Norwich City sit bottom of the Premier League standings after losing six out of seven games but there seems no immediate pressure on boss Daniel Farke. It was always going to be tough for the Canaries back in the top flight but Sheffield United have proved it is not impossible for those who move up from the Championship to compete with the big boys.
Two wins in the first five games – including an incredible 3-2 triumph over champions Manchester City – seemed to suggest the Carrow Road outfit would be at home back in the promised land. However, it has all gone pear-shaped since then.
Teemu Pukki’s goals have dried up and Norwich have picked up just a solitary point from a goalless draw at Bournemouth.
Although losses to Manchester United and an opening-day 4-1 reverse at Liverpool were not unexpected, it is the fact the East Anglians have gone down to a number of club expected to be around them in the lower reaches of the standings that is a worry.
A 2-0 defeat to previously winless Watford last time out might have caused some clubs to pull the trigger and immediately look for a new manager but sporting director Stuart Webber appears to be sticking with the German tactician – for now.
Norwich are not yet cast adrift at the foot of the table and a couple of wins – however unlikely that seems at present – would see them back in the mix.
💬 “We have to stick together, get closer and think about what we can do better. Nothing’s over. We have to keep going."
Onel Hernandez gives his view on the Watford game #ncfc
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) November 9, 2019
The situation might get worse if the dreadful run of results continues, with games against Everton and Arsenal to follow the international break.
Webber did warn supporters it was going to be a tricky time in the Premier League and Farke should not be judged on how his side get on during the 10-month period.
He remains popular with the fans and has clearly earned himself some credit after last season’s second-tier triumph.
The question has to be asked: would a change of manager really do any good with the players at the club’s disposal?
They are not a bad squad but lack firepower and Farke can do little about that apart from trying to bring in a few new faces in January.
Having scored just two league goals since downing Pep Guardiola’s side, the writing seems to be on the wall for Norwich as far as this season is concerned.
However, it would be refreshing to see the owners stick with Farke and let him try to get the side straight back up if they do suffer relegation.
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