On 17th September 2018, after 7 games, we had the same number of points as now, i.e. 8 points. A week later, having played 9 games, we were 6 points better off, with 14 points and 8th in the table. From game 8 onwards, until beaten by Derby in that memorable game at Carrow Road at the end of December, we lost only once, 0:1 to Stoke City; that was game 12, on 6th October. Game 7, a 1:0 win over 'Boro at Carrow Road, was the game Farkeball really clicked; we never looked back after that. [Edit] Those first 7 matches in 2018--19 included games against WBA (lost 3:4), Sheffield Utd (lost 2:1), Leeds (lost 0:3) and Ipswich (drawn 1:1). We drew with Birmingham, and beat Preston and 'Boro.
Chris Sutton's take on the present situation: "This feels like the start of a big few days for Norwich City, but Sunday's East Anglian derby should not be judgement day for Liam Manning's tenure as head coach. Manning has copped all sorts of flak for Norwich's sluggish start to the season, poor performances and lack of progress as a team - but what did people expect after 12 new signings, a whole new coaching team and all the change the club has witnessed over the past 18 months? He is the latest of four head coaches who have, so far, failed to ignite Norwich. Dean Smith was the first, David Wagner did okay, but it never really worked for him, and Johannes Hoff Thorup was sacked eight months into a long-term project. Manning is the latest, and you look at his CV, pedigree and reputation in the game, he is an excellent coach." https://www.pinkun.com/sport/interviews/25505593.sutton-liam-manning-not-another-city-fall-guy/
On top of this you must also consider that Farke had not exactly pulled up tree's in the previous season. There was plenty of grumbling going on as we drew that Ipswich game, that draw may well have saved his job, a loss there could have turned the fans and the board. I am disappointed in the current form and the quality of the football, but there is no way we can reasonably sack him any time soon. Even if it is all a bit demoralising ATM! Bah!
I’d reiterate, though, that with Farke the green shoots were really clear. We were playing some good football. There was reason to be optimistic even while complaints were legitimate. I see no reason based on what we have seen on the pitch to be optimistic with Manning I’m afraid.
Á propos of Knapper's declaration on taking over that he likes a team that "dominates with the ball", he can't be very happy about these minute-by-minute SofaScore graphics from the Coventry and Stoke games. The bars represent intensity of pressure, a measure of a team's dominance at any given time, defined by a range of metrics, i.e. not simply possession (N.B. we are the "blue" away team, not the "green" home team): Coventry City 1:1 Norwich City Stoke City 1:1 Norwich City
Ok but Farke had already been given half a season previous to that slow start. Similar to now he had a heavy squad turnover but he was at least accustomed with half the squad
You are concentrating on just results. In the slow periods under Farke and Thorup there were signs of good football and hope for improved performances and results. Under Manning the performances have gone from poor to very poor to, in the word of a loyal away supporter, diabolical. How long can we be expected to wait for the 'green shoots' let alone improved performances and results?
