Norwich City: Shane Duffy analysis from Swansea City draw

It could be assumed from the failure to convert a 2-1 lead to three points against mid-table Swansea that Norwich City's defence had failed to do their job on Saturday afternoon, but in the most part that's far from the truth.

Through significant periods of pressure and a tense Carrow Road atmosphere, Shane Duffy and Ben Gibson held firm and did almost everything they could have to keep it tight at the back.

There were faults of course, with Duffy's excessive faith in both goalkeeper Angus Gunn and the weakness of Jamie Paterson's left foot allowing the Swansea winger to open the scoring.

A harsh critic might also highlight the slowness to react as Josh Cullen's strike deflected into Ronald Pereira's path before Gunn conceded a penalty, but overall the duo impressed.

The most impressive of them was the Irishman, who in traditional fashion thrived on every opportunity to block, tackle, kick, head or clear the ball away.

Duffy was a significant physical presence once more (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

He won eight aerial duels throughout the afternoon, matched only by the athletic Sam McCallum, and denying Swansea attackers room whenever they appeared close to finding it. He slipped up for Paterson's goal, but won out in a very similar situation just minutes earlier.

That brand of defending suits Norwich perfectly at present, with the ability of the backline to relieve pressure a vital cog of David Wagner's promotion push machine.

Duffy's brand of attacking is also essential when considering the prevalence of set-piece goals in their campaign. Almost invariably he's the target for corners and free-kicks, and that was the case as Luke Williams' side made the trip across to Norfolk.

The 32-year-old had five shots at goal during the game, two of which required goal-line interventions to deny him important goals.

The quality of his finishing needs improvement if he's to make the most of that aerial ability at the offensive end. There is a feeling that one goal is a slight contribution in comparison to his involvement, and amid the pressure of tight play-off fixtures now could be a good time to address that.

But in every other facet he's the best man for City's underdog strategy as they bid to sneak back into the Premier League. The court of public opinion has certainly turned that way, despite the return to fitness of club captain Grant Hanley.

"We look a different level when Gibson and Duffy play," said one fan in response to a Pink Un X post asking whether Hanley should start in the season end game. "Why would we," added another.

From the general ambivalence that greeted Duffy's signing last summer, he's clearly come a long way. Given the consistency of his performances, that's no surprise.

In that sense Wagner and the supporters can agree, his faith in his old-school centre-back undoubtable from his team selections.

Barring any fitness issues that faith will likely take him into a play-off semi-final, and Wembley beyond that. He'll be delighted with his own personal turnaround in the short term, having looked shaky when replacing Jacob Sorensen at Leicester on Easter Monday.

But the Dane is back, Hanley is available and Danny Batth remains a deputy that Wagner has praised thoroughly and none of them can displace Duffy as crunch time begins.

That's a testament to the performances he's produced in recent weeks, including this Swansea display, but he'll know he needs to stay on his guard for however long the season continues.

Verdict: Another solid performance from a man who's become a reliable part of Wagner's idiosyncratic system. Unfortunate not to score at least one of his two good chances. Will take something miraculous to deny him a starting berth in the play-offs now.

Rating: 8 out of 10