City boss: We were the better side
ALEX Neil says his Norwich City team didnât get the rewards their performance merited in Saturdayâs 1-1 draw with Derby County at Carrow Road.The Canaries had their visitors largely on the back foot for most of the game as both sides chased a win that would enhance their promotion chances, but John Ruddyâs unfortunate own goal cancelled out Cameron Jeromeâs first half opener.
When speaking to Norwich City TV after the final whistle, Neil stated that his team did everything he asked of them across the 90 minutes against the Rams.
âIn terms of the gameplan and the way we set out, as far as I was concerned we had done our job properly. Sometimes in football you donât get what you deserve, and I think today was one of those occasions,â he said.
âEverybody has got the same impression of what the game was like. I thought we were the better side and made good chances in the game and limited Derby to very, very little.
Â
âYouâve got the two chances at the end, and youâve got Sebastien Bassongâs header and the one Gary Hooper hits where the âkeeper makes the save down to his left.
âIf we continue to play like that for the next nine games, then weâll be completely fine.â
Derbyâs leveller came in unusual circumstances as Jamie Hansonâs direct corner trickled over the line after Ruddy couldnât grasp the delivery under pressure.
Neil focussed on the positive work his goalkeeper has done in recent weeks, however, when asked about it by reporters.
âIâm sure John might have thought that he could have done better, but heâs been fantastic since I came here,â he added.
âAs John goes for the ball, the guy who is on him has got hold of his arm. He has to try to go and grab it with one hand, which is a bit unfair on him.
âHeâs made a lot of vital saves in games that have been crucial in us getting to this point. These type of things will happen at times.â
NEXT AT CARROW ROAD
Nottm Forest, Saturday March 21, 3pm
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE