After Norwich City’s dismal display against QPR, Connor Southwell highlights six key takeaways from Loftus Road.
1. Struggles on the Road
Norwich City’s away form continues to be a major concern. Since the start of last season, the team has managed just eight wins from 33 away matches, accumulating only 33 points with a goal difference of -13 (46 scored, 59 conceded). Half of these losses have been by two goals or more, with three such defeats already this season under Johannes Hoff Thorup. While Norwich has shown attacking prowess, their defensive vulnerabilities away from home, where they concede an average of 1.7 goals per game, threaten their ambitions.
2. Echoes of the Past
The defeat bears resemblance to struggles in previous campaigns. In 2017/18, Daniel Farke adapted his tactics following a heavy loss to Millwall, laying the foundation for Norwich’s eventual promotion the following season. Similarly, Thomas Frank endured a difficult start at Brentford before transforming their fortunes. Thorup faces a similar challenge but lacks the resources to make immediate reinforcements, making tactical ingenuity crucial for success.
3. Set-Piece Fragility
Conceding two goals from set-pieces against QPR highlighted a recurring issue. Norwich has now let in seven set-piece goals this season, equaling last year’s total. Although Nick Stanley was brought in as the new set-piece coach, the problem runs deeper, exacerbated by the team’s reduced physicality. Thorup must find a way to balance technical quality with defensive resilience to address this Achilles’ heel.
4. A Blunt Offensive
Despite dominating possession (66%), Norwich produced only five shots, with just one on target—their lowest tally of the season. Their expected goals (xG) value of 0.3 reflects a lack of cutting edge in attack. Two disallowed goals offered some controversy, but the overall performance was disjointed and lacked creativity. Even top scorer Borja Sainz failed to register a single attempt, encapsulating the team’s struggles.
5. Disciplinary Relief
On a brighter note, Callum Doyle, Kenny McLean, and Marcelino Nunez avoided the one-game bans looming over them, as the Championship’s disciplinary threshold has now increased to 10 bookings. This will allow them to play with more freedom, much to Thorup’s relief, given their importance to his system.
6. Redemption at Portsmouth
With little time to dwell, Norwich will aim to bounce back against Portsmouth on Tuesday. Newly promoted Pompey have found form at home, winning their last two games convincingly, including a 3-0 victory over Bristol City. Known for their aggression and intensity, Portsmouth will pose similar challenges to those that undid Norwich at QPR. A strong response is imperative as fans travel in numbers, hoping for a performance that turns the tide.
Norwich must address these issues quickly to reignite their push for promotion. Fratton Park offers an immediate opportunity to rewrite the narrative.
