Norwich City find themselves top of the Championship today after beating Rotherham 3-1 at Carrow Road yesterday.
The home side dominated throughout, taking the lead in the 17th minute. Wes Hoolahan latched onto a superb Alex Pritchard through ball before slotting past the ‘keeper.
Cameron Jerome then doubled Norwich’s lead when he bundled home a Hoolahan cross in the 65th minute – his sixth Championship goal of the campaign.
Dexter Blackstock put Norwich on edge as he halved the deficit in the 74th minute.
However, Norwich sealed all three points in the 89th minute when substitute Steven Naismith had the easy task of slotting home after good play from Josh Murphy.
It was a superb performance from the home side, however there were things that can be learned from the match.
Alex Neil still has plenty to stew on ahead of Tuesday’s clash at Craven Cottage against Fulham.
Here are four things I feel we learned after yesterday’s match…
Pritchard is the ideal Wes successor
When Norwich signed Alex Pritchard most Norwich fans alluded to the possibility of him being a long-term successor to Wes Hoolahan.
After yesterday’s showing, they may just be spot on. Him and Wes were on the exact same wavelength all match and linked up perfectly for the first goal.
Pritchard is showing some fantastic early signs in a Norwich shirt and could be a crucial player this season.
Jacob needs a rest
Although Jacob Murphy has been a surprise star this season, his form has taken a hit in recent matches.
He was not at his best against Wolves and was fairly subdued yesterday.
A rest is needed for the young winger against Fulham, could his brother Josh come in?
Naismith still has a part to play
Despite the barrage of abuse Naismith has been hit with by Norwich fans, he continues to work hard and has worked his way back into the side.
He showed some good touches after coming off the bench, including his goal in the 80th minute.
Although speculation is bound to come up again as we near January, Naismith is still a Norwich player and is also still a good player.
He could yet have a big part to play this season…
The defence needs shoring up
Yet again, Norwich conceded a sloppy goal in a convincing performance.
Rotherham did not threaten at any point, but still managed to easily bypass the Norwich defence in the 74th minute.
Josh Murphy switched off, as did Russell Martin, Timm Klose and Michael McGovern.
Neil needs to look at signing a commanding defender in January to play alongside Klose, or bring Ryan Bennett back in for Martin…