Norwich City's 1-2 defeat by West Brom was a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for Philippe Clement and his team. The Belgian manager, who inherited a squad that was 'listing alarmingly' when he arrived, has set his sights on a '60-game' campaign, but the road to the Premier League is fraught with obstacles. The defeat was a result of a controversial opening goal, a handball that should have been reviewed by VAR, and a subsequent loss of dominance in the game. Clement's decision to avoid a public confrontation with the referee and his assistants, and his focus on the players' fitness and selection, are strategic moves that could pay off in the long run. However, the team's lack of depth and the competition from promotion rivals could be a significant hurdle. The article also touches on the departure of Matej Jurasek, who was a loan signing from Sparta Prague, and the potential for further exits to create the financial space for new signings. The focus now shifts to the upcoming League Cup game in Cardiff, where Clement will have the opportunity to give players like Ante Crnac and Papa Amadou Diallo a start and assess their form. The article concludes with a reflection on the team's progress and the challenges that lie ahead, leaving readers with a sense of optimism and trepidation for the season ahead.
