
Manager Paul Lambert maintains Norwich will be out to continue their "fairytale" when they head to Arsenal on Saturday.
The Canaries have performed beyond expectations on a first return to the top flight in six seasons, staying well clear of the predicted relegation dogfight with survival guaranteed following QPR's comprehensive defeat to Chelsea last weekend.
Norwich may have suffered three successive defeats, the last being a 3-0 home rout by Luis Suarez inspired Liverpool, but Lambert insists his men can head to Emirates Stadium and play with freedom on the back of plenty of hard graft.
"It has been brilliant. The lads have been absolutely terrific for us and they have earned the right to go again," Lambert told a press conference.
"I can't fault them for what they have done and the way they have played in games. I'm proud of them."
Lambert has guided Norwich to back-to-back promotions up from League One since taking over at Carrow Road in August 2009.
He continued: "If you are talking fairytale football this is the story that has happened over the past three years, to go from the bottom of League One to sustaining it in the Premier League.
"They have got 43 points, hopefully we can get a few more, but in the cold light of day it has been incredible.
"I never really think about myself. I have always said the most important people at the club are the players and the people who come and watch.
"I get great satisfaction from that and for the backroom staff."
While Arsenal are pressing for third place in the Premier League, Lambert hopes his side will be able to enjoy their football - just as they did in a hard-earned victory at Tottenham on Easter Monday, a result which all but secured their Premier League status again.
"There are two ways you can play, you can go there and defend, and get beat anyway. Or you can go there and give it a go, you may get beat but at least you gave it a go. I'd rather go on the front foot than wait for things to happen," Lambert said on Canaries Player.
"I know we're going up against a top side that are vying for Champions League football, and the way they play the game is different from everybody else in Britain, so it's going to be one hell of a hard game.
"We always try to give the players freedom, the only difference is the pressure to pick up points to stay in the league, and that's not there anymore.
"You've got to be organised and disciplined, but at the same time you've got to try to win."
Despite all of his remarkable achievements, former Celtic midfielder Lambert knows it will take another Herculean effort for the Norfolk club to retain their status among England's elite once again in 2012/2013.
Several players, including centre-back Zak Whitbread, who is sidelined by injury, are out of contract in the summer.
As well as making decisions on any potential new deals, Lambert will also be looking to bring in fresh talent, albeit on a budget.
He said: "I know exactly what is going on with the board and they are still committed to paying off the debt.
"It was in a dangerous position a few years ago. It still has a bit of debt hanging over it, but Norwich City Football Club is now safe - I am not sure we could say that a few seasons ago."







