Relegation was from the Premier League for Norwich City was confirmed on Saturday after a 4-0 loss to West Ham United. Where did it go wrong?
A tough brief stint which never materialised, into a sustained scrap to completely beat the drop. Their performance output was commendable in many ways, but the issue of not getting results and matching the impressive displays with a more defiant and disciplined approach proved costly.
Where Did it Go Wrong For Norwich City And Their Premier League Stay?
Norwich City Injury crisis
The Canaries have not had it easy with injuries, usually finding themselves at different stages in the season with very limited access to players per position. Having up to almost ten players within the first team set up injured, in the campaign at any given time.
It can certainly be difficult for any team, but when your down at the bottom and luck seems to be against you, the last thing you would want is injuries.
Too reliant on Pukki and Cantwell
There are always those who will look a shining light in any team and the Canaries are no exception. Teemu Pukki was always going to be one of their main players. After netting 29 times last season which certainly showcased the pedigree of a prolific striker in their ranks.
Pukki started the season like he ended the last, netting a hat trick against Newcastle United while contributing early on alongside to be pivotal to any success that Norwich may have had. For a team to perpetuate a comprehensive understanding, to allow a stabilised platform to build on, then for all Pukki’s early-season goal exploits they still lacked quality from other players who struggled to grasp to life in the top division.
Todd Cantwell is another one of those players, who Norwich will want to fight to see him stay on, but after seven recorded goals it could be a difficult aspiration to achieve. The creative enforcer has enabled a consistently influential output for his contribution this term and will no doubt have plenty of admirers.
Valiant Efforts
For a fairly underwhelming points total, they have no doubt taken away some memories to recall upon fondly from this season, like the iconic victory against the then defending champions Manchester City. Daniel Farke has a retained philosophy ideology and likes to play with the ball down low, with interactive and distinctively secure distribution.
That is the way they played throughout the Championship, for all the pleasant, eye-popping moments which may very much be attractive. However, to stay in the league, flexible tactical motions would have allowed for a much more stern and robust outfit, harder to then break down a Canaries resolve.
Norwich have the worse defensive record at this time conceding 67 goals, which insinuates a bleak measurement for their inability to shake off their rearguard disorganisation. Allowing too many sides to persistently find a way through and profit on dangerous plays. This would only amplify their hardship even more because the narrative of the season has simply been where they make themselves accountable performance-wise. There have been weaknesses, which have held them back and therefore seen them the first side relegated from the top flight this season.
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