Norwich City’s challenging start to the season reached a low point on Sunday as they fell to a 3-1 defeat against Ipswich Town at Portman Road. This loss marks Norwich's first defeat to their East Anglian rivals in over 16 years, raising concerns among Canaries supporters about the club's current trajectory. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the players' performances in this disappointing derby clash.
**Vladan Kovacevic**: 4
The Serbian goalkeeper struggled with consistency in a match of such significance. An ill-timed touch on a cross led directly to a corner, which Ipswich capitalised on to score the opening goal. Later, he failed to adequately deal with Jaden Philogene’s long-range effort, resulting in a second goal for the hosts. Kovacevic had a day to forget.
**Jack Stacey**: 7
In a lacklustre outing for the Canaries, Stacey stood out as one of the brighter performers. He managed to handle Philogene well defensively and was proactive in pushing forward to create opportunities. However, his final delivery consistently eluded him, a recurring issue throughout his time at the club.
**Harry Darling**: 4
Typically a reliable figure, Darling faced significant challenges from Ipswich’s attack. He struggled to contain George Hirst, and a careless touch allowed the home side to net their third goal, making this performance fall short of the expected standards.
**Jose Cordoba**: 7
Cordoba’s selection was met with some scepticism, but he ultimately justified his inclusion with a performance that showcased his pace and pressing ability. He effectively thwarted Hirst on multiple occasions, although his performance became mixed as the match progressed.
**Kellen Fisher**: 6
Fisher began the match energetically, bringing aggression to the left-back position. However, his right-footedness hampered his effectiveness both defensively and in attack, resulting in several missed opportunities to contribute offensively.
**Pelle Mattsson**: 6
Mattsson provided a robust presence in midfield, executing strong tackles throughout the match. However, a lack of ball control led to Philogene's goal, underscoring how fine margins can dictate the outcome of derby encounters.
**Kenny McLean**: 5
The City captain, battling a back injury, struggled to make a significant impact. While his leadership qualities were evident, his performance was hindered by limited mobility and a series of uncharacteristic passing errors. A break may be necessary for him as he prepares to join the Scotland squad.
**Ante Crnac**: 5
Manager David Manning’s continued trust in Crnac has yet to yield the desired results. Although he displayed some defensive awareness, his creativity in the final third was lacking. A missed opportunity when well-placed accentuated his ongoing struggles.
**Mirko Topic**: 5
Deploying Topic in a more advanced role raised eyebrows among fans. While his defensive instincts proved useful in pressing Ipswich, he failed to make a noticeable contribution to the attack, an essential aspect for a player in his position.
**Oscar Schwartau**: 7
In a rare highlight for Norwich, Schwartau netted his first goal of the season, a moment of personal significance for him. His performance indicated a potential upturn in form after a shaky start, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the overall disappointment.
**Josh Sargent**: 4
Sargent’s form continues to be a concern, with only 31 touches throughout the match, the lowest of any player on the pitch. His uninspired attempts on goal and poor decision-making raised questions about his confidence and ability to impact games.
### Substitutes
**Matej Jurasek (on for Schwartau, 63)**: 5
Jurasek displayed intent upon his introduction but struggled to make a meaningful impact as the team appeared fatigued and lacking in options.
**Jovon Makama (on for Topic, 75)**: 5
Makama's involvement was minimal, and his introduction coincided with Ipswich’s third goal, leaving him with little opportunity to influence the match.
**Lucien Mahovo (on for Fisher, 75)**: 5
Brought on in pursuit of an equaliser, Mahovo found himself predominantly defending as Norwich struggled to contain Ipswich’s attacking threats.
Norwich City now has a fortnight to regroup before facing Bristol City at Carrow Road. Substantial improvements will be essential for the Canaries to re-establish themselves as contenders in the Championship.