A combination of little money spent on transfers after their promotion and very bad luck with injuries to crucial defenders were amongst the main reasons why Norwich were relegated after 1 season in the Premier League. Having both the weakest attack and leakiest defence in the league doomed the Canaries to last place from very early on. Undoubtedly crucial for the poor season proved the injury problems for the 2 main centre-backs Klose and Zimmermann, who didn’t start single game together with one or the other constantly missing injured.
Norwich had some flashes of form early on with home wins vs Newcastle in round 2 and Man City in round 5, with top scorer Pukki the main reason for those successes. The Finn started the season very well, but come December even he lost confidence and his only 2 goals in 2020 were scored from the penalty spot.
With at least 3 defenders missing injured or suspended in every game this season it was no surprise that the defensive displays were the weakest thing about Norwich. Playing out of the back didn’t work for the crippled defence and if not for goalkeeper Krul, over 100 goals could easily have been conceded.
Krul was undoubtedly their most consistent player during the season, while several very young players also showed glimpses of brilliance even if still lacking consistency. Amongst them were full-backs Aarons and Lewis and wingers Cantwell and Buendia.
With the money from their 1 season in the top flight, Norwich are expected to rebuild a very strong squad straight away and a quick return to the Premier League is their goal for next season.
