Back-to-back wins lifts the gloom as youngsters shine

A week can be a long time in football – and that has certainly been the case for Norwich City. Heading into last Saturday’s match against Middlesbrough, there was a feeling of trepidation around Carrow Road after a start to the season that had yielded just five points out of a possible 18.

But back-to-back wins against Tony Pulis’ side and Reading have provided a monumental boost – even propelling Daniel Farke’s side into the top half of the table.

From Teemu Pukki’s goals to the emergence of Marco Stiepermann in midfield, there have been a plethora of positives. But it’s the performances of City’s academy stars that have really caught the eye.

None more so than Max Aarons, who continues to play with so much maturity.

Having only made his league debut against Ipswich, he is already nailing down that right-back slot.

I was particularly impressed with the way he coped against a Boro’ side that typified what we have come to expect from a Pulis-led team over the years – big, strong and physical.

On the other side of the back four, the stock of Jamal Lewis continues to rise.

It’s easy to forget he has only played around 30 senior games, but he has very much established himself as a key component to this side, both defensively and offensively.

On Wednesday night it was Todd Cantwell’s time to shine – profiting from an untimely injury to Onel Hernandez, who will undoubtedly be missed.

However, Cantwell – making his first Championship start – took up the mantle, providing a neat assist for Pukki to open the scoring.

Cantwell will hope he’s done enough to keep his place for tomorrow’s trip to QPR.

While Steve McLaren’s side are another who have found their feet, the match presents an opportunity for City to keep moving forward.