The contrasting team cost of Norwich City and Manchester City signifies the power of underdogs

The contrasting team cost of Norwich City and Manchester City do not portray the true story. 

Astonishingly, Norwich City became the first team to beat Manchester City in all competitions this season. The Canaries defied the odds to overcome the Citizens in a fantastic manner.

The scoreline was 3-2. The hosts were two goals ahead in the first half through goals from Kenny McLean and Todd Cantwell. Daniel Fakre’s side were on the heels to suffocate their opponents with their attacking methodology. Pressing higher up the pitch paid off as the centre-back pair of John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi struggled to contain the pressure.

In the absence of the Frenchman Aymeric Laporte, they didn’t have a proper leader at the back and struggled to cut down the counter-attacks. Pep Guardiola’s side commits plenty of fouls because they tend to cut down the opponents on the break. Sergio Aguero pulled one back before the half-time whistle and give a glimmer of hope for the visitors.

They were caught out seconds before the third goal. The Argentinian Nicolas Otamendi was searching for options after receiving a short pass from the shot-stopper Ederson Moraes. The Canaries were not prepared to build up from the backline and pinched the ball from former Valencia’s centre-back feet. Teemu Pukki scored a tap-in subsequently. Rodri found the back of the net in the 88th minute, but it was not able to prevent their first defeat of the season.

It was a deserved win for the Canaries, who did not have half of their team, owing down to injuries. In fact. the hosts had two goalkeepers on the bench because of their injury crisis. To spring a surprise, they beat Manchester City in a spectacular fashion.

Following this game, the cost of the starting eleven for both Norwich and Manchester City were evaluated. The Canaries fielded a team worth £6.25 million, while Pep Guardiola was stocked with £405 million all over the pitch.

Perhaps, money cannot do justice in front of the passion and hunger of the opponent at times..