After securing promotion to the Premier League, it seems as though Norwich haven’t found a winning formula to help avoid relegation. After 33 game weeks, a drop to the Championship is looming as they sit locked at the bottom of the league table. Based on Matchmetrics’ EPI (effective play index) we can see how Norwich looked in certain aspects of the game compared to the other Premier League teams. Matchmetrics gives a rating for each metric between 0 to 10.
On the defensive chart and small bar charts, we can see that Norwich are second-best in blocked shots only behind Aston Villa. One of the reasons why they are unsuccessful this season is their aerial ability. We can see that they are the worst in defensive aerial duels and second-worst in offensive aerial duels. Knowing that many English Premier League clubs prefer having tall and strong players, Norwich couldn’t compete with them in the air. This weak aerial ability connects with crossing and we can see that they are the worst at crossing as well. With Pukki being Norwich’s main striker, his lack of aerial presence in the air means that the Canaries aren’t able to make their crosses count.
However, the thing that let Norwich down the most was their finishing. They are the worst team in the finishing section with Pukki and Cantwell being the only players who have scored more than once. It is such a shame for Norwich because Emi Buendia is one of the best chance creators in the league and the side didn’t make the most of his creativity.
Conclusion
Norwich will probably play in the Championship next season, but, the question whether they will still have services of Buendia, Cantwell, Pukki, Aarons and Godfrey. It is certain that next season Norwich will try to earn promotion back to the highest division of England football.
