Norwich City column: Results vs performances debate continues as Yellows keep pace at the top of the Championship

With more than a quarter of the season now gone it seems like an opportune moment to sit down and evaluate where Norwich City are in their quest for promotion from the Championship.

Firstly, we should ask, are we doing well? Because there seems to be a lot of discontent among the Carrow Road faithful, as any browse through social media would reveal. The answer has to be yes, because ultimately the table doesn’t lie.

Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at Reading means that after 12 games we find ourselves second with 24 points. We have seven wins to our name and are being kept off top spot by a matter of goal difference.

Compared to previous title-winning campaigns we have the same number of points as two years ago – and significantly more than the 18 picked up at this stage of the 2018/19 season.

So on paper, you can’t ask for much more – right?

But where results get a big tick, performances are a much different kettle of fish.

Truthfully, I still don’t really understand what Dean Smith’s Norwich side are all about. There doesn’t seem to be any identity, or any cohesion.

It’s clear we have substantially and more ability than most sides at this level, yet performances have been lacklustre and boring for the most part.

Don’t get me wrong, at times we’ve seen flashes of that quality, but there have been large spells so similarly akin to the dross we were served up last season.

It brings us back nicely to the results vs performances debate, which has taken up quite a few of my column inches over the last few months.

Personally, I think we must improve in order to maintain this form, especially when you consider the tough fixtures on the horizon. That includes tomorrow’s visit of 0-0 specialists Preston. But I do believe we have it within us to find that next level – I just hope we get there soon.