Coventry City 2-4 Norwich City: Paddy Davitt Championship pointers

1. Rise up

A breathless episode but Norwich City under David Wagner prevailed. Another high octane start, in a repeat of that comprehensive win at Preston on his league bow.

But when Coventry City roared back it felt like the first test of the new man and his squad. They passed with flying colours. Which says a lot about the strength of resolve and the belief that is clearly surging under new management.

The joyous scenes in front of the packed away end evoked memories of Norwich’s last visit to this part of the Midlands, under Paul Lambert, in a campaign that ended in Championship promotion.

That is still well in the distance, and Burnley next up at Carrow Road will be offer a stiff test of this fresh, exciting chapter. But there will be no trepidation for players or fans when that game comes around.

Only anticipation and a feelgood factor which Wagner has managed to engender in remarkably short order.   

2. Deconstruction

From carnage to control, for the most part, after the interval. Key to that shift was subduing Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Fankaty Dabo, who had given Dimi Giannoulis a torrid time in a battle of the attacking full backs/wing backs. Both Coventry goals in that first half riposte came down the Greek’s flank.

One misplaced pass too many towards the end of the opening period was enough for Wagner, who turned and motioned Sam McCallum to leave the away bench to warm up.

Sure enough, McCallum was introduced at the interval against his previous club. It proved an inspired change. Not only was Coventry's right flank effectively nullified, but McCallum carved out an assist with a superb piece of awareness for Kieran Dowell to seal this victory.

In the bigger picture, it may have seemed a fairly inconsequential move from Wagner but to spot it and rectify it in real time from his touchline vantage bodes well for the battles ahead.

That is his job, after all, but the charge his predecessors had been too slow to react has often dogged recent Norwich head coaches.

In keeping with how his side wants to play, it was proactive and decisive from Wagner.  

3. Pause button

After two successive Championship away wins, and eight goals scored, Wagner may have wished to roll onto Birmingham City at Carrow Road next week.

But the Blues’ FA Cup progress has prompted a re-arrangement that means Norwich will go into another spell of temporary winter hibernation before Burnley’s scheduled visit to Norfolk on February 4.

Those are the cards that have been dealt, but after a hectic introduction to the job the German may value a sustained block of training to further embed the principles and demands he feels are essential to build on this positive league start.

There is also the small matter of the closing phase of this month’s transfer window to navigate.

Wagner outlined on Thursday the Birmingham postponement would enable him to sit down with Stuart Webber and Neil Adams to make some definitive calls; both on his current roster and one suspects any potential additions.

With Todd Cantwell Rangers-bound, and a sense Jordan Hugill may also exit this month, it will be fascinating to observe whether Wagner now pushes for new blood to bolster his squad’s promotion push.

But free from a game cycle, this side of deadline day, he can now shift some of his focus to transfer-related matters.

4. Over the hill

Burnley and Sheffield United continued their relentless march to the Premier League with victories on Friday night.

Even after another impressive showing on the road Norwich remain 15 points behind the Blades, with the Clarets five further points ahead. Those look insurmountable deficits, even allowing for some nervousness to creep in for the front-running duo.

It would appear Norwich’s mission is now two-fold.

Secure that top six berth, and then hit the play-offs with the wind at their backs and turn a one in four shot into an inevitable ascent to the top flight.

Easy to say, difficult to deliver for all the sense of momentum already harnessed by Wagner and his players.

On one level that narrowing of the horizon may ensure Norwich remain on the straight and narrow. There is precious little margin for error or any let up. Plenty of other clubs in and around the Canaries, in a congested part of the Championship table, will harbour the same ambitions.

5. Vamos Onel

Dowell may, at present, seem to be the biggest beneficiary of Wagner’s arrival. The attacking midfielder scored and assisted again after his headling grabbing Preston salvo. But Onel Hernandez appears to also have a major shot at establishing himself under City’s new man.

Particularly when you consider the lack of recall options this month in the existing season loan loan moves for both Christos Tzolis and Milot Rashica.

Add a recent loan exit for youngster Tony Springett, and a lack of fitness for Przemyslaw Placheta following his disrupted spell at Birmingham, and it would appear the Cuban is firmly in the box seat.

But under Wagner he knows he must deliver.

A first goal since rifling the winner at Birmingham in late August will aid his cause. But in his ability to stretch the play, to commit defenders and inject some dynamism into the 'full throttle' football Wagner demands, he is making a persuasive case.

One that could potentially end in a new Carrow Road deal as he approaches the final months of his current contract.

There would be few more popular decisions, should his form and leading role continue, with a fan base who adore a player who gives everything for the same cause.