It’s clear to see from the Burton performance on Tuesday night that we’re quite possibly still getting over the ‘reality check’ at Millwall.

The Pink Un: Andrew Crofts acknowledges the City fans after clinching the points in City's 2-1 at Sheffield United in January, 2011. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images LtdAndrew Crofts acknowledges the City fans after clinching the points in City's 2-1 at Sheffield United in January, 2011. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: Focus Images 2011)

It was bearable for me, purely because I had the pleasure of watching the least entertaining game in the past three seasons with City legends Terry Allcock and Dave Stringer. There’s no doubt that Terry would have bagged his 128th and 129th if he’d been on.

The team have taken stock and I’m alright with that. A major focus against Birmingham and Burton has been on improving the defence and shaping the team accordingly to protect them. I’m happy for Angus Gunn that he’s now had two consecutive clean sheets – this will do wonders for his confidence as he’s been left unbelievably exposed for the first few games.

It’s definitely the right move from Farke and Co, as Nelson Oliveira is more than capable of tearing opponents apart given the consistent supply into his feet. It’s now the midfield that desperately needs vast improvement. Our final pass hasn’t really been on point at all so far this campaign. On that note, Tuesday was crying out for a bit of Alex Pritchard magic, that cutting edge pass to unlock teams that will park the bus against us this season. I’m sure I’m not the only City fan eagerly awaiting his return.

Personally, I’m a massive fan of the newly-forged ‘Tim and Zimm’ partnership at the back. Both are bursting with that aura of dominance and confidence, which is exactly what you need to be first to every ball. Tim Klose has looked like a new player and it’s been very well documented that he now feels he has the Championship know-how to reach the true performance levels we all witnessed before that injury at Palace. For the record, I also think Ivo Pinto is a fantastic choice as captain; very well respected amongst his peers and does all the right stuff a skipper should do.

Regardless of this new philosophy, one thing for certain is that we shouldn’t really be losing at home all season. On paper, yet again, we have got to be one of the top five sides in the division. I’m not afraid to say I genuinely fancy us to win against anyone at Carrow Road. Much like last year, it’s about making this disjointed side of talented individuals blend and flow. I believe Farke will ensure it happens sooner rather than later.

To address the highly-debated question ‘how long do we need to be patient for?’ I’d say Christmas is sensible, but we really have got to give this team time. I’ve already had someone mention to me Farke has ‘got two games’ and for me, this is deluded. This guy definitely didn’t watch us under Peter Grant or Glenn Roeder.

Unlike previous seasons, it’s been way more than a few tweaks and amendments this summer. The club has been completely gutted out from top to bottom. I agree, a 4-0 thumping against newly-promoted Millwall is unacceptable on all levels. But a 0-0 draw against Burton this early on in the season really isn’t the result to be flapping about.

So we travel to Sheffield United today and to be completely honest, I’d bite your hand off for a point right now. A similar test to Millwall, so let’s see how far the defence has come since that embarrassing display.

Hold tight people, this rollercoaster has only just begun.

On The Ball, City!