Darren Huckerby is back in Norfolk, and oh how Norwich could have done with a player of his caliber on Saturday. Since Huckerby left the club in the summer, Norwich have failed to replace him. Huckerby’s commitment on and off the pitch was evident in every game he played for Norwich, and on Saturday this quality was distinctly lacking in the defeated Norwich side.
Ironically, Norwich actually took the lead against Swansea, Arturo Lupoli scoring after 28 minutes, but after this Norwich were left to rue basic errors. Swansea scored goals on 43, 47 and 49 minutes, leaving the home crowd stunned. The 3-1 scoreline was reduced to 3-2 on 61 minutes, but this Rangel own goal was not enough to salvage a point for the Canaries.
Roberto Martinez has assembled a talented and hard working Championship team that now lie just outside the play-off positions. The difference between Norwich and Swansea though, is that Norwich presume that they deserve to be higher up the table, whereas Swansea appreciate the work that is needed to get there.
This week also saw the Norwich AGM take place, and it was made clear that Roeder had the board and chairman’s full backing. I believe that Roeder can turn things around, but I wonder how long it will be until murmurings of unrest are able to be heard around Carrow Road. Results desperately need to improve. At least at home.
For Norwich, it is as traditional as the Christmas tree to have a Christmas dip in form. Let us just hope that this year Norwich begin to improve far quicker than usual. Confidence is crucial in football, and at the moment Norwich appear to have little of this. Up next is an intriguing away fixture at Nottingham Forest. Forest are below Norwich in the table, but will be no pushovers. Three points would be a welcome early Christmas present for the Canaries!
Will Sargent
