When it was announced that Matt Jarvis arrived on loan from West Ham minutes after the summer transfer deadline closed, most Norwich fans were asking questions over the decision to bring in the wide man. Norwich’s Player of the Season last year Bradley Johnson left for Derby County just moments before the deadline, leaving fans frustrated and bemused as to why a player that was outstanding last season, had departed the club. Jarvis was brought in on loan from West Ham as a slight shock, seeing as there were no rumours of any interest throughout the whole window. Was he needed? Is he past his time? Did we press the panic button? Well, little did we know that the former English international would make a large impression in East Anglia in his first few games. We do seem to love him already. Let’s take a look at Matt Jarvis; his first few games, what he offers, and if we should make the loan deal a permanent one.
Matt Jarvis is mostly known for his blistering pace and cutting in on his right foot to shoot from the left midfield position. Jarvis hit the ground running in the Premier League with a very successful career with Wolverhampton Wanderers, which awarded the player with an England cap and a staggering £10m move to West Ham in 2012. Jarvis had an excellent first season with the Irons before slowly losing his place in the squad, resulting in Jarvis becoming surplus to requirements in East London. Despite making substitute and cup appearances, it was evident that Jarvis would be off-loaded from West Ham at some point soon. Now, this summer, Jarvis joined the Canaries on loan until the end of the season in a bid to get more game time under his belt and play a key part in Norwich’s efforts to avoid relegation.
In his first match, Jarvis started in Norwich’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth at Carrow Road on September 12th. Jarvis occupied the left flank with Brady slotting in at left back. In the game, it was refreshing to see such an excellent partnership between the two, something we would like to see more often, and have done. Jarvis showed off his talent, speeding down the wing and gliding in balls for his teammates. He looked a real threat. To top it all off, Jarvis scored the 3rd goal which rounded off an excellent debut for the winger. Howson plays Jarvis in who cuts inside and curls a great shot past the Bournemouth goalkeeper.
So Jarvis made an excellent start to his Norwich City career. He then started the following weekend against Liverpool where he had a solid game. A few days after, and the Canaries hosted West Brom in the Capital One Cup. Jarvis started again and impressed. He got the opener for Norwich after playing a lovely one-two with Mbokani. City went on to win the game 3-0.
Since then on Jarvis has been playing regularly for Norwich, the exact reason why he came to the club. He’s had great performances in a yellow shirt, something that we and the fans of his parent club, West Ham, were expecting. At 29 years-old, Jarvis has shown that he has quality. It was proven at Wolves and was the reason West Ham spent all that money on him. Despite losing his touch at West Ham, a loan to a club like us has benefited the player and has provided us with some excellent performances.
So, should we make the loan deal permanent? Yes, I think so. He’s shown what he’s worth and he is putting in these excellent performances to tell people why he should be starting week in week out. Also as much as I hate to say it, Redmond will not be staying at the club forever. He is progressing every season and in my mind will become a top class player. If Redmond continues to perform and at the age that he is at, it will be no surprise if a big team comes calling. With that said, Norwich would look for someone else and I think Jarvis is that player. It is too early to say if he will perform like this all season but in my eyes he has been brilliant since joining. He’s surprised a few, including myself.
So, do you think we should sign Matt Jarvis permanently? Have you been impressed with how he has performed as of late? Let me know!
