Match Focus: Norwich Worthy Winners of Play-Off Final Against Lacklustre Boro

The play-off final did not turn into an overdue classic despite much promise after a blistering opening 15 minutes. Instead it was decided by a breathtaking early blitz from Norwich and Middlesbrough did not know how to respond. In many ways it was a tale of two strikers on contrasting trajectories and after the opening few minutes it became apparent that Cameron Jerome would come out on top in his battle with Patrick Bamford.

Jerome’s pick-pocketing of Daniel Ayala in the run-up to the first goal was similar to his assist for Jonny Howson in the first leg of the semi-final at Ipswich, where he turned Tommy Smith before crossing. This time Jerome found the net himself and it was just reward for a season where he has been hugely consistent if largely unspectacular. It was his only effort at Wembley but he made it count.

Jerome’s role in the build-up to Nathan Redmond’s goal three minutes later, having dropped deep to drag the Boro defence out of shape, was also noteworthy even if the goal came from a Steven Whittaker a pass. Redmond’s first touch was exquisite, the finish perfectly placed. Boro already had no way back.

There had been an over-reliance on Bamford for goals throughout this campaign and without him at his sharpest, they could not find their way past a sturdy Norwich defence which included Sebastian Bassong, who got promoted twice in one season due to his time with Watford.

Instead the success of Aitor Karanka’s team this season boiled down to a stingy defence which conceded only 37 times – the division’s best record. Their attacking flourish in the second leg against Brentford may have pointed towards an ability to perform more expansively but, in truth, it was a rare glimpse from a conservative side. What will hurt Karanka most is that when the defence needed to be at its most commanding, it collapsed.

Perhaps they were still shell-shocked from the Jerome goal when Redmond scored but even when the dust settled they still looked bereft of ideas when it came to breaking down the Canaries defence. Boro had eight attempts but could only register one on target and too often the midfield were forced to play longer balls for a struggling Bamford to chase. Maybe it was out of desperation that he kept the Chelsea loanee on the pitch but Karanka must have known that his striker was not at the races, with a WhoScored.com rating of just 6.10.

The midfield battle was keenly fought but Wes Hoolahan was also outstanding for Norwich – finishing with a 100% pass completion rate – before being replaced by Graham Dorrans in the latter stages as Alex Neil ensured the midfield tightened up. The Republic of Ireland international has previously been referred to as a luxury player but he showed an appetite for the big occasion yesterday with a display of impressive ingenuity. All 43 of his passes found their target, although only one was considered a long ball.

His opposite number, Jelle Vossen, experienced a difficult afternoon before being replaced by Kike midway through the second period. Vossen had three of Boro’s eight attempts on goal but none found the target, though he went close with the effort which crashed off the bar when the game was still scoreless. He had a scarcely credible 21 touches and could not exert the same influence as Hoolahan when it came to finding the other two players in the attacking midfield three, Albert Adomah and Lee Tomlin. Notably, Ayala also had three efforts on goal and failed to hit the target.

Karanka insists he wants to finish his contract at the Riverside and get Boro promoted. He will have some job on his hands to pick his players up when they return from their holidays having hidden in the club’s biggest game for a decade.

The Norwich manager, Neil, will have enjoyed yesterday but having witnessed two of the three newly promoted sides get relegated immediately from the Premier League this season, work will start right away to ensure they are best equipped to survive. All of the starting 11 at Wembley have played in the top-tier but reinforcements will also be needed despite the temptation to stick with those who earned promotion.

Are Norwich worthy of a place in the Premier League and will they be able to avoid the drop next season? Let us know in the comments below