Dean Smith: We've become harder to beat but we now need to create more

Dean Smith has set his Norwich City side the target of creating more chances and becoming more of an attacking threat in their upcoming fixtures.

Dean Smith has set his Norwich City side the target of creating more chances and becoming more of an attacking threat in their upcoming fixtures.

Since Dean's arrival at Carrow Road last month, the Canaries have gone unbeaten in his three fixtures against Southampton, Wolves and Newcastle United, conceding only once from open play.

The tightness at the back is something he's pleased with, but the City boss is now looking for more from his players at the other end of the pitch.

"I've really enjoyed it so far. It's a reasonable start, we felt we've probably left some points out there if we're honest," he said at his pre-match press conference.

"Newcastle going down to ten men after ten minutes, we could have been better with the ball and we certainly felt we should have performed a lot better, which would have seen us get a victory there.

"But it's a solid start. We certainly look hard to beat, I can't remember, apart from the penalty, Newcastle having many chances. You could say the same about Wolves and the second-half performance against Southampton as well.

"The first ask to the players was to become harder to beat and we've certainly done that.

"The next step is to create more chances. We've become harder to beat and are having less big chances against us. We've defended very well as a team, not just our goalkeeper and back four. We're protecting our goalkeeper really well.

"The next side of it is being braver on the ball and in possession, and creating bigger chances."

Dean has seen the confidence in his side grow over the course of his first three matches in charge, and he believes they're starting to realise their potential.

"When I looked at the start (of my tenure) when I sat down with Stuart (Webber) and Neil (Adams), I felt that the squad was capable and I felt they were underperforming at the time.

"Performances are the thing for me which build up the confidence. They seem to be doing that now, they seem to be a more than enough confident group.

Assessing the challenge of a trip to Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday (2pm KO), Dean has already spotted changes to their intensity following the arrival of Antonio Conte.

"The way Spurs play now (under Conte) is a little different. I've looked at their physical stats over the last three or four games since he's come in and they've all risen dramatically.

"Their high speed distances, total distances, amount they're sprinting now - you can see him driving that on from the sidelines. He knows how to get teams to win.

"He won the Premier League with Chelsea, Serie A last season with Inter Milan. He's top coach and a good guy."

Dean Smith's previews ahead of Norwich City fixtures are in association with Football Manager.