Since the injuries of Teemu Pukki and Adam Idah, Norwich City has struggled to find a front two combination that can replicate the success of Pukki and Idah. This has been evident in their recent results, where they have only managed one win in their last six games. The absence of Pukki and Idah has been keenly felt in terms of goals and their all-round game. Pukki’s intelligence and ability to drop deeper to connect the play and disorientate opposition centre backs has been sorely missed.
Norwich City manager Daniel Wagner has tried different attacking mixes in each of the six games, but none have been as effective as Pukki and Idah. The team’s gameplan has shifted from sitting deeper and raiding on transition to a more passive approach on the road. This change in approach has not yielded the desired results, with Norwich City struggling to convert their chances and lacking clinicality in front of goal.
In their recent games, Wagner has tried different pairings upfront, including Adam Idah and Hwang Ui-Jo, Tony Springett and Hwang, and Liam Gibbs and Idah. While there have been glimpses of promise, none of these combinations have been able to replicate the effectiveness of Pukki and Idah. The team has lacked cohesion and the understanding between the front two has been lacking.
With a fortnight break in the domestic calendar, Wagner and his coaching team have an opportunity to regroup and come up with a solution to bridge the gap until Pukki and Idah are back in the team. It is crucial for Wagner to settle on a spearhead that can lead the team to more victories and ensure that they remain in contention for promotion. The team needs to find a combination that can provide goals and also contribute to the build-up play and press from the front. The upcoming games will be a test for Wagner and his ability to find a solution to the absence of Pukki and Idah.
