This is a debate that has been spiralling not just in the Norwich City community but from pubs across the nation to pundits in the Sky Sports studios; can Norwich City get enough points from now until the end of the season to beat Sunderland and Newcastle to Premier League survival?
After a humbling defeat to relegation rivals Sunderland at the weekend, a lot of pessimism has reoccurred surrounding Norwich’s push for survival. As a Norwich fan myself, it’s a little hard not to get involved in thoughts about life in the Championship next season, however, I am going to explain a few points about why the Canaries can survive this season.
Super Wes
Everyone will agree that Wes Hoolahan has been an integral part of Norwich City’s season and is undoubtedly one of the clubs greatest ever players.
He currently stands on four goals and eight assists in the league this season, and without question has been our most creative force.
With Wes back fit again, the spirit amongst supporters should be high, as he can make things out of nothing and always seems to have a certain presence on the pitch that brings the best out of the team and fans together.
The run in
Norwich still have to play Arsenal, Manchester United, Watford and Everton; a tough run in yes. However, Man United have had a clearly under-par season concerning their pre-season title ambitions. Playing them at home is a massive advantage to Norwich as it means the fans can create a gigantic atmosphere to really unnerve the opposition, I believe it’s a winnable game for the yellows who must play with no fear.
Watford is a real six-pointer for Norwich as it is seen as the ‘easiest’ game out of our remaining four, considering they have had a much worse 2016 than they did at the start of the season. Everton have the 18th worst home form in the league this season, currently sitting on only 17 points taken from Goodison; this should be a massive boost to the Canaries as Everton also have nothing to play for this season. We should be raring to go and get three points which could inevitably keep us up this season.
Passion
The yellow army have stuck by their team from the dark days in League One to the highs of the play off final at Wembley. They are arguably the most consistent and passionate supporters in the league. The love and pride they feel for the Canaries is empathized by our outstanding attendance to every game this season. This oozes through to the players, and pushed the side on to achieve victory against Newcastle a few weeks ago.
This must continue to happen in order for us to become an established Premier League club. Without fans, a football club is nothing; the players need to know what they are playing for besides their pay cheque at the end of the week. With our continued support, we will be letting the players know that we believe they can get the job done and keep us up this season.
So, in answer to the question ‘will Norwich beat the drop this season?’ The answer is yes. We have the quality of player to acquire enough points over the coming four games and we have the passion within the club to inspire results; all Alex Neil and his players must do now is get the results that will ensure survival.
