Six key moments you may have overlooked from City’s final loss at Hull

Following Norwich City’s defeat to Hull on the final day of the Championship season, there were several underlying themes and details that may not have been immediately obvious. A closer look at the match and the broader campaign reveals a mix of positives, concerns, and intriguing statistics that help explain where the team stands heading into the future.

1 – Frustration in the final third

This encounter provided yet another example of Norwich’s struggles in attacking areas, something that has been evident throughout the season. Despite dominating possession and territory, they once again failed to translate that control into clear scoring opportunities.

The Canaries enjoyed 65 percent of the ball, registered 12 attempts at goal, and managed nine efforts from inside the penalty area. They also completed 214 passes in Hull’s half, recorded 26 touches in the opposition box, made 61 entries into the final third, and maintained a pass completion rate of 74 percent in that area.

However, these impressive numbers did not translate into cutting-edge effectiveness. In the second half, Norwich failed to produce a single shot on target, highlighting their lack of sharpness in decisive moments. Anis Ben Slimane was involved frequently in dangerous areas, registering six touches inside the box, yet on multiple occasions he was unable to get his shot away cleanly.

The team also created 17 entries into Hull’s penalty area, most of which came down the left flank. Still, the final ball or finishing touch was consistently lacking. Paris Maghoma was responsible for creating four chances, but the right side of Norwich’s attack failed to contribute meaningfully.

A comparison of shooting patterns further underlined the issue. Norwich attempted more shots overall, but from an average distance of 15.59 metres. Hull, in contrast, created fewer chances but took them from closer range, increasing their likelihood of scoring.

Aside from the immediate areas around the penalty boxes and Norwich’s right defensive side, the visitors controlled most aspects of the game. Yet their inability to convert that dominance into goals reinforces the need for reinforcements in attacking positions ahead of next season.

2 – Strong performances away from home

Despite the disappointment of this result, Norwich’s away form across the campaign has been one of their strengths. They finished fifth in the Championship’s away table, winning 10 of their 23 matches on the road.

Only Coventry and Millwall recorded more away victories, with 11 each. This marks Norwich’s best away campaign in two decades, surpassed only by a handful of seasons in which they ultimately achieved promotion.

Since the arrival of Philippe Clement, the team has been particularly effective away from home. Only Hull, Southampton, and Millwall collected more points on their travels during that period. Norwich matched the highest number of away wins in that timeframe and ranked among the top sides for both goals scored and goals conceded.

Clement’s ambition to build a team capable of performing consistently regardless of venue appears to have been realised. However, an interesting quirk emerged regarding their choice of kit.

The green away strip worn in this fixture failed to deliver a single Championship victory across three outings. Norwich lost all three matches in that kit, conceding nine goals while scoring just three. Their only success in that strip came in a Carabao Cup tie earlier in the season.

By contrast, their third kit proved far more effective. Worn in three matches, it produced a 67 percent win rate, including emphatic victories over West Brom and Oxford United. While seemingly trivial, such patterns add an intriguing layer to their overall performance profile.

3 – Statistical quirks and trends

With the season now concluded, it is worth examining some of the more unusual statistics that defined Norwich’s campaign.

For the first time since the 2005/06 season, the club went through an entire league campaign without recording a single goalless draw. This suggests a team that consistently produced action, whether in attack or defence.

Defensively, they managed just nine clean sheets, ranking near the bottom of the division. Historically, only a handful of seasons outside the top flight have seen them record fewer shutouts.

In terms of aerial play, Norwich were not particularly prolific. They scored only six headed goals, among the lowest totals in the league, though they also conceded relatively few from such situations.

Other metrics paint a picture of a team that was competitive but inconsistent. They ranked joint-seventh for offsides, hit the woodwork 13 times, and maintained a shot conversion rate that placed them within the top eight.

Philippe Clement has done a marvellous job since he took over at Norwich City. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Defensively and physically, they were among the more active sides. Only three teams recorded more successful challenges, and their number of recoveries ranked among the highest. Their ground duel success rate was also impressive, although they struggled more in aerial contests.

Set-piece performance offered a mixed picture. Norwich conceded the fewest goals from dead-ball situations but were less effective in scoring from them. Improving in this area will likely be a focus moving forward.

