Norwich City’s Bradley Johnson - First day at Fulham gave us a lesson
Bradley Johnson admits Norwich City's defeat at Fulham taught them a few things.
Michael Bailey
Monday, September 10, 2012
10:17 AM
Bradley Johnson admitted Norwich City’s opening day Premier League humbling acted as the reality check they needed to compete this season.
As bad as the 5-0 defeat was at Craven Cottage, the Canaries’ response has been more important – and while it is early days, the signs against Queens Park Rangers were encouraging; at Tottenham more so.
And while the City midfielder was open about how some – inside and outside the club – saw the campaign panning out, he believes Chris Hughton’s side are starting to set the standards they now need to maintain.
Johnson said: “The first game of the season is always hard and Fulham gave us that push we needed I think – we were dreadful that day and we had the game against QPR to put things right, and it was the same again at Spurs. I thought we were unlucky not to come away with the three points in those.
“I think we needed that result at Fulham. Last year has gone and I think we came into this season thinking it was going to be pretty easy but the Fulham game was a kick up the backside and we put it right against QPR
“But we can’t go into games like that in this league because we were punished. So we just want to kick on from here and hopefully we can do that against West Ham (at Carrow Road next weekend).
“I think after the first game everyone was thinking we were going to just lie down this season and get relegated. But we’ve shown throughout my time here our fighting spirit and never say die attitude.
“If we can put in performances like the one at Tottenham each week then we’ll be safe. We’ll be all right.”
The evolution of the City squad is done until January’s reopening of the transfer window – and Johnson took time to acknowledge the impact of centre-back Sebastien Bassong, one of the men to arrive in the days after the Fulham defeat.
“Seb is a confident lad and he’s brought something we needed in this team – he’s a great talker and he is always talking to me and Jonny Howson in front of him,” said the 25-year-old.
“And he’s a leader as well, he’s a great character, and I think we needed someone like that at the club and he’s come in and done a terrific job for us.
“He played great at Spurs and kept their main strikers quiet – there are a lot of good characters at this club and he has been terrific for us.”
Johnson could also revel in his own performance at White Hart Lane – arguably evidence of the midfielder’s richest vein of form since arriving at Carrow Road from Leeds last summer.
“Against QPR I felt pretty good and I carried it on into Spurs,” he added. “It’s unfortunate we’ve got the international break, which gives us a rest but when we play West Ham at home, we’ve got to do the same thing.
“I give my all – I think everyone knows that. Every time I walk over that white line I give 100 per cent and if it was a good performance at Spurs, then it was for the team. I’m not doing it for myself.
“There’s a lot of competition here throughout this club. Foxy (David Fox) has just come back from injury, and we’ve got (Jacob) Butterfield coming back. It keeps all of us on our toes.
“We know we’re not going to play every game this season but when they get their chance to come into the team I’m sure they’ll do their best for the team.”
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7 comments
Hi, Pa. I hope Hots and Hoots have a common objective with Kane-get him plenty of game time. Surely we have to sell CM in the Jan window or extend his contract before he becomes a "freebie"? Ditto Cinnamon? If we continue the improvement evidenced at WHL, then we have a squad good enough to survive + a bit. It`s up to Hoots to optimise the talent available. Compare that squad to the pre- Lambo one. Different world! And Hoots has brought in 9 new faces already. I suppose the danger of agonising about formation (which we all do from time to time!) is that it`s also down to how the individuals perform within it. So, yes, Pilks or Snods could de-isolate Holt (or Moro).
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Mad Brewer
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Brew, It gets a bit involved when trying to put into words that which could better be explained with a diagram or two..I would not suggest that Holt was to be a lone striker, and as the match progressed. his assistance would come from either Snodgrass or Pilkington.The one thing I hate to see is him isolated by one of the corner flags when his real value is around the penalty spot. I am a fan of Fox, but don't see him heavily involved unless injuries come into play. The other odd ones out seem to be Morison, Martin and Jackson, all fighting for Holt's place, and to add to them is the new lad from Spurs who will be expected to participate.
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Pa Snipps
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Well, Pa, there`s no doubt there is a "special relationship" on the field `twixt Horse @ Hoolahoop which has prospered thus far. We need to see how things evolve - at the moment it`s the 4 from our Yorkshire nursery that are in favour and the so far impressive Johnson has Tettey as competition. As for Wes, there`s nobody quite like him. Perhaps he`ll make his biggest impact coming on as a "game-changing sub"? Oddly, it`s also difficult to see where the admirable Fox fits in just now - he`s bit of a one-off too, with his Ian Crook-esque mastery of passing mostly to his team-mates. We still have Cushie Butterfield to come (eventually). Our cup runneth over, it would seem. I think Holty brings a lot to the party, irrespective of who he plays with or whether or not he scores goals. But not as a lone frontman.
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Mad Brewer
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Hello Brew, Its nice to see back from your holiday, and still in touch with the mad comings and goings at Colney...Hughton has now a complete squad of 25. ..Each position appears to be covered with a first choice and an understudy. That adds up to 22.. the other 3 from 4, C Martin-Jackson- Kane- Morison, are all in waiting for Grant Holt to fall out of favour, and he soon will if Hoolahan is not there to support him. That is how I see it! What about you?
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Pa Snipps
Monday, September 10, 2012
Agreed, Swiss. As for Barnett, I always felt that he had the physical attributes to make a good defender, but was prone to costly errors. I wonder if the partnership with Bassong will be the making of him if Bassong is the leader Johnson says he is. Maybe Barnett needs that??
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Preston Canary
Monday, September 10, 2012
Can`t help thinking Hoots has introduced competition in key positions - Moro\Kane and Johnson\Tettey. Plus the renaissance of Barney @ CB. I was a defender of Ward but Barney`s return to favour edged him out. Interesting that LB is preferred to Turner & R. Bennett just now, too.
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Mad Brewer
Monday, September 10, 2012
Bradley "Barton's Breath" Johnson might think we needed that result at Fulham, but we don't need any more like it.
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Swiss Canary
Monday, September 10, 2012