It has been tough for everybody associated with Norwich City to keep to their ethos of “ignoring the noise” during their recent problems, and tonight they will face masters of that technique in Burnley. The Clarets have been chastised for their direct and physical style of play, but it doesn’t appear to worry them too much as they bash their way to Premier League points.
The one thing that irritates Sean Dyche and his players are any charges of being dirty, with their boss also harshly criticizing diving players on several occasions.
Last season, 14 clubs received more than their 48 yellow cards, and they have gone 99 top-flight matches without being sent out.
Burnley, on the other hand, is as competitive as they come.
Norwich City Need To Be Competitive
Every second ball and every aerial contest will almost certainly see one of Dyche’s players straining every muscle to win it for their demanding manager. As Daniel Farke emphasized in his news conference yesterday, there is much to admire in how the Lancashire club has created Premier League stability while achieving the success that Norwich City craves – albeit with a completely different playing style.
Norwich City arrived full of optimism about their chances in September 2019, buoyed by a dramatic 3-2 triumph against Manchester City that defied an injury crisis.
Nathan Collins was reportedly signed from Stoke for a fee of £12 million, while Wales right-back Connor Roberts was signed from Swansea for £2.5 million before his contract ended.
Norwich aims to be successful by developing gradually, investing wisely, and sticking to the game plan.
Their season was launched by an eight-game unbeaten streak, and they finished 15th with 40 points, six clear of the pack.
There have been a few thrashings along the road. Last season, the Clarets gave up four or more goals in losses to Manchester City, Leicester, Tottenham Hotspur, and Leeds. Today, though, it will be mainly the same faces, the same uncompromising approach, and the same struggle as before.
Both teams are eager for their first win of the season, and if Norwich is to finally put an end to the doom and gloom, they must equal that battling spirit and earn the right to play the aggressive football that they crave.