4 – Clement’s transformative impact

Since taking charge, Philippe Clement has had a profound effect on Norwich City. If the season had begun on the date of his appointment, the team would have finished fifth in the table.

Only the top four sides accumulated more points during his tenure, and only a select few recorded more victories. Norwich’s improvement is further highlighted by their goal difference and defensive record under his management.

Clement has averaged 1.82 points per game, a figure that would equate to 84 points over a full season—enough to secure automatic promotion in many cases.

Even more impressive has been their form in 2026. From the start of the year, Norwich collected 44 points from 22 matches, second only to Southampton. Maintaining that level over an entire campaign would yield a points total in the 90s.

These achievements are particularly notable given the circumstances he inherited. The team was struggling near the bottom of the table, dealing with injuries and poor form. His ability to turn things around has generated optimism for the future.

Mo Toure netted his 10th Championship goal of the season for Norwich City at Hull. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

5 – The emergence of Mohamed Toure

One of the standout stories of Norwich’s season has been the emergence of Mohamed Toure. The striker continued his impressive run by scoring again in this match, bringing his total to 10 Championship goals.

Remarkably, he reached that milestone in just 12 appearances, making him the fastest player to do so for the club in decades. Since his debut, he has been directly involved in more goals than any other player in the division.

His efficiency in front of goal has been exceptional. Averaging a goal every 66 minutes, he has converted a high percentage of his chances. His expected goals figure suggests he has outperformed expectations, highlighting his clinical finishing.

Most of his goals have come from central positions inside the box, reflecting both his movement and the system that places him in dangerous areas. There is also room for further development in his game, suggesting even greater potential moving forward.

Moving on – there is real excitement building ahead of Norwich City’s 2026/27 campaign. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

6 – Looking ahead to next season

Attention will now turn to the upcoming campaign, with Norwich supporters already anticipating the new season. There is a sense of excitement about what could be achieved under Clement’s guidance.

While some data suggests a slight dip in performance during a manager’s second season, context is crucial. Even a modest decline in points per game would still leave Norwich in a strong position to challenge for the play-offs.

The Championship is likely to remain highly competitive, with several strong teams expected to contend for promotion. This will make the task more difficult, but Norwich’s focus will be on their own development.

Unlike previous summers, this transfer window may be more about refinement than wholesale changes. Strengthening key areas, improving squad depth, and addressing injury concerns will be priorities.

With a full pre-season under Clement and a clearer structure in place, Norwich appear well-positioned to build on the progress made. The sense is that the club has been revitalised, and there is genuine belief that the next campaign could bring even greater success.

A £20m Birmingham City transfer claim has been made as Leeds United show interest — “It’s just not going to happen”

Birmingham City’s first campaign back in the EFL Championship has not quite lived up to the high expectations that surrounded the club at the start of the season. Both internally and externally, there was a belief that the Blues could mount a serious push for promotion, but their performances have ultimately fallen short of that target.

Although they have not managed to secure a place in the play-offs, the season has not been without value. Instead, it is being viewed as a stepping stone—a necessary phase in the club’s longer-term plan to return to the Premier League. The aim now is to use this experience as a platform for improvement and to come back stronger next season, even if that timeline is slightly behind what owner Tom Wagner may have initially envisioned.

Securing Solis becomes a key priority

One of the most important objectives for Birmingham heading into the summer transfer window will be ensuring that Jhon Solis remains at St Andrew’s on a permanent basis. The Colombian midfielder joined the club from Girona FC during the January transfer window on a loan-to-buy agreement valued at £6.9 million.

Under the terms of that deal, the purchase would have been automatically triggered had Birmingham achieved promotion this season. However, despite falling short of that goal, there is still strong belief that the club will push ahead with making the move permanent.

Solis has made a significant impression since arriving, and his performances have convinced many observers that he could play a crucial role in the team’s future. Reports suggest that Birmingham are already in discussions with the City Football Group regarding a permanent transfer, indicating that negotiations are progressing positively.

Premier League interest could complicate matters

While Birmingham appear keen to retain Solis, they may face stiff competition from top-flight clubs. Both Leeds United and Brentford FC have reportedly shown interest in bringing the midfielder to the Premier League.

Such attention is hardly surprising given Solis’ performances and potential. At just 21 years old, he represents a player with significant upside, and clubs at a higher level are naturally drawn to emerging talents who could develop into key assets.

