Let’s face it, Norwich are in danger of slipping into a bit of a slump at the moment. Injuries to key players such as John Kennedy and more recently John Otsemebor have not been helpful, but surely the squad should have enough quality to cope? Up front Arturo Lupoli, Antoine Sibierski and Leroy Lita should provide more than enough fire-power, and this is without mentioning Jamie Cureton coming off the bench.
The problem though it seems, is scoring enough goals. Lupoli is top scorer with three goals to his name, but even he hasn’t scored since 13th September, and Jamie Cureton hasn’t scored at all this season, although his first team opportunities have been limited. However, Sibierski has been particularly disappointing in his performances. He was billed by Roeder as a player of proven Premiership quality, but apart from his free kick versus Plymouth, Sibierski has failed to live up to this.
Perhaps at 34 his running days may be behind him, but so were Dion Dublin’s, and he was clearly putting in more effort than the sluggish Frenchman. If Norwich are to start picking up points, then Sibierski needs to start performing. In midfield there are plenty of willing triers, but Norwich need the likes of Mark Fotheringham to show the form that we know he can. Sammy Clingan has been reasonably consistent though, and the now fit David Bell looks to be a bright prospect. In defence, the problem has been getting a settled combination, which is purely down to a series of unfortunate injuries.
However, I believe that we have enough quality at the back to succeed. Norwich appear to have players capable of doing the job, so the question is, why aren’t they? The answer must be a lack of confidence, and confidence only comes from getting results. Let’s hope that result comes at Ashton Gate next Saturday!
Will Sargent
