After a lone win in their last four matches, Norwich’s automatic promotion hopes were growing obsolete. But then Nottingham Forest strolled into Carrow Road, got pummeled 3-1, and sent back their midlevel position.
As for the Canaries…
Morale booster
The last few weeks have been storyline after storyline about the toughness and brutality of the Championship. City entered the second-tier expecting to pogo right back to the Premier League. For large portions of the season, it’s evident that that mentality wouldn’t suffice. For the most part, it hasn’t. But then there are days such as Saturday, when Norwich put in a perfect showing, outclassing their opponent and surmounting those high expectations. No fans want to admit it, but maybe it was just time for a lucky break. After all, Cameron Jerome was able to finish that back heel…
Howson’s hundredth
Perhaps I’m the lone Canary fan out there, but I’ve never looked at Johnny Howson and immediately thought, “impact player.” Even this year, as Bradley Johnson continues his career campaign and Wes Hoolahan has flourished under manager Alex Neil’s watch, Howson is sometimes the guy left in the background. What I’ve come to realize is that Howson does a great job at being efficient. He doesn’t lose the ball easily, nor is he a hot head. He perfects his role, and on afternoons like Saturday, he converts chances that bring the rest of the squad up to his level.
Ruddy
Often understated, but keeping John Ruddy is perhaps the biggest move for Norwich both transfer windows. He’s clearly better than the second-tier, but his commitment to the club is extraordinary. That’s why, at a time when he’s been out of form, or at least allowed preventable goals, fans and players alike have kept their faith in the goalkeeper.
Queuing up for the Premier League
The closer the end of the season approaches, the more likely it is for Norwich to secure at least a playoff spot. Sitting in fourth, the Canaries are three points off the top and two points from automatic promotion. In terms of competition at their heels, City are still three points above Derby in fifth and four points clear of falling out of the playoff spots. As long as they can keep winning matches, the club will find themselves back in the top flight next year. Winning matches by multiple goals will help the cause, too.
Taking a break
With the international break, it’s the perfect time for players to get healthy and address areas of concern. Keep in mind the loan window is open, although its doubtful that Norwich will make any late acquisitions. The break should heal the forwards—the position with the most notable fatigue. But it will also help players like Bradley Johnson or Martin Olsson, who both picked up injuries today. The break also allows for players on the outside of the team’s typical 18 to find away onto the team sheet. Ryan Bennett, barring his health, is strong candidate for centre back with Carlo Cuellar—for the bench. And then in the midfield there’s always Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe, who could be filling in if Johnson is out.
