Opinion: Why this issue could cost Norwich City their place in the Championship play-offs | OneFootball

Norwich City fell to defeat to title chasers Burnley on Saturday lunchtime, dampening David Wagner’s fine start as manager so far.

The Canaries were well beaten, losing 3-0 to the Clarets, who already look incredibly worthy of the Championship title.

Anass Zaroury capitalised on a mistake by Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul to give Burnley an early with Kompany’s side the dominant force in the opening period at Carrow Road.

It was the same aggressive press that many Norwich fans would have been familiar with under Daniel Farke, except they were on the receiving end this time around.

Two more goals from set pieces followed in the second half ended any hope of a Canaries fight back, as well as denting their hopes of a push for the top six this season.

In fact, any hope of a top-six finish for Norwich will rely heavily on their home form improving as that is looking like the weak link so far for Wagner’s side.

Norwich barely looked like threatening throughout the game and although they came up against the best side in the division, this is the first time this could be said.

Their previous home game against Watford was similarly as blunt. They mustered just one shot on target against the Hornets which has been a problem for most of the season at home, more so under Dean Smith, but it looks like Wagner will have the same issues.

Clubs cannot just rely on home or away form, they need a blend to ensure they stay consistent. Staying consistent will allow teams to push for promotion. If one or the other is stronger, it’s more than likely going to impact whether that team finishes in the top six or not.

Quiz: Are these 20 Norwich City facts real or fake?

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Norwich City were formed in 1902?

Real Fake

More worryingly, goals are hard to come by at Carrow Road. The Canaries have scored just 19 at home, which is amongst the lowest in the league. Contrast that with their ability to create and score away from home, where Norwich have scored eight goals in their last two away games.

Looking at the teams currently competing with Norwich for a place in the top six, Burnley, Sheffield United, West Brom, Middlesbrough and Watford are all in the top ten when it comes to home form. Luton are 13th, and Blackburn sit fourth.

Norwich rank much lower, having won just five games at home, which sees them in 15th. The away form is good, but not winning games at home is going to cost them a place in the top six and it’s an issue that Wagner needs to address sooner rather than later.