Norwich City: 5 Observations from Everton Draw

Norwich City recorded a credible away point at Everton on Saturday, following the 1-1 draw. Most Canary fans will have mixed feelings about this result. On the balance of play, Everton were full value for the point. However, Norwich will be disappointed to have not won, having led up to the 80th minute.

To review the game I have compiled this slideshow looking at five key observations from the action.  

Grant Holt May Have Re-Established Himself as the Club's Most Important Player

Grant Holt started the season in the team, but since then has only had the occasional start. However, the striker has now started the last two games and he is now the club's top scorer with seven goals.

Some people thought Holt wouldn't be able to hack the Premier League, but he is answering his critics in spectacular fashion, right now. The goal he scored against Everton, showed strength, close control and precise finishing. Had the goal been scored by Sergio Aguero, pundits would marvel at the brilliance and conclude that is what you get for nearly £40 million.

So what does that say about value for money, when Grant Holt can show such incredible skill bearing in mind he has come from League One and cost less than £500,000. 

Aaron Wilabraham May Still Have a Part to Play

Aaron Wilbraham has made various appearances on the Norwich City bench, this season. However, no one really expected him to come off the bench in the Premier League, bar an emergency.

In the game against Everton though it actually happened! The changes that were made on Saturday seemed to suggest that Lambert was looking to hang on to the 1-0 lead. Wilbraham was introduced for a tiring Morison.

To be fair to the manager, the striker offers some physical presence but none of the goal threat of Morison. Lambert was clearly looking to keep the shape of the side the same and was hoping Wilbraham could hold up the ball and run down the clock a bit.

This may be a role that continues if the manager persists with playing two strikers. However, the forward will have to hope that another target man isn't signed in the January transfer window. If that would happen Wilbraham would surely be deemed surplus to requirements.  

Zak Whitbread May Hold the Key to End the Run Without a Clean Sheet

Zak Whitbread and Russell Martin both looked in superb form in the Everton game. Norwich may not have kept a clean sheet, but this was the closest they have come all season.

Paul Lambert should stick with the central defensive partnership and hopefully the clean sheets will follow. Although, the one big concern is keeping the USA defender fit for the whole season.

Norwich City's defensive stability this season may be dependent on Whitbread's fitness. 

John Ruddy Proves Point to Previous Employers

If ever John Ruddy needed to prove a point he did so in fine style. The former Everton player produced a number of fine saves and didn't deserve to be beaten all afternoon.

It remains to be seen, if Paul Lambert sees Ruddy as his long-term Premier League shot stopper, but for now he is doing a fine job.

Ruddy has certainly proved to Everton that they were wrong to decide he wasn't good enough for the Premier League, because he certainly is.

Diamonds May Be Forever, After All

Paul Lambert has used a range of different formations, this season. However, in the last two games he has reverted back to the classic diamond that has served Norwich so well.

The selection for Everton may be seen as a turning point for Norwich from a tactical point of view. Lambert has often chosen to match up against the system the opposition has been playing.

Therefore, against Everton he could easily have played a five man midfield with one up top. However, maybe the manager is now taking the view that Norwich should play their own game and see if the opposition can stop them

A third consecutive selection against Wolves, featuring a diamond midfield and two strikers would suggest that to be the case. Which all makes the way Norwich set up against Wolves tomorrow night, all very interesting.

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