It was a perfect, classic derby day between two East Anglian teams. What did we expect? Two red cards, seven yellow cards, the manager was sent off, high adrenaline rush and Pukki scoring two goals.
It was all there when Norwich and Ipswich met today at Carrow road. Paul Lambert was red-carded just before the half-time mark along-side a Norwich bench-staff after a scuffle between two sides over a foul committed on the field. I always thought Paul is calm and restrained, but Farke was winking and remained cool whereas Lambert was sent off for his reaction.
Well, what else you expect from a derby that involved these two sides. Going into this match, Norwich were clearly a favourite side. They were not beaten by Ipswich since April 2009. But, when emotions run high, and technicality and skills become secondary anything can happen. Ipswich are struggling to avoid relegation and Norwich are fighting for the top spot, but I knew that today’s fixture would be entertaining. I was not disappointed.
Norwich started the game brilliantly. Onel Hernandez scored in just 82 seconds into the game after a brilliant run on the wing and a bit of scuffle on Ipswich goal. Norwich controlled the game for the first 20 minutes and had a couple of half chances to score their second goal.
Ipswich came back to the game after 20 minutes and created chances to trouble Norwich. They have had their chances and looked like a team who can score an equalizer. Right after the red card incident, the game ended 1-0 at the half time.
In the second half, Ipswich were without their manager, Lambert. Norwich started brightly and made some good moves. Norwich had the possession but were not able to control the game. The game was swinging from one side of the field to the other.
Ipswich were on attack and Norwich captain Zimmerman came for rescue twice in the first 15 minutes after the start of the second half. Ipswich have had their best chances of the game after the start of the second half and were looking to score an equalizer.
But, Teemu Pukki scored a goal in the 65th minute for Norwich almost sealing the game for the home side. It was a perfectly orchestrated pass from Buendia to Pukki, who finished sublimely putting that ball in the net with his left foot. The duo teamed up again to score a goal to secure the game for Norwich, third for the team and second for Pukki.
That was his 20th Championship goal for this season. The scoreline remained same. Christoph Zimmermann, the captain, was the man of the match.
Daniel Farke was happy with his team’s performance, especially in the second half.
“I’m very proud. Ipswich tried to get under our skin and disrupt our rhythm but we stuck to our plan.” Farke
Emotions were running high for players after their win. Norwich is now unbeaten for 10 years in the East Anglian Derby.
"This season has been the best I've ever played. I hope I can keep it going." Pukki
Elsewhere, Frank Lampard’s side Derby County won their game against Hull City 2-0. Lampard must be happy for his side as Marty Waghorn scored two goals in each half to secure his side full three points. Bristol City continued their winning streak to eight matches in all competition when they beat Blackburn 1-0 away from home. It was not an easy match for them, and they had to defend deep against Blackburn. They stopped the home side and did not concede, and managed to score one very late goal in the game themselves. Bristol and Derby both have 50 points are sitting at 6th and 7th position, hovering around the playoff position.
Sheffield United are third in the league when they drew against Aston Villa in a high-scoring thriller that ended 3-3. They were cruising to win the match when they were leading 3-0 with Billy Sharp’s hat trick. Aston Villa came back from 3-0 down to make it 3-3 after scoring goals in the space of 12 minutes. Go through the highlights and you will enjoy the flurry of goals. Only in the Championship that can happen. Leeds United snatched a point against Middlesbrough with a late equalizer.
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