Across the Border: One game at a time as City head to Bristol

Beyond the hysteria of yet another late Teemu Pukki winner was a timely reminder of the importance of staying focussed for 90 minutes.

Two up with under half an hour to go – and to all intents cruising against a side evidently struggling for confidence – Norwich should never have been in the position of requiring a stoppage-time winner to bag all three points.

And while Daniel Farke was all smiles at the final whistle as he led the now traditional post-victory celebrations in front of the Barclay, I’m sure that is a sentiment he would have firmly expressed to his side in the changing rooms.

After eight wins from nine, it may seem quite churlish to criticise, but we are now looking at this season in the context of a promotion race, one in which there is little margin for error.

I was very impressed with Ben Godfrey, who was drafted into the line-up following the late withdrawal of Timm Klose, but City certainly missed the experience of the Swiss centre-half in the closing stages.

However, as this side continues to show on a regular basis, it has character and self-belief in abundance – summoning the spirit to score yet another dramatic winner.

Pukki’s latest intervention means the Canaries have found the back of the net 12 times in the final 10 minutes of games the season, which is worth an additional 11 points.

And it keeps momentum building as the club head towards a festive period which will no doubt have a big say on whether Farke’s boys are genuine promotion candidates – and I believe they are.

I’m sure by now we’ve all seen the stat – which shows the team top after 21 games has gone on to be promoted in each of the last 10 seasons – but it is important for City to take things one game at a time, starting with tomorrow’s trip to Bristol City.