What a difference four days can make!

After a demoralising home defeat on Saturday, Norwich City bounced back on Tuesday evening with a 2-1 win away to Watford, booking our place in Second Round of the Carabao Cup.

It sounded like a much more assured display, based on the Radio Norfolk commentary, and a welcome confidence boost for everyone.

From a 3 to a 2

After Saturday’s loss against Millwall, the focus was on our wing-backs and their reduced ability to get forward and to create much after the first 20 minutes or so.

Against Watford, Liam Manning switched to a back four and the impact on average positions of our starting players was notable.

The main difference is on the left-hand side of our team (top of the diagrams). The space where José Córdoba (33) and Jeffrey Schlupp (27) were stuck against Millwall was filled by Ben Chrisene (14) against Watford. That gave Papa Amadou Diallo (19) licence to get forward and he took full advantage with a lively display including assists for both of our goals.

What is also quite striking is how Diallo, Emi Marcondes (11) and Josh Sargent (9) were able to link up, in stark contrast to the isolated Ante Crnac on Saturday.

We do have to take the context of each game into account here. Part of the reason we got stuck on Saturday was because of how disciplined Millwall were in pressing us, especially in the second half.

Watford’s League Cup line-up offered much less resistance and, whilst I do think that our approach was part of the improvement, that has to be taken into consideration rather than putting it all down to the change in formation.

The Fallen Forson

The positive mood created by Tuesday night’s performance and result was counteracted by our worst fears being confirmed about Amankwah Forson’s hamstring injury.

Manning reported to the media after the game that it’s a serious injury that will keep him out for months, with a decision still to be made on whether surgery will be required.

It’s a cruel blow for Forson considering the glowing reports he received from the coaching staff over the pre-season period. It looked like he was ready to build on a stop-start first season in English football and really take a step forward.

As always, someone else will need to step forward.