Dean Smith Manager
Norwich City boss Dean Smith says that winning the midfield battle was the key to victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon. Wolves were better in attack after the break, but they couldn’t find a way back into this tie as Bruno Lage’s men were knocked out of the FA Cup in disappointing fashion. Afterwards Smith said that his defence put in a gritty performance, but it was how his side performed in the middle of the park that made all the difference on the day.
Dean Smith said: “I was pleased with the midfield. In the first-half, we made Wolves go around us and not play through us. It was a hard-fought win. We showed lots of steel and grit in terms of how we defended. I wasn’t quite happy with the first ten minutes of the second-half. I think we presented them a few opportunities to win the ball back on the edge of our box and it caused a few flutters. But it was a really good performance from the players today. I thought on the counter we looked a real threat and we created some really good chances in the game. It’s always nice to see a set piece go in. Kenny always makes those runs and he’s very good at it, it’s a great little flick. He made a similar run at the Emirates against Arsenal, before I came in, and was unlucky not to score. He’s been good for me since I came in so I’m pleased for him.”
