Ian Holloway admitted that Norwich could have won by a lot more, after Queens Park Rangers were smashed 4-0 by the Canaries.
Wes Hoolahan netted a brace, with Alex Pritchard and Josh Murphy also getting on the scoresheet, but it could have been more if the hosts had showed more composure in front of goal, and Alex Smithies hadn't produced some impressive saves.
The victory over Nottingham Forest last week meant that today's result had no impact on Rangers' Championship safety and Holloway believes the trip was a step too far for his side.
"The could have beaten us by a lot more, we had one or two efforts but that was one game too much for the squad," Holloway said.
"It just proved a huge learning curve for the people we've got in that dressing room there. It was probably too much for them on the day.
"Last week was the important game because we were on a terrible, terrible run. It's not a time to blame any young lads. They've tried their best today but we were beaten by a better club and a better team.
"Unfortunately today with the injuries we've had, with the people who weren't available today it weakened us even more.
"Thank God we got the right result last weekend and now I can realise where we need to go. It's going to take us another couple of windows."
Pawel Wszolek's strike was tipped onto the crossbar by John Ruddy moments before half-time and Holloway felt if that had gone in, his side would have been lifted and found a way back into the game.
That didn't happen, however, but he was keen to reiterate that today's result, whilst disappointing, was not important compared to the work he will do over the summer.
"I didn't think my lads didn't try," he added. "But we were no way near. If we scored just before half-time where Wszolek almost scored - those things would have helped with the dressing room.
"I'm old enough to know that it's not about today, it's about pre-season and the new scouting network finding us new, different faces."
