English Premier League (EPL)

So this brief post will be another without pictures since I was not inclined to take my camera along to the other "big"event of last week. That was attending an EPL game where local team Norwich City took on Manchester City. The EPL is one of those things most of us grow up reading about in papers, watching highlights or full games on tele and wondering what it would be like "to be there"? The atmosphere always seems exciting, even on TV. So this was something to look forward to and likely a once in a lifetime.

George had secured a ticket for me, and Sean took me along (he is a season ticket holder and the reason we were able to get a ticket). Sean ducked around the corner to get a long time friend (Plunkett) and Ruth dropped the 3 of us near Carrow Road - home of the Canaries ... yes, yes, and before you say it out loud, what sort of serious football side would be called "canaries"? So, just think, they are actually participating in the EPL so despite the name they must be OK! And all our national sporting teams in Australia also wear yellow (and green) just as the canaries do :) ... so I figure all could not be that bad.

The word (among their own supporters!) was that Norwich had "no chance" against Manchester City (last time at Carrow Road it was 0-7) who are holders of the 2015-16 Captial One (formerly The Football League Cup). I suggested they had a 50% chance because they were playing on the same pitch :). Anyway, I have a souvenir green plastic bag I had to wave (only got asked to once!) and the ground was packed (almost 27,000) with just one section for the visiting supporters (who still made plenty of noise). The atmosphere and singing was good to be part of, though I had no idea what was being sung most of the time, except for a regular "c'mon you yellow" chant (which while clearly passionate, using "yellow" just did not seem quite the call to arms in battle). The fans are incredibly biased just like any keen supporters and the ref had no idea even though he had a really good view all game :). 

Norwich had the best three shots on goal and Manchester City two good ones, though MC always looked most likely without delivering. Post match "analysis" with my experts confirmed that Norwich had a defensive setup because they were trying not to lose (and this help staying out of the relegation zone). This was also evident to a football pagan like me because whenever Norwich had an opportunity for a fast counter attack there was only 1 forward against three defenders. He did very well to get a couple of good shots off!

MC were more skillful on the ball but basically had too many defenders to get through, including a German central defender (Klose) who stood very tall and strong throughout. I was also constantly reminded that MC has a playing roster worth about ten times more than Norwich. So, as those of us who bemoan the lack of goals in football often seem to notice, the final score was 0-0 ... and the canary army was very pleased because they defended so well, had a couple of good scoring opportunities and came away with a point when they were expecting none.

Me? Well, yep I would go again despite the lack of goals this time. Like any sport in my experience, you get a much better context at a live venue. The use of space and movement to both create and cut down that space was fascinating to see at this elite level of football. The ability of players to control the ball and especially defenders, to read and anticipate where the ball will be headed, chested or turned to on foot was a sight to behold - it was noticeable to me how little they watch their opponent and how much they focus on what and where the ball is (going) next ... makes perfect sense of course, because you can only win a game of football with the football! And it is always a treat to be in a full stadium!