Across the Border: Manager deserves credit for altering the mindset

The late equaliser at Pride Park on Wednesday night should not take away from what has been another profitable week for Norwich City.

Three points against Wigan on Saturday, followed by the 1-1 draw at Derby, stretches City’s impressive unbeaten run to eight games in all competitions – maintaining the upwards trajectory of the last month.

In fact, it’s a sequence of results that have catapulted City into fifth, although it must be said the table is largely inconsequential at this time.

Nonetheless, it is a sign of the remarkable progress Daniel Farke’s side have made in such a short period of time.

It is also worth noting that after 11 games – nearly a quarter of the season – City have only lost to the teams currently in first (Leeds), third (Sheffield United) and fourth (West Brom).

While there have been many factors that have combined to see City rise up the table, one of the most important has been the club’s defensive record.

Since the international break, City have only conceded two goals in five games – a stellar record which included stopping Wigan from having a single shot on target.

Rightly so, City’s back four has received plenty of praise for their contributions, but it’s the form of Tim Krul I want to touch on.

It would be fair to say Krul had a difficult start to his City career, but with every passing game he looks more and more assured, culminating in a world-class point-blank save late on against Derby. Long may it continue.

Tomorrow City welcome Stoke to Carrow Road for the final game before the second international break of the season.

A fifth win in six would cap off a remarkable period, which has seen the mood transition from one of trepidation, to a feeling of real optimism that this team can compete. Credit has to go to Farke for that.