City kept their seven-and-a-half year unbeaten steak going, but were lucky to to draw as Town had the better second half
Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy
Norwich City were unable to go top of the Championship on Sunday as they battled to a point against their strongest rivals at Portman Road.
The home had the better start but were a goal behind in the 24th minute when Cameron Jerome’s guided effort finished off a fine move for the visitors.
Ivo Pinto found space on the right and was picked out by Alex Tettey with a sprayed pass.
The Portuguese full-back then dribbled into the box before teeing up the on-rushing Wes Hoolohan. Rather than shooting, his deft touch found Jonny Howson who poked toward Cameron Jerome.
On the edge of the box, City’s number 10 then side-footed the ball beyond Bartosz Bialkowski’s bottom corner as it clipped the post on its way in.
The Canaries dominated the rest of the half but the game was level in stoppage time.
After Norwich’s defence failed to clear the ball, Town’s left-back Jonas Knudsen cut inside and on to his right foot, before striking in the corner of Michael McGovern’s net.
Ipswich had the better chances in the second half as Norwich played on the counter, but in the end both teams will be satisfied with a point.
Here are five things learned from the game:
1) Lapses in concentration
Norwich were horrendous defensively last season as they were relegated from the Premier League. But this season they have improved, conceding just once in their first three games. Yet today, with just a couple of minutes left until half time, their lapse in concentration allowed Ipswich an equaliser. If they are to be ruthless in the Championship, they will have to remain focused.
2) Grant Ward
Ipswich bagged themselves a bargain when they signed Grant Ward from Tottenham Hotspur for just £500,000. After coming on as a half time substitute, the winger scored a hat-trick on his debut against Barnsley a fortnight ago. And he was impressive again on Sunday, taking on his defender with success and providing the cross. Looks an exciting prospect on the right hand side for Mick McCarthy.
3) The wait goes on
It’s been seven-and-a-half years since Ipswich last beat their fiercest rivals. And though the draw will the hosts more than it will Norwich; City should be pleased with another point on the road, as the bigger picture is promotion to the Premier League next May.
4) Neil’s away run
Since Alex Neil’s first game in charge of the Canaries, a 2-1 win at eventual champions Bournemouth, his side remain unbeaten away from home in the Championship in 15 games. Winning your home games and getting at least a point on the road is the winning formula for promotion, and City will be there or there abouts with a good record away from Carrow Road.
5) Tricky weekend for refs
Jonathan Douglas had a goal wrongly disallowed for offside in the second minute, Daryl Murphy could have been awarded a penalty on a different day, as he was clipped by Timm Klose, and Ryan Bennett should have won a penalty when his shirt was tugged. There have been a number of debatable decisions in the Premier League too this weekend, and referees must adhere to the new rule book if there is to be consistency across the board, and there seems to be come confusion at the moment.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
