Six things you might have missed from City 1-0 Charlton.

1 – No way through

Yesterday’s clean sheet was the Canaries’ seventh of 2026, and Philippe Clement’s side now has the best defensive record in the Championship this year. They have conceded only 10 goals in 15 games, for an average of 0.67 per game.

If they maintain that pace through the next seven games, they will end with fewer than 15 goals conceded, with a predicted 14.7 over a 22-game period.

It was also their second win over the Addicks this season, with both coming by a single goal. The Boxing Day game at Carrow Road represented the midway point of the season (game 23), and Norwich had only kept two clean sheets at the time.

Clement’s impact on the team’s much better defensive structure has been obvious, and it is even more astonishing given the injury issues he has had to deal with across the backline.

Under Liam Manning, the Canaries conceded 23 goals in 15 games while keeping one clean sheet. Under Clement, they have conceded the same number of goals in 24 matches, while keeping eight clean sheets. With 46 goals conceded this season, they are eighth in the Championship for goals conceded per match, averaging 1.2.

Despite playing nine more games, the Belgian has only conceded more than two goals in a game twice, the same number as Manning.

This defensive improvement should inspire optimism for the upcoming season, if they can retain the core of their defensive team intact and, more importantly, fit and available.

2 – 1-0 wins

Norwich last won 1-0 against the same opponent in a league season in 2018/19, when Daniel Farke’s team defeated Middlesbrough 1-0 at home and away.

Teemu Pukki scored the only goal at Carrow Road in September 2018, tapping in from eight yards with a small deflection. The eventual title winners then travelled to Riverside Stadium in March 2019 and won by the same scoreline, thanks to Onel Hernandez’s shot from the edge of the area.

Seven years later, they replicated the feat yesterday afternoon, with Pelle Mattsson’s thunderous strike making the difference in the Valley. Jovon Makama’s goal on the hour mark in the opposite fixture at Carrow Road had already sealed three points for Philippe Clement’s third win as Canaries manager.

It was a hard-fought victory in southeast London. Nathan Jones’ side is one of the most physical sides in the Championship, and they entered the game unbeaten in their last three games, collecting seven points as they look to secure Championship survival for another year after being promoted via the League One play-offs last season.

The Addicks had also scored in seven of their previous eight games, but they were unable to find the target on a reasonably quiet afternoon for Norwich goalkeeper Vladan Kovacevic.

3 – Super Pelle Mattsson

Mattsson finally got off the mark with his first goal in yellow and green, and he clearly relished the experience, as he revealed in his post-match press conference. The Danish midfielder is not particularly well-known for his goal-scoring exploits; this was only his eighth senior goal, with seven coming for Silkeborg since the 2022/23 season.

There are few flaws in his game. His all-action performances under Clement have drawn a lot of attention. However, he is still eager to improve in terms of goals and assists, and he is actively working on it as his game matures.

Mattsson has become a key player under Philippe Clement (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Clement was asked about Mattsson’s potential ceiling following a home win over Sheffield United a few weeks back, and his reaction demonstrated how highly he regards the midfielder.

“I hope we as a club grow fast enough that we don’t lose him along the way, and he just follows the road that we want to go,” the city manager added.

Last summer’s pursuit of his signature was protracted and difficult, with both Norwich and Silkeborg refusing to compromise on the amount. They decided to sign him after Marcelino Nunez left for East Anglian rivals Ipswich Town, having previously signed Mirko Topic.

Thankfully, Mattsson came their way in the end.

4 – Happy Birthday, Philippe.

Three points at the Valley were the ideal birthday present for Clement, who turned 52 the day after the win. He was planning a well-deserved day off with his wife to commemorate the event, and he has got lots of well wishes from Canaries fans.

Philippe Clement turned 52-years-old this weekend (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

He has yet to suffer back-to-back defeats since taking over in November, a run that has seen the former Rangers manager lead Norwich from 23rd to 10th in the Championship table. That level of transition has prompted some to draw parallels with Paul Lambert, who took over in August 2009 after being in the opposing dugout when Colchester United won 7-1 in the Fine City on opening day.

Lambert’s first consecutive league defeats occurred in his 44th and 45th games in charge, but they lasted two seasons, beginning with a home loss to Carlisle on the final day of the 2009/10 season and ending with a home loss to Watford in the first game of the 2010/11 season.

Clement’s 24th league game in the dugout occurred yesterday, so he still has a long way to go before matching that feat. However, given the backdrop of injury concerns, the Josh Sargent story, and the enormity of the task to steer the team to safety when he arrived, there is no doubt about his capacity to do so.

5 – London Calling

Norwich has earned 29 of its 54 points this season on the road, with eight victories, five draws, and seven losses. Their next away game is at the Den against Millwall, who are chasing promotion under Alex Neil. A victory there would give them a perfect record in London this season, having already defeated QPR and Charlton.

Jovon Makama scored the winner at Loftus Road in January 2026 (Photo: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd).

Norwich lost both of their capital city fixtures last season under Johannes Hoff Thorup, 3-0 at Loftus Road in December 2024 and 3-1 at the Den in April 2025, as well as a 4-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Even during David Wagner’s play-off season in 2023/24, Norwich only earned one point in London, against QPR, after losing to the Lions. They also suffered a typical League Cup defeat at Craven Cottage, but their most recent London win before this season came in the same competition against QPR, with a late goal from Jonathan Rowe.

You have to go all the way back to March 2023, still under Wagner, for their last league win in London, when the German boss guided them to a 3-2 victory.

6 – Out for revenge

The international break suspends play for over two weeks, with City’s strong contingent travelling around the world to represent their country. The scheduling of this break around the Easter weekend matchups has added stress to an already hectic season, which Clement criticised prior of the Charlton game.

When they resume action on Good Friday against Portsmouth in NR1, they will be looking to avenge last season’s 5-3 defeat. Kellen Fisher, Jose Cordoba, Kenny McLean, and Anis Ben Slimane were all in the starting XI yesterday at the Valley, along with Amankwah. Forson came off the bench in both games.

Pompey suffered a 6-1 defeat at QPR on Saturday afternoon, keeping them one point and one place above the drop zone, albeit with a game in hand, and will head to Norfolk eager for a win in their fight for survival.

Former Canary Ebou Adams is set for a Carrow Road return on Good Friday (Image: PA)

But it will not be an easy test for John Mousinho’s team, as Carrow Road has become a fortress in 2026, with only Birmingham City emerging triumphant. Norwich has won all seven of their previous home games in all competitions.

While Norwich’s chances of finishing in the top six are minimal, Clement will not allow their standards to decrease between now and the end of the season. Here’s hoping their optimism lasts throughout what looks to be a busy summer.

Read more on Straightwinfortoday.com