7 goals, four penalties, a James Maddison hat-trick and a potential season ending injury for influential midfielder Moritz Leitner, this game was full of enough subplots to fill a blockbuster movie.
Ultimately however, Norwich was faced with a Hull side desperate for points and they ran riot for periods in this game. Norwich’s defence was exposed, the midfield didn’t track their runners and it was often four versus four in defensive situations for the Canaries. Quite simply, it was a bad day at the office for Norwich.
One light has continued to shine for the entirety of the season however, that of James Maddison’s star potential.
He really is the full package but to embellish his technical quality is an attitude which upstages the temperament of Nelson Oliveira. Maddison possesses all the tools necessary to reach the very top of the game, with continued hard work and modesty, he will outgrow the division.
For Norwich, it’s about recieving the correct fee for him.
The drop of his shoulder is magical, his technique so deliberate and purposeful, this is a player who defies all use of superlatives. Without him, Norwich’s position in the league would be considerably lower.
The manner in which he converted two penalties epitomises the composure and character which underlines the quality at his disposal. This is a man wise beyond his years and producing key moments with aplomb.
Maddison aside however, and Norwich looked an unbalanced outfit who appeared uncomfortable in the reverted four at the back formation. The possession game Daniel Farke is seeking to implement requires a central focus and possession within the middle phase of the pitch. The implications of this are the subsequent lateral play supporters have consumed a lot of this campaign.
Norwich appeared more threatening with the width provided by Onel Hernandez who impressed once more, but it remains to be seen whether Norwich can discover equilibrium with this width or whether they leave themselves drastically exposed defensively.
The sense of desperation for a victory inside the KCOM Stadium was palpable.
The current plight of the ex Premier League side has been troublesome under the current orchestration of Nigel Adkins. Norwich couldn’t afford to provide a much needed lift to a fanbase who are in revolt under the current regime in place.
Considering the resolute manner of a plethora of away performances this season, this performance is completely out of character from Farke’s young side. With the side languishing in the comfort of mid table, Norwich’s target for the remainder of the season must be to build momentum to uplift the feelings of the supporters.
Norwich could have been dead and buried within 20 minutes; remarkably, they found themselves 1-3 to the good just after the half hour mark.
Championship football is an unforgiving and relentless place, capable of being turned around in minutes. Ask Timm Klose.
Jamal Lewis is a player learning his trade amongst these troublesome waters.
At 19, he has raced onto the scene and looked accomplished and ready to nail down a starting position in Farke’s side for years to come. There have been flaws however, Farke labelled him as naive previously, and his lack of experience saw him tussle with his opponent before giving away the initial penalty.
Lewis has proven he is a talent. His talent requires refinement and polishing but at the age of 19, mistakes and inconsistencies were always going to emerge. Perhaps Lewis requires some rest prior to an international break and with James Husband available, experience may come to Norwich’s aide.
Norwich has discovered a serviceable and solid right back understudy in Harrison Reed. Yet even the loanee appeared vulnerable as Hull City attacked with venom and purpose. Even once Reed complemented Tettey in midfield, the partnership struggled to impress.
A reversion back to the three centre back formation seems likely ahead of Tuesday’s fixture at Barnsley. That fixture poses similar pitfalls that this fixture exposed for Norwich. It requires a more defensively resilient foundation of which they can frustrate the home crowds, something Norwich have done on multiple occasions away from NR1 this season.
With promotions hopes faded and the club sitting comfortably above the relegation zone, Norwich have room to experiment ahead of a pivotal summer window where further rebuilding will be done. A sense of renewal is needed to create a feel good factor about the project and that stems from a more free flowing and offensively competent Norwich side.
If tools are downed and the themes which have hindered their progression are evident come May, then cause for concern is bound to be visible in some supporter’s minds. However, this philosophy requires more than a year to become embedded and the financial constraints in which Farke and Stuart Webber are operating is admirable.
This squad may be nothing like the way they envisage it. The football needs tweaking but they will know that more than anyone. For Norwich, it is short term pain for long term benefit.
