EFL Championship 2022/23: How the Hatters took advantage of Dean Smith’s Norwich to claim victory on Boxing Day – tactical analysis

Following their 1-0 victory at Carrow Road in October, Luton Town convincingly finished off their league double over Norwich City for the first time since 1981–1982. Surprisingly, Lutons victory at Carrow Road was their last league victory. Since then, they have gone winless in all seven of their games, earning only two draws against Rotherham and Sunderland.

Rob Edwards first Championship managerial position after four months at Watford, was only on November 17 of this year when he was named manager of Luton. In contrast, Dean Smith has a distinguished Premier League history with Aston Villa which was then succeeded by Steven Gerrard. Smith has also had time to adjust to life with the Canaries compared to Edwards.

It was Smiths 57th game as Norwichs head coach. But given that Smiths win record at Norwich was only at a measly 28%, it seemed that the Hatters were the favourites to win the match.

After failing to establish a rhythm in the teams style of play, this tactical analysis will examine how Luton exploited Norwichs issues with playmaking and the support system around the pitch. The tactics used by both managers will be examined in this analysis.

Lineups

Edwards made only one change from his starting lineup versus Middlesbrough to his usual team and favourite 3-1-4-2. He sometimes loves to convert to a 3-5-2 formation to bring additional width and a more attacking perspective. Lutons first-choice goalkeeper, Ethan Horvath, began in goal.

Tom Lockyer served in the centre of the three-man centre-back line, with Daniel Potts and Gabriel Osho to his left and right, respectively. The only difference from the last game was that Osho took Amarii Bells place when he was sent off against Michael Carricks side. 29-year-old Jordan Clark has so far won the coach over by deserving his regular playing time.

As the teams fullbacks, Alfie Doughty and James Bree received the starting nod. The goalscorer Allan Campbell was teamed with the Congolese national Pelly Mpanzu to create the central midfield above Clark. Starting as the left and right forwards, respectively, were Elijah Adebayo and Carlton Morris.

Since his Villa days, Smith has always favoured a four-at-the-back strategy. This season, Norwich has used a 4-2-3-1 a lot, and the managers second favoured formation is a 4-3-3. This was one of the rarest times he used a 5-3-2 formation to make the team more dynamic in the game.

The first-choice, who has started almost 23 of the seasons 24 games, Angus Gunn, was left unaltered. Ben Gibson and Andrew Omobamidele manned the left and right defences, respectively, while Grant Hanley took up residence in the centre of the defence.

The midfield was packed with Kenny McLean, Liam Gibbs and Gabriel Sara, the 23-y