Good to know that this team can take and hold a lead against a top ten team away from home without Lamps. Given his age, if he is renewed (and I hope he is), it will be necessary to pick his spots. Been a lot of reliance on Frank lately and the team needs to believe they can win without him on the pitch from the start. Not the most comfortable win perhaps, but handled most of the possession and kept Norwich to far fewer chances than we created. Solid 3 points and a gritty effort. Will definitely take that.
thought Cahill was outstanding several good, and a few great tackles, and kept a very organised and tidy back line
Considering we were playing on three days rest, a more subdued performance was always likely. It would have been nice to have grabbed a second, but as others have already said, it is all about the points at this time of year. Everton away in four days will be tough. I'm glad we were not really pushed today and escaped injury and suspension-free.
Our last two away wins have come against sides that Manc clubs have lost to, good resolve in this side.
Completely agree. He made some last ditch efforts that likely saved us from conceding. Definitely today's unsung hero and my MOTM.
Very good to see. Also, I believe this we have a 100% record with Luiz playing some sort of midfield role recently? If I were to summarize him, I would say he takes plenty off the table but puts more on it. I still don't start him against United yet, but I love him buzzing around the place and he's a real handful for the opposition who really would prefer to spend their time watching OHM. I am liking the use of OHM and only starting 2 of the 3. It was getting to be draining on them to start together week in week out. This rotation is going to be far more effective when it comes to the second half of the campaign. Everton away will be a massive test of where we are and I am saying this, I will take the point if you offered it to me right now.
If only we could take all 3 points against Everton on Sunday... excellent end to 2012 if we can get them.
Azpilicueta has really shown himself to be a very good defender. His awareness and positioning are excellent. If he can continue to improve his attacking side without compromising in defence he will be a very good player in the future.
Bosingwa used to be at one point one of the best RB in the EPL but he really regressed after injuries. Glad we have Azpilicueta now.