Norwich begin to right their wrongs in draw against Manchester City

One glance at the form table would make even the most optimistic Norwich fan wince, but it would be foolish to write Alex Neil’s side off just yet. Destiny is very much in the hands of the boys in yellow and green.

It goes without saying that the last few weeks have been an overwhelming disappointment for everyone involved with the club. The West Ham home game was the epitome of that. At 2-0 it looked comfortable, but there was always the part of you that questioned what would happen should the Hammers grab a goal. As sure as the grass is green, the goal came from Slaven Bilic’s side and the sinking feeling returned.

You just knew what would follow on from that. The result summed up the lack of confidence that has swept through the squad in recent weeks and it was devastating to see.

The thing that has pleased me is the reaction of the squad. Yes, the results have not been great and we have a real battle on our hands, but the fight and passion has been there, as shown by the 0-0 draw with Manchester City at Carrow Road on Saturday. Now that we have those two vital ingredients, the rest should follow and the fixture list has certainly been a lot more favourable than in years gone by.

Norwich picked up what could a valuable point come the end of the season against Manchester City. Photo: Marc Atkins/Offside.

Most fans will not want to be reminded of the horror run-in faced by Chris Hughton and Neil Adams last time out, with the memories still very fresh in the minds.

It is different this time. The tables have turned and Norwich have the lifeline they so desperately need in their quest for survival. The last few matches have determined that it will realistically be two from Newcastle, Sunderland and the Canaries that will fall through the relegation trapdoor.

Both of the strugglers from the north east have to visit Norfolk before the end of the season, which you would think gives us a great chance.

Admittedly, Carrow Road has not been the fortress that we all hoped it would be, but some big wins have been secured on home soil this year. The games against Villa and Southampton were very much in the “six-pointer” bracket at the time and the Canaries duly obliged with the result and performance to match.

Newcastle and Sunderland will not come to Norfolk and roll over, but it is a great opportunity. The chance to claim six points from two rivals is one not to be missed. Win both of those and you have a chance. It will take more wins to be certain and the boys will have to be at their best to stay up, but the hope should be there.

Looking at it from the other angle, I would hate to be a Magpies or Black Cats fan knowing that they have to face the trek to East Anglia to take us on in such an important game.

Beyond those two six-pointers, Watford at home looks to be another possible victory and even beating Manchester United is not an unrealistic call at the moment.

Couple a few home wins and maybe one away victory, then I think we may well be hosting Premier League football at Carrow Road next season.

It will take a huge effort from all involved, but we can do it and I believe we will do it – just – although I doubt I will have many nails left by the end of the campaign!