At Carrow Road, wind whistling through the empty sides of the stadium I am envious of those whom are sat in the adjacent Holiday Inn rooms who have chosen not to brave the cold January fixture but still want to watch the game.

In the first 10 minutes we actually control the game and flirt with the idea of entering the opposition's box.

Are Derby playing well or are Norwich poor?

Our adventures result in a free kick which Matej Vydra cannot get on target. Why Bradley Johnson does not take the opportunity to shoot we will never know.

Within the next 5 minutes we learn the answer to the first rhetorical question, Norwich are not poor, we were playing above our usual ability.

As a result of some quick passing and MOVEMENT (something no Derby player appears to know or demonstrate) Nelson Oliveira is running at the immobile duo of Richard Keogh and Alex Pearce, after a couple of touches moving the ball from left foot to right, a shot is fired which arrows straight past Scott Carson into Derby's net.

The impenetrable wall has been broken, and a wake up call has been delivered. We can no longer rely on the hope of scoring a goal based on the knowledge that the opposition would not score.

Norwich continue to control the game, our best defender is back from last week as the post blocks an edge of the box shot from Alex Tettey. If only we could sign him up!

How the mighty fall from the heavens as Steven Naismith, the Scottish international recently of Everton fame, could have had a brace towards his name if only his shots were not straight down Carson’s throat.

Derby occasionally show glimpses of the team that flourished under McClaren 3 years ago, but the play is slow, extra touches by every player, commitment lacking, players hiding from the ball.

Only Tom Ince has been a shinning light making player’s turn inside and out, this however, is 10 yards from the half way line, not on the edge of the opposition box.

At the end of the first half, Derby have had no shots on target. Norwich look like world beaters, communication, movement off the ball and quick decisive actions.

They look like they know how they want to play and know how to score a goal. Derby look like they are still hung-over from the festive celebrations, but the same was said against Wigan.

I need an invitation to one of the Rams players parties if the hangover lasts this long!!

Having refuelled at half time courtesy of the Norwich Evening Post goodie bag, £1 for 2 newspapers, water, chocolate & crisps. This was far better value than anything that Derby would offer on the pitch.

The second half begins with it appearing that Steve McLaren's half time team talk has had its usual motivational benefits, Derby string passes together for what feels like a blissful eternity, we are playing football again, I dream.

Next thing I know Chris Baird has misplaced an attempted headed pass over Keogh's head straight into the path of Oliveira who dribbles with gusto making the Derby defenders look like spectators, it results in an attempted cross/shot which clips the cross bar.

The rude awakening from the dream and the realisation that this is within the first 2 minutes results in my heart feeling like it has sunk to the pit of my stomach.

Norwich continues to press and have two glorious chances blazed wide from the edge of the box; the half time effect has definitely worn off.

63 minutes, Ikechi Anya is battling down the left wing until he runs past the ball which Norwich retrieve and counter. Why has Anya left the ball? Our question is answered as within 5 steps he's collapsed on the floor. Pulled Hamstring, the fifth full back that Derby now has injured. The transfer wish list just got longer.

If only we had asked Santa for another left back. (Regardless of the fact we have four signed on). Shall I get my boots?

68 minutes, Jacob Butterfield dives into a challenge against Johnny Howson and wins the ball but Howson's shin pad flies off and comes to rest a good couple of meters from the player rolling around on the floor.

What happens next is, I believe, a disgrace. 7 Norwich players and the goal keeper, John Ruddy, sprint towards the referee and linesmen protesting against the tackle. I would like to point out that the tackle was on the near side half way line. I agree that team mates should support one and another, but surrounding the referee to influence his decision is similar to diving you are manipulating the independent official and clouding his judgement, they are baying for blood.

The Norwich players successfully persuade the referee and Butterfield receives a red. The magnitude of Derby's task has now become mammoth.

Derby nearly score with an Ince shot following nice linkup on the edge of the box, however it is straight at Ruddy, if only professional footballers used their weaker foot, if I can use my left foot on a Sunday morning why can't Tom Ince use his right foot on a Saturday afternoon, do these players not practice during the week to improve their ability?

Probably too busy partying!

Within two minutes Olivera has completed his hat-trick, both times unmarked in the box, the first a free header and the second a right footed half volley past Carson. The perfect hat-trick from a player who looks worlds apart from the player of last year who featured for Notts Forest.

10 minutes left, Darren Bent comes on! A glimmer of hope to make this respectable,

NO.

Bent, through one on one with Ruddy, first stumbles and then fires his shot straight at the keeper, his only challenge in the match.

You wouldn't have noticed that at half time Johnny Russell was replaced by Andreas Weimann, as both were invisible throughout, two players who I would not be surprised if they departed the club in the current transfer window.

The end result 3-0, Norwich deservedly winning and the curtain drawn on the recent Derby performances which have been consistently poor. The only difference was that Norwich had a striker in form and knew where the net was.

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Photo: Action Images

1960Ram added 00:34 - Jan 5 Good article, Son Of; thanks. I hope you're right about Russell and Weimann being on their way, but do you think its really likely? I could see Russell going to Burton, if we pay most of his wages, but I don't see anybody taking Weimann.
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