Norwich City column: Angus Gunn has grasped his opportunity while City missed chance to prove themselves

Following the victory against Stoke, Wednesday’s visit of QPR provided a real opportunity for Dean Smith’s Norwich to show the many doubters (myself included) that they have started to turn a corner in the quest for Championship glory.

Three points would have seen us leapfrog our visitors from London – and close in on the automatic promotion places following Blackburn’s defeat a night earlier.

It would have also issued a timely reminder to the league that while we are clearly nowhere near our best, we are still capable of being a force to be reckoned with.

For the first 20 minutes we looked like delivering that statement of intent. Isaac Hayden and Liam Gibbs dominated the midfield. Sam McCallum had the freedom of the left-hand side, while Todd Cantwell was absolutely everywhere. The only thing missing was a goal or two.

Teemu Pukki was cruelly denied by the inside of the post, while Seny Dieng made a number of top-class saves.

As the game wore on, QPR looked more and more like the side that has started the season so brightly – and will certainly feel like they more than merited a point.

It’s hard to argue against that, given they themselves had a string of second half chances. But standing in their way was Angus Gunn, who has really grasped his opportunity over recent weeks. Since re-joining the club on a permanent basis, Gunn has largely had to play second fiddle to Tim Krul.

However, Gunn has now started the last six Championship games, looking calm and assured despite the poor results that have accompanied his selection.

I’m surprised it’s taken this long for Gunn to become the number one choice. I thought his performances in the Carabao Cup earlier this season warranted further involvement, while Krul will be the first to admit his form has dipped in the last year.

Given his links to the club, I really hope Gunn can kick on and reach his potential.