Opinion: “If only we could play at Carrow Road every week”

Gary Gowers, My football writer – Norwich City

It would have been nice to have had a few more days to enjoy Saturday's derby win, but such is life in the Championship that you can only afford that luxury if you have a big win before the international break won.

Where is one of these when you need one?

But as it turned out, despite traveling to Hillsborough before the shine of Derby day had worn off, there was a chance to extend the feel-good factor. Right before our eyes. Within reach.

Everything was there: a 2-0 lead, a dominant performance, still chances to score, Coventry lost at Southampton. The perfect opportunity to step on the gas, finish the game and put clear water between us and the pursuers.

And then David Wagner replaces Josh Sargent for Liam Gibbs.

61 minutes of control followed by 36 minutes of trying to keep what we had. And it didn't work.

Through no fault of his own, Gibbs only lasted three minutes before having to be replaced by Christian Fassnacht, but the damage was already done.

The change in dynamic brought about by axing Sargent and moving Ashley Barnes up front to the sole striker role didn't work. This is rarely the case.

For all his many qualities, Barnes' 34-year-old legs no longer allow him to pose a threat behind the defense. It just doesn't happen. And so, in no time, Sheffield Wednesday's defense was able to condense the game by reducing the size of the pitch, and City's goal threat was reduced to almost nil.

When those two goals came late on Wednesday, few City fans were surprised. This scenario has played out several times this season – mostly away from home and whenever City has a lead to defend.

The excellent game management that we enjoyed on Saturday was missing last night. Again…this is often the case when we are traveling.

Luckily the damage was limited by Coventry losing at St Mary's, but where once we would have picked up a point at Deepdale against Preston North End this Saturday, it now feels like just three will be enough.

And it all feels a bit self-inflicted. Another road trip that leaves us feeling depressed because points were wasted.

If only we could play at Carrow Road every week…