However, this interest introduces a potential obstacle for Birmingham. Competing financially with Premier League sides is always a challenge, and the club will need to act decisively if they are to secure Solis’ long-term future.

Confidence remains high among Birmingham supporters

Despite the looming interest from elsewhere, there is optimism among Birmingham supporters that Solis will remain at the club. One such voice is fan pundit Jason Moore, who believes that the midfielder is more likely to stay than leave.

Moore has suggested that if Birmingham did not already have an agreement in place, Solis would almost certainly be heading straight to the Premier League. However, the existence of the current arrangement gives the Blues a significant advantage.

In his view, it would take an extraordinary offer to prise Solis away. He indicated that unless a club were willing to make a bid in the region of £50 million, Birmingham would have no intention of selling. Even a figure closer to £20 million, while substantial, might not be enough to change the club’s stance.

This confidence reflects a broader belief that Birmingham are in a strong negotiating position and can dictate the terms of any potential deal.

Realistic expectations around transfer fees

While Moore’s comments highlight the club’s ambition, the reality of the transfer market suggests that such high valuations may not be met. Although Premier League clubs have greater financial resources, spending large sums on players from the Championship still carries a degree of risk.

As a result, it seems unlikely that many top-flight sides would be willing to commit to a £20 million deal for a player who has yet to prove himself at that level. This could ultimately work in Birmingham’s favour, reducing the likelihood of a serious competing offer.

If the Blues can finalize their agreement with Girona, they may be able to secure Solis’ services without facing overwhelming competition, which would represent a significant boost ahead of next season.

Solis’ influence extends beyond statistics

Solis’ impact at Birmingham cannot be measured solely through goals and assists. While he did score his first goal for the club in a victory over Bristol City FC during the final home game of the season, his contributions go far beyond the scoresheet.

In fact, that goal was only the second of his professional career, underlining that his primary role is not as a goal scorer. Instead, he operates as a powerful presence in midfield, providing stability, energy, and control.

His ability to influence games from deeper positions has been evident throughout his loan spell. He has helped to dictate the tempo, break up opposition play, and support both defensive and attacking transitions.

A crucial piece in Birmingham’s promotion ambitions

Looking ahead, Solis could play a pivotal role in Birmingham’s efforts to secure promotion next season. While the team’s inconsistency ultimately cost them a place in the play-offs this year, his presence in midfield has been a key factor in their overall competitiveness.

There is a strong argument that without Solis, Birmingham might have finished much lower in the table. His performances have helped elevate the team from a potential bottom-half side to one capable of challenging in the upper half.

As the club prepares for another push towards promotion, retaining players of his calibre will be essential. Building a squad around a solid midfield foundation could provide the stability needed to sustain a successful campaign.

Balancing ambition with long-term planning

For Birmingham, the decision to pursue Solis permanently is about more than just one player. It reflects a broader commitment to building a team capable of competing at a higher level.

At the same time, the club must balance this ambition with practical considerations. Ensuring financial sustainability while investing in key areas will be crucial to long-term success.

Solis represents the type of signing that can bridge that gap—a young player with potential who can contribute immediately while also increasing in value over time.

The player’s future remains a key storyline

As the summer transfer window approaches, Solis’ future is likely to remain a central topic of discussion. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and interest from Premier League clubs will continue to generate speculation.

However, the current indications suggest that Birmingham are well positioned to retain him. If they can successfully complete the deal, it would provide a major boost to their promotion hopes and send a strong message about their intentions.

For Solis himself, the decision will also be significant. While the allure of Premier League football is undeniable, staying at Birmingham could offer him the opportunity to play a central role in a promotion campaign, further developing his game in the process.

A defining summer ahead for Birmingham

Ultimately, this summer represents a crucial period for Birmingham City. The decisions made in the transfer market will shape the trajectory of the club and determine whether they can achieve their goal of returning to the Premier League.

Securing Jhon Solis on a permanent basis would be a major step in the right direction. His presence could provide the foundation for a stronger, more consistent team capable of competing at the top end of the Championship.

If Birmingham can combine that with additional reinforcements and improved performances, they may well find themselves in a much stronger position next season. For now, all attention remains on whether they can complete what would be one of their most important signings in recent years.