Norwich City: 8 Things About Manchester City Defeat

Norwich City went down 6-1 at home against Manchester City in the Premier League's early kickoff on Saturday (14 April 2012).

As a Norwich City fan, the job to compile a slideshow for this game is tougher than most.

However, I am proud of the lads for their effort and commitment. And if nothing else, it was a stark reminder of how good Man City are when they are on fire. And, in particular, the front-two pairing of Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero.

For 70 Minutes We Were in the Game

I fully agree with manager Paul Lambert, Norwich City were not destroyed from the first minute to the last, as some may think looking at the scoreline. It all happened in the last 20.

This, for me, is a massive positive. In the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium, I didn't think that Norwich were ever in the game. The Canaries lost 5-1 that day, but on Saturday I saw progress. Even though, they have lost by a bigger margin.

The Citizens scored two wonder goals in the first half. However, it could be argued that Paul Lambert's team played fairly well. They really had a go at them early on, and with a bit more luck could have had their noses in front.

Sitting in the stands at half-time was one of mixed emotions. I felt that my team had done well, but had been undone by two superb strikes by two of the best strikers in the world.

When Norwich pulled the game back to 2-1 with Andrew Surman's goal, hope was restored. That hope continued until the the 70-minute mark when the Canaries clasped with some poor defending and awesome finishing.

Lambert should draw on the positives and remember that his team competed with one of the world's best for a good portion of the game. It may not take a lot more to match them for 90 minutes.  

The Scoreline Flattered Roberto Mancini's Team

As I have said, Norwich competed for a good amount of this game. However, Man City fully deserved the victory for the quality they showed when the chances came along.

It is never nice to lose by such a large margin. Especially, now that it has happened twice against the Citizens. This was not a 6-1 match, maybe a 3-1 win for the visitors would have represented a fairer reflection on the game. 

But this is Premier League football, it can be a ruthless business!

Did Lambert Get His Changes Right?

The introduction of Andrew Surman in the second half seemed to have a positive impact on the match. After all, it was Surman that scored the goal to put Norwich back in the match at 2-1.

However, Anthony Pilkington caused the Man City defense a number of problems in the first period, and Bradley Johnson was the all-important ball winner.

The Citizens would still have almost certainly had won the game, but it might have been a bit closer.  

Aaron Wilbraham Holds the Ball Up Well

Paul Lambert stuck with the striker partnership of Wilbraham and Holt. It was notable in the game against Manchester City how well Wilbraham held the ball up and brought other players into play.

I think we all know that Wilbraham will not score many goals, so this can be the main quality that he brings to the team. However, it may not be enough to earn him a new contract at Carrow Road in the summer.

Ryan Bennett Still Has Plenty to Learn

I think every Norwich fan has been excited about how well Ryan Bennett has started in his Norwich City career. However, in the game against Man City we saw that he can be caught out.

A yellow card and defensive naivety were present in his game. But he still found time to showoff his excellent tackling ability.

The defense in general will need some minor surgery. It looks as if Elliott Ward will not prove to have done enough to earn a new contract, Adam Drury may like to consider retirement at the end of the season, and a possible coaching position at the club.

Leon Barnett looks certain to be sold and Zak Whitbread has a question mark over his head. Kyle Naughton will surely be a big target for the summer.  

Don't Let This Defeat Tarnish the Season

Norwich City has enjoyed a fantastic season back in the Premier League. Hopefully this season can be remembered for the hard work being done and some great results. Not the day that Norwich were beaten 6-1 by Man City. 

Bounce Back Against Blackburn Rovers

Next week's game against Blackburn Rovers offers the ideal opportunity to bounce back from the result against Manchester City. The added benefit would be to all be condemn Blackburn to relegation.

It will be interesting to see if Lambert decides to ring the changes for the game. Blackburn will be tough, though, because we know that they are fighting for their lives and need wins.

Expect an open and exciting game next week. Neither side keeps many clean sheets. 

And Don't Hit a Slump, Still Plenty to Play for

Bad runs at the end of the season can impact a team's form going into the following season. So, Norwich need to play for as many points as they can get their hands on for the final four games.

A possible top-half finish, finishing above Swansea and getting 50 points on the board, should all serve to drive Norwich on. It will be tough to take points of Blackburn, Aston Villa, Arsenal and Liverpool, but they will give it their best shot.

Follow James on Twitter and Facebook.