2 lineup mistakes Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson made vs Norwich City that resulted in the 2-1 Championship defeat at the Racecourse.
After 17 days of remaining unbeaten throughout 2026, Wrexham have finally suffered a defeat at the hands of Norwich City. Honestly, it’s difficult to digest how can a well-drilled team winning games left, right and centre against quality opponents lose to a Championship relegation fodder.
The Reds have improved their defensive game a lot in recent weeks, but at Norwich Phil Parkinson’s men lost focus within ten minutes. Still, Sam Smith’s diving header to level scores at 1-1 gave optimism about Wrexham piling up a late second half comeback. Except, the remaining 45 minutes saw the Reds play the most uninspiring football all season.
READ MORE: James McClean admits Wrexham regret in heartfelt message fans will love
READ MORE: ‘Sorry Villa’ – Wrexham fans react to Max Cleworth contract extension news
READ MORE: Wrexham captain James McClean set for instant January homecoming
Despite cutting the Canaries lead before half-time, Wrexham never showed the intensity and willingness to dictate the game. Instead, they let Norwich City drive key passes one after the other which gave a hard time to the back three and Arthur Okonkwo.
Not saying the first half was a splendid effort from Wrexham, but boss Phil Parkinson made 2 lineup mistakes that cost the home side the entire 3 points.
Phil Parkinson’s 2 lineup mistakes from 2-1 Norwich City defeat
Substituting George Dobson out instead of Ben Sheaf
Wrexham’s recent 5 consecutive win success had one major driving factor behind it. Eliminating counter attacks in their early stages itself. Often times, the Red Dragons gave away possession cheaply in dangerous areas but the holding midfielders, usually, Ben Sheaf dealt well with those counter attacking threats.
Sheaf would make a few vital interceptions or would atleast make a foul to give enough recovery time for the defenders to rush back. However, Norwich City were pinpoint precise with their passing. As a result, Sheaf was largely ineffective with pressing and winning possessions.
READ MORE: James McClean admits Wrexham regret in heartfelt message fans will love
READ MORE: ‘Sorry Villa’ – Wrexham fans react to Max Cleworth contract extension news
READ MORE: Wrexham captain James McClean set for instant January homecoming
Fairs, Phil Parkinson opted to bring Wrexham’s best midfielder of recent times, Matty James. Except, the Reds boss substituted George Dobson out who was comparatively better than Sheaf last night. Sheaf ended up playing the full 90 minutes in a game where Norwich City were constantly reaching the final third by launching 1-2 inch-perfect passing sequences.
All in all, it was a bad day at the office for Sheaf. A player can’t be expected to perform well every day, and Parkinson should have acted tactically instead of staying wishful that Sheaf will grow into the game.
Ollie Rathbone should have started over Josh Windass
Josh Windass has stood out as Wrexham’s best 2025 summer signing so far. He deserves to be among the top 3 names on the Wrexham teamsheet while fit. But does Phil Parkinson’s new 3-4-3 and 3-4-2-1 formations even suit Windass?
Simple answer, No. In a second striker role, Windass gets into more advanced areas and his primary duty becomes finishing chances from near the box. In contrast, Windass as a right winger rarely gets into any crossing opportunities and his shot taking actions fall to the floor.
READ MORE: James McClean admits Wrexham regret in heartfelt message fans will love
READ MORE: ‘Sorry Villa’ – Wrexham fans react to Max Cleworth contract extension news
READ MORE: Wrexham captain James McClean set for instant January homecoming
Ollie Rathbone does a better job as a right winger, instead. The 29 year old playmaker is good at pressing and running into opposition midfielders to support Longman which Windass doesn’t do often. Further, Rathbone links up well with Nathan Broadhead and frequently slids unmarked into the box.
Plus, how can Wrexham ignore the fact that Rathbone is flying high in red-hot form. He should be prioritized as the third attacker alongside Nathan Broadhead and Kieffer Moore/Sam Smith.
READ MORE WREXHAM NEWS HERE:
- James McClean admits Wrexham regret in heartfelt message fans will love
- ‘Sorry Villa’ – Wrexham fans react to Max Cleworth contract extension news
- Wrexham captain James McClean set for instant January homecoming
- Paul Mullin handed League One route to linkup with former Wrexham striker
- FA Cup hero makes Wrexham proud with FC 26 TOTW nomination
