Norwich City column: Recent Canaries form does not change view on David Wagner

For all the doom and gloom around Carrow Road at present, Norwich City have somehow become one of the form teams in the league.

I say that somewhat flippantly, but three wins from four represents a solid return for David Wagner’s side, particularly in light of the intense scrutiny he has been under in recent weeks.

Look, while wins are always hugely welcome, my position on Wagner hasn’t changed. I have seen precious little from performances to suggest that they do anything other than paper over the cracks.

But if he does have any chance to alter the narrative, then it’s difficult to look beyond the next three games.

There is the small matter of the East Anglian derby firmly on the horizon – the kind of match from which three points could be season-altering, especially when you consider the circumstances around the fixture.

But before that are two home games against Preston and Sheffield Wednesday. Without meaning any disrespect to either of those sides, it is a real opportunity to pick up six points.

Preston have just two wins from their last 12 Championship outings, while the Owls’ struggles have been well documented.

But we need to see a real improvement in terms of performances. That feels the only way the public court of opinion can change.

Injuries have been regularly blamed for our mediocracy in recent weeks, but the so-called crisis is starting to ease.

Jonathan Rowe made a welcome return to action at Bristol City, and Wagner will be hoping the 20-year-old can bring the energy and creativity that has been lacking in the wide areas.

Another player available again is Angus Gunn – and it would be fair to say our number one has been thoroughly missed. Nothing against George Long, but he has shown himself to be some way short of the standard set by Gunn over the last year or so.