Norwich City FC: 4 Observations After Sunderland FC Defeat

Norwich City fans, players and coaching staff will feel disappointed to have been on the wrong end of a 3-0 defeat on Monday, 1 February, 2012.

Every football manager in world knows that defeats are part of the game. However, Paul Lambert will have been particularly frustrated by the level of the performance from his players. Let us not forget though that Sunderland are the form side in the entire Premier League.

Taking everything into consideration, I have compiled this slideshow to review the match.

A Case for the Defense

Since Daniel Ayala and Zak Whitbread have begun their partnership in the heart of the Norwich City defense, the goals against column has noticeably improved. The Sunderland game was certainly a setback in that regard.

However, while it shows the partnership has promise, it does not signify the defensive issues are over.

Elliott Ward is back fit again and Ryan Bennett will be joining the group in a month, so there is competition there for Ayala and Whitbread.

Do Not Take Goals for Granted

Norwich City have typically scored goals easily this season. However, the Sunderland match showed that this is not something to take for granted. The Canaries need to continue to work hard to score in every match.

Grant Holt, Simeon Jackson and Steve Morison have all done a good job so far this season, and with James Vaughan on the way back, the attack looks positive.

Anthony Pilkington and Elliott Bennett Looked Sharp

Anthony Pilkington and Elliott Bennett both made appearances from the substitutes bench and seemed to make a difference by offering more pace and energy. Unfortunately, the game was already over by the time the players made their introduction.

The lesson may be that in the Premier League, teams need pace and energy. It will be interesting to see if one or the other of Norwich's backup wingers start the forthcoming matches.  

Andrew Crofts and Russell Martin Have Started to Struggle

Russell Martin has been a cult hero when playing as a central defender. But since returning to his preferred position at right-back, he has started to find life hard.

Equally, Andrew Crofts has a decent role to play as a squad player and has helped to shore things up when used as a substitute. However, he may not be suited to starting games on a regular basis and providing the level of performance that Paul Lambert is looking for.

This could apply to other players in the squad as well and may mean that Lambert will freshen things up for Bolton.

Follow James Kent on Twitter @jimlk2007.