With three games of their season remaining, Norwich are deep in the relegation mire.
They are currently second from bottom, one point behind Sunderland in 18th and two behind Newcastle who sit in the coveted safety of 17th.
On Saturday evening, they lost 1-0 to Arsenal at the Emirates. Norwich were competitive throughout the game with Wes Hoolahan being one of their best players.
Arsenal took the lead through Danny Welbeck around the hour mark. Shortly after, Hoolahan was replaced by striker Dieumerci Mbokani.
It was a move which impressed neither Hoolahan or the Norwich fans.
The midfielder shook his head as his number was raised on the fourth official's board.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Norwich manager Alex Neil said Hoolahan was starting to look fatigued. This, coupled with a desire to take a more direct approach, led to the decision that Hoolahan should be replaced by the more physical Mbokani.
We needed to go more direct into the front players. Wes Hoolahan played really well but he was beginning to tire.
I thought the presence of Mbokani and Jerome - with one going up to challenge with the other going in behind - would cause them problems and it did.
This was the reaction of Norwich fans on Twitter.
Hoolahan substituted... #ncfc pic.twitter.com/httUfHCQxG
— The Norfolk Sonic 💛💚 (@Ginger_Canary) April 30, 2016
So he takes off Hoolahan, the only Norwich player to show any composure and skill in possession #ncfc
— NorwichFootballBlog (@NorwichFootbal1) April 30, 2016
Hoolahan off? Is that some sort of joke?
— Lee Todd (@LeeTodd76) April 30, 2016
Hoolahan off? Is that some sort of joke?
— Lee Todd (@LeeTodd76) April 30, 2016
And he wonders why the fans moan. Poor choice. #hoolahan #ncfc
— Norwich Curry Club (@NorwichCurry) April 30, 2016
And he wonders why the fans moan. Poor choice. #hoolahan #ncfc
— Norwich Curry Club (@NorwichCurry) April 30, 2016
Bringing Hoolahan off there was a big error. Something AN has done too many times this season.
— Nick H (@nick_ncfc) April 30, 2016
What???? Are you insane AN? Jerome has done nothing. #Hoolahan #shocking
— Contrary Canary (@IntheGutter) April 30, 2016
Why are we taking off our best player? #ncfc #hoolahan
— John Cushing (@JohnCushing_) April 30, 2016
What a fucking joke taking hoolahan off. Absolutely clueless!!!!! #ncfc
— Matt Harper (@mattncfc6) April 30, 2016
