False Alarm. Do Not Panic...

From what was a quite diabolical performance against an already-woeful Hull side, weakened further by a first-half dismissal, one thing is sure: 'HUGHTON OUT'... is an excessive overreaction that would bring absolutely no benefit to a squad now entirely his own. Saturday was an embarrassment, a display that made a team consisting largely of championship talent look like a tough Premier League outfit - when in reality they simply shouldn't have enough to survive. Though following a few days of reflection, alarm bells need not start ringing.

Now I have often been a regular critic of Hughton's perceived negativity - however his in-game management on Saturday showed an attempt to alter the game in ways we have been crying out for since he took over last summer. Yes, his team selection and tactics to start off were questionable at very best. Starting with four central midfielders against a team like Hull gave the impression that we had come to the KC expecting to defend a regular Hull onslaught, when we should have been looking to show just what the last two years of Premier League football had put between us. Even the consideration of playing Howson wide-right was farcical, but to actually implement it - I can't even begin to contemplate how Hughton came to such a decision. For the entire first-half, we played without a right-midfielder - for Howson, naturally, kept moving to a central position. It was left up to Whittaker to cover the entire right-side.

Thankfully, Hughton recognised his mistake (or the tone of this post would have been considerably worse, for sure). On came an actual winger in Robert Snodgrass, who was visibly lacking match-fitness, and his performance suffered accordingly. Yes, this showed starting with Snodgrass would not have been plausible, but there was no excuse for not selecting Olssen - who could have filled in on the left - with Remond moving across to the right. The next clear fault, for me, was playing Fer as an attacking midfielder. Excluding one close header, Fer was largely irrelevant first-half. Seeing little of the ball and providing limited influence, it appeared obvious Fer needed to drop deeper to get on the ball more frequently, push forward with the ball, and provide a link to the attack - which is exactly what happened once Hoolahan was introduced. Fer, consequently, became much more involved. Finally, Hughton has been widely criticised for his complete refusal to play two up-front. So when Elmander came on to provide support for RVW - little could we complain.

On a very worrying note, Alexander Tettey has become a shadow of the promising deep midfielder we signed from Rennes one year ago. His performance on Saturday was, quite frankly, appalling. His passing was wayward, his touch inconsistent, and when the ball fell kindly from van Wolfswinkel's knock-down - his shooting was hopeless. It was a relief to see him leave the field, and I seriously hope he is dropped for Southampton. With Fer more effective in a deeper role, and Howson showing glimpses of quality when he was moved into the centre - I can't see Tettey retaining his place.

The concerns that we significantly lacked creativity are certainly not false. There was no cutting edge whatsoever, and had we have played for another half an hour - I still don't think we would have found a goal. Yet, there are substantial indications that things can, and will, improve. First off, is Snodgrass. Arguably our most creative player of last season, the Scot's return to fitness should coincide with a more consistent supply of chances. Secondly, once tactical mistakes were rectified, both Fer and Howson were far more effective, with the latter unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions. Add to that the return of Pilkington and the eventual introduction of Hooper, alongside the willingness of Redmond to run at the opposition and look for openings, there are plenty of reasons to remain optimistic.

Seeing the introductions of Snodgrass, Elmander and Hoolahan on Saturday was refreshing. Not only because they were all attack-minded substitutions, or because they were brought on in plenty of time to make an impact - but more for the reflection those three have on how far we've come in the past year. This time last season, Chris Martin and Steve Morison were the only used substitutes in a 1-1 draw at home to QPR. The talent now at Hughton's disposal has improved massively, which is reflected in an increased willingness to make changes, and fully utilise a squad that he now holds far more confidence in.

The new players have been brought in by the manager, and they have joined to play for the manager. These are extremely talented players, and any rush to get rid of Hughton would have a significantly adverse effect on their development as Norwich City players. Five games should be the minimum before any consideration of Hughton's future is taken. We have a strong squad here, one that will improve, and will get results. So for now, let's just let them do their job, shall we?

Crisis Control: Check.

