Norwich City 1-2 Millwall: Paddy Davitt Championship points.

Paddy Davitt gives his Millwall verdict on Norwich City’s 2-1 Championship defeat on the opening day. 1. Lion tamer Alex Neil was the last person Liam Manning needed to see in the opposing dugout on his first official day of reckoning.

A summer that marked the tenth anniversary of Neil’s march to Wembley as the leader of an unstoppable green and yellow train provided another reminder of his ability to build a team that enjoys a scrap and the battle for those Championship hard yards.

Last season, Johannes Hoff Thorup learnt this the hard way. Much has changed since then, but Manning’s new look team discovered the same tenacious streak in the Lions. It’s far too early to draw any definitive conclusions about the new personnel.

However, the likes of Vladan Kovacevic and Jakov Medic will now understand what this league is likely to throw up on a regular basis, as Millwall’s muscular approach probed for weaknesses in the City backline.

Mathias Kvistgaarden was a livewire in a second-half cameo, which should bode well as Manning’s rebuild takes shape over the coming weeks and months.

The atmosphere at kickoff was electrifying. Lauren Hemp, Norfolk’s European Champion, received the perfect ovation against the backdrop of a riot of colour.

However, City delivered a subpar performance. The absence of an attacking threat in the second half exacerbated the defensive jitters.

Manning was aware of what he was getting himself into, as well as the enormity of the task at hand. There will be no shortcuts. 2. Happy Sarge Day! Josh Sargent joined Norwich City exactly four years ago, and he is still as important as ever. Given the transfer saga with Wolfsburg earlier this summer, and the overhang of the back end of the window, every Canaries fan may feel a chill.

When Norwich needed a rampaging forward in Championship circles, he consistently delivered. Following a sluggish start to the second period, Camiel Neghli rifled Millwall ahead, but it was Sargent who brought his side back level when he charged down Steven Benda’s clearance.

Manning was coy about who would wear the captain’s armband ahead of this season’s opener in the absence of Kenny McLean. Whether the Missourian received the honour or not, his leadership and influence among this group of football players is undeniable.

Prior to this game, he had 44 league goals from 98 second-tier appearances. That is an incredible return for a club that has struggled in recent years.

That is why Sargent remains a valuable commodity. However, the way he barrelled his way through the Lions’ backline on numerous occasions graphically demonstrated that no one should doubt his desire or dedication to the cause.

As Manning made clear to his star striker a few weeks ago when he mentioned that a potential Bundesliga return did not entice him, Sargent should focus on his football, and the rest will fall into place.

This was not the performance of a distracted player, nor was it indicative of what came next in his career.

City fans should enjoy the best number nine in the division at work. 3. A bit of Mirko. With a project that had been in the works for over a year, there was no time to waste in getting Mirko Topic into Manning’s Norwich starting lineup.

Not even a week after his official debut, the Serbian surpassed Marcelino Nunez and co to partner Jacob Wright in central midfield. Manning has spoken broadly this summer about the blending process that is integrated into City’s targeted recruitment.

It is not only about sourcing upgrades for the players he inherited from Thorup, but also about creating a profile of addition that can have a positive impact on those around them.

The central midfield axis is arguably the most important relationship in Manning’s setup. Players such as Jason Knight and Max Bird helped Bristol City reach the play-offs last season. The Topic-Wright pairing appears to be a critical component if he is to repeat that feat at Carrow Road.

Much has been made of the Serbian’s physical characteristics since his arrival, but there was an ease in possession and a clever use of a body swerve to drift away from Millwall markers and find space in a congested area of the park.

One driving first-half run hinted at his attacking ambition, as did a perfectly timed shovel for Ante Crnac, but it proved ineffective on this occasion. He was eventually replaced by Nunez, who received warm applause before the final quarter.

Wright was a bright spot in last season’s prolonged downturn, and his permanent move from Manchester City was hailed as an early sign of intent.

However, if Topic and Wright can quickly find the same wavelength, it may open up a new dimension in Wright’s development.

4. Bench press

Manning had the luxury of introducing headline summer signings such as Kvistgaarden and Nunez from the bench. Papa Amadou Diallo was kept in reserve for this occasion.

Compare that level of reinforcement to the most difficult periods last season, when Manning’s predecessor had no choice but to fill his bench with raw youth.

Shane Duffy & Anis Ben Slimane and Brad Hills were not in the matchday squad and appear to be part of the thinning out process that the City manager has indicated will be the focus of what remains in this summer’s trade window.

Kvistgaarden appeared to be an immediate penalty box threat with his first move to the near post to connect with a Sargent centre.

Nunez was unable to replicate the accuracy of his final-day Cardiff free kick in May, when he whipped a shot wide.

Manning then gave new Lincoln recruit Jovon Makama his debut after Langstaff had put the Lions back ahead in a late bid to level the score.

Makama is one for the future, but City’s main goal in the market has been to provide Manning’s squad with more ready-made options.

As a result, the lack of depth could not be blamed for an opening-day flop against a well-oiled Millwall, highlighting the fact that Manning’s task will not be easy to complete.

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