Norwich City: 5 Observations from Everton Draw

On Saturday (7 April 2012) Norwich City came away with a 2-2 draw from their home encounter with Everton. It was an entertaining game, which turned out to be a fine advert for Premier League football.

The point that the Canaries claimed proved to be very important, as it takes the club onto the magic 40-point mark that should secure Premier League football next season. Everton kept their good run going that now sees them seventh in the table.

So, to review the game, I have put together this slideshow, looking at some observations for Norwich.

The Real Norwich City Is Back!

It is a well-known fact that the last few weeks has been tough for Norwich City. However, it appears that the club may now be past that dodgy run. Even the recent win against Wolves was somewhat of a stuttering performance.

The Canaries played very well against Everton, dominating most of the game with the exception of the very start of the game. This was a very encouraging performance and suggests Norwich can finish the season on a high.

Paul Lambert's Team Rufuse to Be Beaten

A major factor in Blackpool's relegation last season was the fact that they gave away a lot of points from winning positions.

Now we all know that Norwich could do with a tighter defense and keep more clean sheets. However, it has been their ability to secure points from losing positions that has kept them out of trouble.

The game against Everton was typical of this, by coming back twice to equalize when they could easily have crumbled. 

Jonny Howson Starting to Fulfill His Role

Jonny Howson was signed to provide goals from midfield. The former Leeds United player scored his first goal in Norwich City colors against Everton.

With that he has already started to repay the £2million transfer fee. He looks like a very good signing, and he proved on Saturday that he will score when given an opportunity. This bodes well for next season and will take the pressure off the Norwich strikers.

You can never have enough goal-scorers.

Ryan Bennett Is Destined for the Top

It may seem strange to praise a central defender when the team has conceded two goals. However, the lad, Ryan Bennett is a class act. He showed composure on the ball and some fantastic tackling.

It may have only been his second appearance, but he is already well on his way to becoming a Norwich City legend. The club has an exciting talent on their hands that should go on to win England caps.   

What Is the Best Combination Up Front?

In the first half, Grant Holt played with Jonny Howson just behind him. It was a role that suited Howson, and Holt worked hard. However, the introduction of Aaron Wilbraham late in the game seemed to give Norwich more options up front. In fact it led to the Norwich equalizer, scored by Holt and set up by Wilbraham.

It is clear that we need to take full advantage of Howson's attacking qualities, but I'm not sure playing one up front is the answer. However, time will tell.

Follow James Kent on Twitter and Facebook