Saturday was, quite frankly, appalling. His passing was wayward, his touch inconsistent, and when the ball fell kindly from van Wolfswinkel's knock-down - his shooting was hopeless. It was a relief to see him leave the field, and I seriously hope he is dropped for Southampton. With Fer more effective in a deeper role, and Howson showing glimpses of quality when he was moved into the centre - I can't see Tettey retaining his place.
The concerns that we significantly lacked creativity are certainly not false. There was no cutting edge whatsoever, and had we have played for another half an hour - I still don't think we would have found a goal. Yet, there are substantial indications that things can, and will, improve. First off, is Snodgrass. Arguably our most creative player of last season, the Scot's return to fitness should coincide with a more consistent supply of chances. Secondly, once tactical mistakes were rectified, both Fer and Howson were far more effective, with the latter unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions. Add to that the return of Pilkington and the eventual introduction of Hooper, alongside the willingness of Redmond to run at the opposition and look for openings, there are plenty of reasons to remain optimistic.
Seeing the introductions of Snodgrass, Elmander and Hoolahan on Saturday was refreshing. Not only because they were all attack-minded substitutions, or because they were brought on in plenty of time to make an impact - but more for the reflection those three have on how far we've come in the past year. This time last season, Chris Martin and Steve Morison were the only used substitutes in a 1-1 draw at home to QPR. The talent now at Hughton's disposal has improved massively, which is reflected in an increased willingness to make changes, and fully utilise a squad that he now holds far more confidence in.
The new players have been brought in by the manager, and they have joined to play for the manager. These are extremely talented players, and any rush to get rid of Hughton would have a significantly adverse effect on their development as Norwich City players. Five games should be the minimum before any consideration of Hughton's future is taken. We have a strong squad here, one that will improve, and will get results. So for now, let's just let them do their job, shall we?
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