Why Norwich City must attack the derby against Ipswich Town

There was a feeling that Norwich were too submissive against a side that had suffered four defeats in six and lost their last two home games, irrespective of their quality on the pitch. 

That lack of willingness to attack and implement their game plan onto Leicester was baffling, especially with the quality within their attacking ranks and the form of players like Josh Sargent, Gabriel Sara, Borja Sainz and Co. 

It was compliant. It was timid. And it wasn't the first time Norwich have set up in that fashion away from home. In fact, it's something they have done at regular intervals this season, even in some of their best results on the road. 

They have even done it at points at Carrow Road. See Southampton for the most extreme example. See, even, their 1-0 victory against QPR back in November. 

But one thing is for sure - they absolutely cannot do it when Ipswich Town come to Carrow Road this afternoon. 

As David Wagner himself has said, derby matches are conditions that overthrow conventions like league tables, formbooks and statistics. They are about moments finished by individuals but created by a team. 

That submission and caution-first approach that was unshakeable in their performance at the King Power Stadium has to be locked in a crate and left well alone ahead of this one. 

What has made this run of Carrow Road form so enjoyable is the way it's been achieved. Front-footed, high-intensity, attack-first football - that is what Wagner promised upon his appointment as City boss in January 2023. Over the large period, it has been visible. 

Irrespective of opponents, that has to be the case again here. If Norwich sit in and hope to soak pressure, they will get beaten. It has to be about implementing what they do with the quality they possess. 

That doesn't mean there won't be periods when defending compactly and frustrating Ipswich won't be necessary - but that cannot be the key component of their master plan. 

With players like Sargent, who has scored in nine successive matches at home, with Sainz, who has grown into the campaign, with Sara, one of the league's best creators, it should be about how they can hurt Ipswich. And they undoubtedly can. 

Despite Ipswich's brilliance this season, they have shipped goals. Leif Davis' attacking quality is something to suppress, but there is opportunity behind him if they can turn the ball over quickly. 

Norwich City's approach in the defeat to Leicester City was questioned. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Attacking the game doesn't mean going gung-ho or throwing caution to the wind. Nor does it mean needing to wrestle major control of possession - but it's about intent. Too often when cast in the role of underdogs this season, Norwich have let it define them rather than challenge that label. 

That was the case at Leicester. It cannot be the case here. Above all else, there will be a Carrow Road crowd expecting a more ambitious approach to proceedings. 

It means asking questions. It means taking risks. It means playing with proactivity. Those are the qualities that have been visible during this remarkable stretch of form at Carrow Road. 

It is also why Leicester was an unwelcome regression in their cycle under Wagner. It felt like a game from late 2023 rather than April 2024. 

Unleash Sargent. Unleash Sainz. Unleash Sara. That is the route to a derby day victory. 

The psychological benefit that would have would be immense, especially as attention turns increasingly to how City would approach any play-off campaign should they manage to get themselves there. 

Victory would move City seven points clear of closest play-off chasing rival Coventry ahead of their game against Leeds, but more crucially, further control in the race for the top six. That is a prize worth pushing for. 

But more than that, it would be a huge injection of confidence at a crucial time in the season when everything is coming closer into view. That quality, now, is more important than ever. 

It's not just about on the pitch but also off it. It would add another layer to the growing confidence that supporters have allowed to creep in in recent weeks. 

Jon Rowe was the headline-grabber in the 2-2 draw back in December. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

This is going to be a tough derby. Ipswich have been unstoppable in their pursuit of the Premier League. Kieran McKenna has done a remarkable job, and they will be looking for a win at Carrow Road as the latest milestone on their surge up the pyramid. 

But Norwich can stop them. The mentality has been right. The balance of emotions. The decision-making. It will be tense, most probably tight, and he who laughs last laughs longest. 

What has changed in recent weeks, for the better, is that Norwich have chased games even when winning. They've smelt blood and gone for the jugular instead of protecting what they have. That breeds confidence. 

Despite an Easter Monday that disappointed, Norwich have the chance to make it a distant memory if they attack it in the right way. That all starts between the ears.