Norwich sinking without a trace

Struggling Norwich City was looking to turn the tide after three straight defeats returning to action last weekend. Arsenal had handed the Canaries a heavy 4-0 loss, but manager Daniel Farke was adamant his team can bounce back against comparatively easier opponents Brighton and Watford, both still in close proximity of the relegation zone. Norwich’s return from the forced break has been disastrous, with Southampton and Everton collecting the points from Carrow Road before the loss to Arsenal at Emirates.

Facing Brighton on Saturday at home was indeed a do-or-die game for Norwich: all the relegation candidates lost their respective games and winning would have put Norwich back in the striking distance. However, it was not meant to be. Despite gaining slight control of the game, Norwich failed to threaten Brighton goal for more than one occasion all game. The visitors didn’t do much better, but managed to score with one of their two shots as Leandro Trossard took the visitors ahead on 25^th minute. Brighton will definitely be the happier side after stealing the spoils, but Norwich can take half the blame for not being able to convert their possession to real goal scoring chances.

On Tuesday, desperate Norwich traveled to visit another relegation battle mainstay Watford at Vicarage Road. The host’s fortunes had been as dire as their visitors, with only one point to show from four games after the break. Norwich started the game with a bang as Emiliano Buendia took the Canaries ahead already on the fourth minute with a nice left-footed strike. Hornets stung back right away though, with another confusion at the defensive end costing Norwich. Craig Dawson headed a bouncy ball into the netting after a set-piece from the right flank and tied it 1-1 on the 10^th minute. The hosts had better chances, despite Norwich once again taking majority of the possession. Eventually, it was Watford rising to the occasion and more hungry for the three points. Danny Welbeck finished an absolute world-class overhead-kick from the edge of the box to secure Watford’s victory on the 55^th minute.

Another batch of disappointing results and performances both offensively and defensively have left Norwich all but certain to get relegated. With four games remaining, the Canaries are 10 points behind the 17^th placed Watford and six points behind the other two relegation candidates – who also both have a game in hand. Norwich’s gauntlet run continues on Saturday 11^th against West Ham, who are still under threat as well.