An eagerly anticipated wait to see our new-look side take shape for the new season became something of a disappointment when only two new faces joined the familiar pool of players from last year. A starting 11 that on paper appeared underwhelming, weak, lacking of real quality was met with an obvious loss of optimism amongst us all. 5 players, all of whom you would expect to be starting games, and most key players at that, all noticeable absentees. With Fer banned and Bassong missing virtually the entirety of pre-season, we could have done without further injury problems - but Pilkington, Hooper and Snodgrass (out of nowhere) were ruled out leaving a rather threadbare squad that required the likes of Butterfield to be on the bench.

Which is why it would have been unfair to jump to any conclusions regarding Hughton, tactics, the squad and our chances this season on the back of the Everton game. A loss would have set off alarms that ultimately would have been unnecessary. If Everton were to be missing Jagielka, Pienaar, Fellaini, Mirallas and Jelavic (the equivalent losses in terms of importance to the squad) would they have been able to pull off a result? Possibly not. The fact that Hughton and the team he put out gave an extremely strong Everton side a tough contest is a testament to his management and deserves real credit. We didn't look impressive, nor did we look dangerous, but we certainly didn't deserve to lose. With hopefully more additions to come, it gives me great confidence in our squad depth and our ability to deal with considerable injury setbacks during the season ahead.

However the main talking point from the game, and rightfully so, is the frightening talent of Ross Barkley. Only thrown into the side because of an injury to Darron Gibson, the under-21 international has everything. Pace, strength, confidence and technical ability, Barkley has an abundance of potential. The best player on the pitch yesterday, I fail to understand how Tom Cleverley can be rated higher than Everton's new boy-wonder. Admittedly, Cleverley has played more games, but if Barkley can keep up performances of yesterday's standard - he'll be knocking on Hodgson's door just in time for the World Cup.

As one youngster grabbed the headlines, his England under-21 international team-mate Nathan Redmond looked a class above the rest of our midfield - and he's only 19. Quick feet, passing ability and unafraid to run at the opposition - Redmond is only going to get better. At £2.5 (possibly rising to £3.2) million, he's an absolute steal. His performance was recognised with the Man of the Match award, though I would argue Steven Whittaker deserved that accolade - just. A fantastic goal, an assist, a regular threat pushing forward from right-back and a comfortable defensive display. When we signed Whittaker a Celtic fan told me he wouldn't cut it in the Prem. Sorry mate, but you were wrong. If he can steer clear from injuries, Whittaker is a class act.

Howson, on the other hand, is one of the most frustrating footballers I've ever seen. Undoubtedly has ability, but the quality we saw against West Brom and Man City at the end of last season is far too irregular. Constantly finding himself in good positions to push forward and attack - Howson lacked the decisiveness to make anything count, and was wasteful in possession. The same goes for Hoolahan, nothing went right for Wes first half. The problem is Wes is a great option but only when he's exactly that - an option. He can't be the only player capable of playing 'in the hole' week in, week out. He needs to be used in the games he can shine in, and not those where he will just be a passenger.

Back to the positives, though, and Elliot Bennett appears to have worked on his strength over the summer. He looks far less lightweight than the Elliot Bennett of the last two years. Bradley Johnson continues to be criticised for his lack of quality on the ball, but off it he's exactly what we need in the centre of the park. Our fans are too quick to overlook what the inclusion of brute force in midfield brings to a Premiership side. More of the same for me please, Bradley. As for Russell Martin, not since Malky Mackay has a player put his body on the line for the club in such a literal sense. How many times have we been rescued from a goal line clearance, or last minute block, from our club captain? Outstanding commitment. Between him, Whittaker, and another strong performance (particularly second half) from Garrido - Hughton has a real selection dilemma in defence with the imminent return of Bassong.

Finally, the importance of 'The Wolf's' first goal in English football cannot be understated. Questions would be asked had he have gone a few games with no return, but our record signing has immediately answered them all. A fantastic header - I get the feeling that should RVW be presented with chances, he will tuck them away. Some games he may appear somewhat passive when service is restricted, but rest assured he'll be making the right movements, opening up space and getting himself into dangerous positions.

Overall, plenty of positives can be taken from yesterday's Desmond. Not much can be said for our team's quality however until we see our strongest-XI taking place. Only then would it be fair to judge. Let's hope for at very least a triple return from the five absentees in time for Hull away next weekend.