Norwich solve the defensive crisis now for the goals

at Carrow Road

Two games unbeaten, without conceding, may be proof that Norwich City have turned a corner. On Saturday, they were denied three points against Brighton by Teemu Pukki and, especially, Josh Sargent’s prodigal finishing. As head coach Daniel Farke noted afterwards, the lack of killer instinct cost them.

First things first, though. Those who do not concede do not lose and Norwich lost their first six games. After the fifth, Farke took action, changing personnel and formation. One loanee, Ozan Kabak, replaced another, Brandon Williams, and a back four has become a back three with overlapping full-backs.

“The change has given us defensive solidity,” said full-back Max Aarons. “With an extra person to cover me, I have licence to get forward and create chances.”

There were signs of recovery in the defeat at Everton. The trio then thwarted Burnley and on Saturday each played to their strengths and dovetailed effectively: Kabak’s pinpoint distribution; Grant Hanley’s strength and intelligence; Ben Gibson’s aerial power and game reading. Consequently, Neal Maupay and Leandro Trossard troubled Tim Krul just once between them.

With neither Aarons nor Dimitris Giannoulis chained to defensive duties, both surged forward, stymieing Brighton’s attacking resolve and almost setting up an unlikely win.

After Chelsea on Saturday, Norwich face a potentially season-defining run of five fixtures, all of which they could take something from. If they can score as well as stop goals, a great escape potentially awaits.