Alex Neil's policy shift had the desired effect for Norwich City prior to the international break.
The Canaries' Premier League trip to Manchester City ultimately proved an exercise in frustration due to self-inflicted late errors following a bold approach unveiled by Neil.
Norwich added the defensive resolve to the mix with a maiden league clean sheet against Swansea.
Neil himself admitted the style and the manner of Norwich's victory would not live long in the memory, yet the statistics show meagre rations of possession have hardly stunted the growth of Leicester or Crystal Palace.
Wes Hoolahan's presence, however, alongside pass masters such as David Silva at the top of the assists chart in the Premier League should indicate City still retain the capacity to keep rivals guessing in the battles ahead.
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