Swansea defeat a part of Norwich City's journey for Doyle

Despite numerous opportunities, City were unable to leave South Wales with points in a frustrating return to Championship action after the international break. Amankwah Forson’s early own goal was enough to separate the sides.

Borja Sainz and Josh Sargent both saw chances go begging as City’s inconsistent start to the campaign continued in South Wales. The overall display from Johannes Hoff Thorup’s side was lacking in quality, with poor decision making rife among those in yellow and green throughout a frustrating afternoon. 

A frustrated Doyle was left bemoaning those missed opportunities but was quick to seek the positives in defeat at the Swansea.com Stadium.

"We had chances, and clear-cut ones, that we should have scored. It was one of those days where nothing was going in for us," Doyle reflected post-match. 

"I thought we controlled the game well, especially in the second half. You're going to get these setbacks throughout the season. It's still early on in the season.

"The lads are still learning the new way of football, but I do see it clicking. The lads are loving how we are playing and having more of the ball, but today was just one of those days. 

"It's a long season and we've got Watford at home next weekend, it's an important one and we need to get the three points." 

Norwich have seen plenty of change throughout the summer window with Doyle one of eight new arrivals whilst nine departed Carrow Road. That level of churn naturally creates a degree of uncertainty.

Onel Hernandez injected a spark for Norwich City in Callum Doyle's view. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Whilst that context offers mitigation, the Manchester City loanee is hopeful that it won’t become a regular occurrence for this Norwich side whilst singling out one of his colleagues for individual praise.

“I hope it’s not,” Doyle said. “We did well to get in good areas, but it was just that final action. It just wasn’t going in for us.

“Fair play to Swansea, they defended their box very well but we had plenty of opportunities that we should have taken.

“I thought Onel [Hernandez] when he came on was direct and got at players. That is what we need in this team.”