Saturday’s game at Millwall saw another game where the midfield got on the scoresheet again, with Jonny Howson and Wes Hoolahan grabbing the goals. This has been a welcome trend for the Canaries this season, especially after the goal shy season last year, that left many fans disappointed and also lead significantly to our relegation down to the Championship.
Norwich have scored an incredible 26 league goals from midfield this season, this is made even more impressive by the fact that through the entire of the 2013/14 season, the whole side only got 28 goals between them. Even when you have to consider the gulf in quality between the Premier League and the Championship, you have to admit that for the midfielders to match this feat it is quite impressive.
The main contributor has of course been Bradley Johnson. I don’t need to say how much of an influence he has been to our season, with ten goals for us. These goals have come at important times as well, highlights including the derby day net buster and the screamer against Blackburn. Brad’s goal scoring hasn’t been the only improvement either. This seasons’Johnson is more deserving of the “Norfolk Pirlo”nickname than the last, with an improved passing game and his new found strength on the left wing, Bradley has become the complete package this season.
Another player to really kick on has been Jonny Howson. With the six goals this season Jonny has been a consistent performer in front of goal. Jonny’s total is equally impressive as it makes it his best goal season yet, eclipsing all of his previous seasons combined. The ex-Leeds man has also had another stellar season generally, with the player picking up many plaudits from myself and fans alike. It has to be said this is Howson’s best season yet in a Norwich shirt.
The other main scorer has been Nathan Redmond. Nathan’s 3 goals may not be seen as much but it is still an improvement on last season, where his shooting was awful. Nathan’s shooting has improved massively, whereas last season every ball seemed to be hitting row Z instead of the back of the net, this year he has really kicked on. Some may say that Nathan should have more goals by now but this is a bit unfair. Some people forget that Nathan is still only 21, and he has not been such a constant figure in the Norwich squad, so goals are not necessarily expected.
Goals from midfield are going to be vital for the run in to the season, especially with the injury to Lewis Grabban. With only three fit first team strikers the team will sometimes need goals from elsewhere, and the midfield has proven time and time again that they are able to provide this. And it’s not like we’re short on midfielders. With new loanee Graham Dorrans and Vadis Odija-Ofoe still waiting for their first Norwich City goals and with Alex Tettey back from suspension, the team is hardly light on attacking threat.
So credits due, City’s midfielders are firing again. We can only hope that they keep fit, keep scoring and help us back to the Premier League. And you never know, we may get a few more screamers too! (No pressure Brad)
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