Norwich City: 5 Things Learned from Shocking Win over Burnley

Norwich City don't exactly have a good cup record over recent seasons. So Norwich City must have been fearing the worst when they faced a tricky third-round FA Cup tie against Burnley.

However, the team excelled and defeated their opponents by a scoreline of 4-1. I was surprised that Norwich won the game and also the manner they did so.

This is perhaps a sign that the Canaries can look forward to an improved record in the cup competitions going forward. Here is a slideshow on five things learned from the Burnley result.

Paul Lambert and Norwich City Are Taking the F.A Cup Seriously

There was something remarkably different about this game than what the Canaries do in cup competitions.

First of all, there was the team selection. Yes, Paul Lambert changed it around a bit, but this was a very strong team. The attacking trio of Wes Hoolahan, Simeon Jackson and Grant Holt all started the game, and the back four was as strong as Lambert could have named.

The selection showed the manager was putting out a team to the game. This was not an experimental team that could be seen in a preseason game.

Then there was the attitude of mind, usually Norwich City players don't look like they care in cup games. This certainly was not the case against Burnley. This time the team approached the game as if it was a league match. The players made sure they won and by a convincing margin. 

Norwich City Strikers Look Hungry for Goals Irrespective of Opposition

One of the real positives from this season has been the form of the strikers. Simeon Jackson, Grant Holt and Steve Morison have all looked hungry for goals over the last few weeks. Saturday, was no exception to this.

Norwich City's attacking trio used the exercise to grab themselves another goal a piece. Even Aaron Wilbraham nearly found himself on the scoresheet, but for a fine save.

Daniel Ayala and Zak Whitbread Partnership Looks Better with Each Game

The search for the first clean sheet goes on, but Norwich City's best chance of finding it seems to lay with the defensive partnership between Zak Whitbread and Daniel Ayala.

The central defenders seem to complement each other so well, with Whitbread often dominating in the air and Ayala looking so composed on the ball. On this early evidence, this is a central defensive partnership that should serve the Canaries well for the remainder of the season.  

Norwich Have Progressed a Lot Since Last Season

The Burnley game illustrated how far Norwich City have come since last season. The two clubs were, of course, in the same division last season and gave the Canaries tough games. However, this time around it was a one-sided affair.

The way the team has been performing in the Premier League means that perhaps a Championship club should not offer much of a challenge. 

Players Taking Their Opportunities to Impress

Andrew Surman put on an impressive performance against Burnley and took his goal very well. Other players did well and showed the manager that they can play a part.

It was refreshing to see the players taking the opportunity in another game rather than the non-performance that has been seen in recent seasons.

Hopefully this is a trend that will continue in the fourth round against WBA.

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