IS THIS JUST GOING TO BE 2019- 20 ALL OVER AGAIN?

Going to war without a gun rarely yields success, but that was what Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber said the club had done, when he reflected on 2019- 20’ s demoralising relegation from the Premier League. A 10- match losing streak to end the season saw Norwich stuck on 21 points, the top flight’s seventh- worst performance since the introduction of three points for a win in 1981.

The previous summer, Webber had been keen to avoid pandering to agents and making rash financial commitments with the treasure chest acquired from a Championship title win, opting instead to uphold the model that brought it. At the top level, however, that frugal approach meant the Canaries were short on experience, leadership and proven quality, while Daniel Farke’s expansive style left them soft- centred.

The campaign provided a steep learning curve, yet Webber kept faith in Farke and the German repaid him by delivering another second- tier title, this time with conservative tweaks. While Norwich remained enjoyable to watch, they were defensively sturdier than in 2018- 19, conceding 21 fewer goals.

Grant Hanley and Ben Gibson formed an excellent centre- back pairing, but even more important was a tightened midfield. Farke blended Kenny Mclean’s consistent dynamism with the relentless tenacity of 20- year- old loanee Oli Skipp; a similar template in 2021- 22 should make the team harder to penetrate.

Greater creative responsibility will be placed on Todd Cantwell, especially as Emi Buendia has moved on. Cantwell will drift inside to initiate slick passing sequences, making Norwich stronger off the ball while maintaining their prime possession principle.

His movement makes the left- back crucial – and in PAOK’S Dimitris Giannoulis, Farke landed a good one. That Norwich could attract a defender with Europa League experience implies they can shop in a higher market while remaining prudent – and the coffers were boosted further when Aston Villa snapped up Buendia for a fee that could top £ 40m after add- ons.

His departure, and others, necessitate a busier summer than the one in 2019 if Norwich are to stand a chance – even more so now the fixture list presents a hugely demanding start. But Norwich have learned their lesson, while evolving stylistically. Having also re- signed popular local lad Angus Gunn, son of City legend Bryan, and loaned Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour, they go into battle with much more in their armoury.