Why are they content to be a yo-yo club?

forward-thinking method is admirable but also the problem. Equipped to win the Championship, but toothless and helpless in the top flight. It is why Webber has been targeted by fans this season and, as Sportsmail understands, is still unsure whether he will extend his deal when it expires next month. Smith and assistant Craig Shakespeare were shocked at the lack of belief and thought the team felt like an academy when they took over, with many neat players but not enough physicality or leadership voices. Buendia, who is now at Villa and dazzled in a late cameo off the bench on Saturday, was not replaced, nor was midfielder Oliver Skipp, who returned to Tottenham after a loan last season. Covid chaos thwarted their winter form, while injuries have plagued their campaign. Relegation was inevitable before Smith was hired — the club had two points after 11 matches. He will give a chance to youngsters Adam Idah, Andrew Omobamidele and Jonathan Rowe in the second tier, but will target experience and physicality in the transfer market. Four loanees will leave and none is likely to return, bar perhaps Manchester United’s Brandon Williams who has been a fan favourite at Carrow Road. So it will be another turbulent summer at Norwich, with the players also set for drastic wage cuts of 40 to 60 per cent. But Smith has the full backing of the board and, with his stellar c.v. of promotions, don’t bet against them bouncing back next season. See you again in a year, Premier League?

ASTON VILLA (4-3-3): Martinez 7; Cash 6.5, Chambers 6, Mings 6, Digne 7; McGinn 7.5, Ramsey 7, Iroegbunam 7 (Luiz 73min, 6); Bailey 7 (INGS 40, 8), Watkins 7.5, Coutinho 6.5 (Buendia 76). Scorers: Watkins 41, Ings 90+3. Booked: Chambers, Iroegbunam, Ings, Ramsey. Manager: Steven Gerrard 7. NORWICH (4-3-1-2): Krul 7; Aarons 5, Byram 6.5, Hanley 5, Williams 5; Normann 7, Lees-Melou 5 (Sargent 67, 5, (Rupp 82)), Gilmour 5; Dowell 5; Pukki 5, Rashica 5 (Rowe 78). Booked: Aarons. Manager: Dean Smith 6. Referee: John Brooks 7. Attendance: 40,299.