Norwich City have enjoyed an impressive start to life back in the Premier League and are the highest-placed side of the three clubs promoted from the Championship.
In just two seasons, Paul Lambert has taken the Norfolk-based side from League One to the dizzy heights of mid-table in the Premier League. Here, Sports Mole will examine the Canaries start to the season.
August
In preparation for their return to the Premier League, Norwich City were busy throughout the transfer window as they signed Anthony Pilkington, Steve Morison, Bradley Johnson and Elliot Bennett among others.
Lambert's policy of mainly signing players from the Championship was criticised, but these players quickly became an integral part of Norwich's early success.
The Canaries started the campaign in solid fashion, drawing 1-1 with both Stoke City and Wigan Athletic in their opening two games of the season before suffering their first defeat since their return, losing 3-1 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
August also included a cup exit, as Lambert's much-changed side were embarassed by MK Dons in the second round of the Carling Cup with a 4-0 home loss.
September
Norwich began September with a disappointing 1-0 loss to West Brom at Carrow Road before claiming their first away success of the season at Bolton as new signings Pilkington and Johnson both scored in a 2-1 win.
The East Anglian side ended the month well too, beating Sunderland 2-1 at home after coming under severe pressure from the Black Cats late on.
October
Despite a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United at the start of the month, Lambert's side won many fans for their impressive performance at Old Trafford and may have fared better had they taken some early chances.
Swansea City were Norwich's next opponents and the Welsh side were brushed aside comfortably in a 3-1 win. Grant Holt then shocked Anfield with a second-half equaliser as Lambert's men claimed a point against Liverpool
Norwich finished the month by earning a 3-3 draw with Blackburn after a late Holt penalty.
November
City began November with two losses agaisnt Aston Villa and an in-form Arsenal side before improving to record a 2-1 home victory against fellow promoted team Queen Park Rangers.
Holt and Morison netted three goals between them in November as Lambert began to start the forwards together.
December
Norwich once again started a month in a disappointing way as they were thrashed 5-1 by League leaders Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Lambert's side then recorded an impressive 4-2 victory against high-flying Newcastle United before draws with Everton and Wolves. Norwich were then second best to an impressive Tottenham side at Carrow Road as Gareth Bale scored both goals in a 2-0 defeat.
Callum Mulvihill
