Norwich City: 5 Observations from Fulham Draw

Norwich City and Fulham battled out a 1-1 draw yesterday. It was a decent game of football and considering the awful start that Norwich made, it was a well-deserved point.

In some ways, the timings of the two goals summed up the Canaries' season so far. Conceding after only six minutes brought back the concerns of the leaky defence. The 94th-minute equaliser was more evidence of the spirit at the club.

I have compiled this slideshow in order to review the game.     

Zak Whitbread and Daniel Ayala Showed Promise as a Central Defensive Partnership

It's a well-known fact that Norwich have struggled to keep goals out this season. Paul Lambert has tried a number of different players to find the right balance. However, the team still hasn't kept a clean sheet this season.

Russell Martin has been asked to fill in as a central defender for much of the season, but that may be about to change with the return of Zak Whitbread and Daniel Ayala.

The partnership should now get a few games to play together and see if they can gel. Hopefully, the pair will get another run-out against QPR and the first clean sheet will arrive soon.

Steve Morison Needs a Rest

Steve Morison has made an excellent start to life in the Premier League. However, he has played a lot of games and against Fulham, it finally caught up with him.

The Welsh striker didn't look his old self on Saturday, and it was little surprise when he was replaced. A couple of games on the bench may benefit the striker.

Simeon Jackson Has a Vital Part to Play

If Simeon Jackson had a point to make, he has certainly proved it. The Canadian international followed up his vital strike against Wolves with another equally important goal.

It is interesting to see how Lambert will use him in the coming weeks. However, either way, the striker is a powerful weapon to have and has proved he has the stomach for Premier League football.

It will be interesting to see how Jackson fits in when James Vaughan returns to full fitness, but Simeon deserves his opportunity based on his exploits last season.

Wes Hoolahan Is a Classy Player

Wes Hoolahan had a very useful game against Fulham. His performance was particularly impressive in the first half.

The Irishman proved too hot to handle in League One, the Championship and is now proving more than a little useful in the Premier League.

Lambert has the difficult task of adjusting his tactics to get the best out of him. This is why one striker has played up front for much of the season. He is the sort of player that the manager can build his team around.

Norwich Kept Going

The most pleasing aspect of the game yesterday was the way the team kept going. Fulham could have easily come away with all three points—either by holding on to their lead or even doubling their advantage.

The Canaries have fantastic spirit and fully deserved the last-gasp equaliser. It should also be noted that the introductions of Grant Holt, Simeon Jackson and Elliott Bennett helped to turn the game around.

The ability to rescue points from games and score late goals will certainly serve Norwich City well in 2012. It was certainly something that served Norwich well in 2011.

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