Norwich City’s Season Is Already in Trouble — But Is It Too Early to Panic?

Norwich City’s 2026/27 Championship campaign has begun in a manner that few supporters would have wanted. After two league matches, the Canaries are still searching for their first point, and the early results have immediately raised questions about the team’s ambitions, Philippe Clement’s methods and whether Norwich can genuinely challenge near the top of the table this season.

The opening fixtures were never going to be straightforward. Norwich began their Championship campaign at home against West Bromwich Albion on August 15 before travelling to The Den to face Millwall a week later. Those were two demanding fixtures, but the manner of the defeats has made the situation more concerning. Norwich lost 2-1 to West Brom at Carrow Road before suffering a much heavier 3-0 defeat against Millwall.

Two games do not define a 46-match Championship season, but they can expose problems that need addressing quickly.

A difficult opening has exposed Norwich’s weaknesses

Against West Brom, Norwich were involved in a controversial contest after Aune Heggebo scored a goal for the visitors with the ball striking his hand. The goal was allowed to stand, and West Brom eventually won 2-1. The incident later resulted in Heggebo receiving a two-match suspension for deceiving a match official, reigniting the debate over the absence of VAR in the Championship.

For Norwich, however, the bigger concern is that the controversial decision cannot completely explain the defeat. A promotion-chasing side needs to find ways to collect points even when decisions go against it.

The trip to Millwall provided an even bigger warning. Norwich were beaten 3-0, a result that highlighted the gap between expectation and performance. Instead of looking like a team immediately ready to fight for promotion, the Canaries appeared vulnerable and short of the consistency required in one of England’s most competitive divisions.

Clement faces an early test

Philippe Clement arrived at Norwich with the expectation that he could help turn the club into a more competitive Championship side. Last season ended with Norwich finishing ninth, leaving them just outside the play-off positions and creating optimism that another year under Clement could bring greater progress.

That optimism is now being tested.

Clement’s managerial challenge is not simply about improving results. He must make Norwich more difficult to beat, improve their defensive organisation and ensure the team responds positively when matches become difficult.

The manager has also found himself involved in the growing VAR debate after the controversial West Brom defeat. While the frustration is understandable, Norwich supporters will ultimately judge Clement on what happens on the pitch. The team’s performances must become the centre of attention again.

There is still plenty of time

The temptation after two defeats is to treat the situation as a crisis, but that would be premature.

The Championship is a marathon rather than a sprint. Norwich still have 44 league matches remaining, meaning there is an enormous amount of football left to play. A strong run of results can transform a club’s position remarkably quickly in this division.

Norwich also showed during pre-season that there is potential within the squad. They defeated MK Dons 4-1 in the Carabao Cup before the league campaign began, although their final pre-season match against Cambridge United ended 0-0.

The challenge is translating that potential into consistent Championship performances.

The next few weeks could change everything

Norwich’s upcoming schedule provides an opportunity to respond. After their Carabao Cup meeting with Cardiff City, they return to Championship action at home against Burnley on August 29 before travelling to Stoke City and Sheffield United in September.

Those matches will provide a much clearer indication of Norwich’s direction.

A victory against Burnley could immediately lift the atmosphere around Carrow Road. Another defeat, particularly if accompanied by another poor performance, would increase pressure on Clement and his players.

For now, Norwich City supporters have every right to be concerned, but there is no reason to write off the season after two matches.

The early results are ugly, but the campaign is still young. What matters now is how Norwich respond.

The Canaries have spent the opening weeks discovering how quickly optimism can disappear in the Championship. Their next task is to show how quickly they can bring it back.