Norwich City manager Philippe Clement admitted that starting 28‑year‑old Sam Field against Millwall was a mistake after a 3‑0 defeat. The decision was made after Field’s strong 2‑1 win at The Den in April, where he completed 44 of 49 passes and made 59 touches.

Field’s April performance

In the April match, Field was a reliable cog in the midfield. He completed 44 of 49 passes, had 59 touches and registered five defensive contributions over a full 90 minutes. His aerial duels were two wins from five contests, and he blocked a shot, showing he could compete across phases.

Saturday’s struggle

Four months later, Field’s numbers fell sharply. In the 3‑0 loss, he recorded only 36 touches and 20 accurate passes, a stark contrast to the 44‑pass performance in April. He was in firefighting mode, unable to establish a passing rhythm, and his defensive work was limited. The match saw Norwich already two goals down when Pelle Mattsson was introduced at the hour.

Mattsson’s impact

Mattsson, who replaced Field, produced 25 touches and 15 accurate passes in 30 minutes. He created one chance and delivered two passes into the final third, matching Field’s output in the same time span. Mattsson won two ground duels and made two recoveries, maintaining a defensive balance while adding a touch of mobility.

Managerial reflection

Clement admitted that the selection was based on Field’s previous success at The Den and his height, which should have helped against Millwall’s aerial threat. However, the plan did not translate into control. The intense pressing and structure from Millwall overwhelmed Norwich’s midfield, forcing the team to play more direct football.

Future implications

The match suggests that Clement may revert to the McLean‑Mattsson pairing that helped Norwich’s surge up the Championship table. It also signals that Jacob Wright could be pushed closer to the top of the pecking order. Field’s loan move may still become permanent, but the 3‑0 defeat shows he may not thrive in the current midfield setup.

Verdict

Field was selected for understandable reasons-previous success, added height and the expected physical test posed by Millwall. Yet the plan failed to establish a passing rhythm or control, leaving Norwich’s midfield overwhelmed by Millwall’s intensity.