Not only that, this system suited Hoolahan, easily the most creative player in Norwich's ranks. The Irishman could use his touch and vision to link up with Grant Holt, who built up a good understanding with his bright team-mate. A healthy portion of Holt's 17 goals could be traced back to Hoolahan's input.
Yet the midfielder has found it difficult this season to tie down a place in a central midfield dominated by Jonny Howson and Bradley Johnson. These boys, what's more, have proved the strongest part of the side, making it difficult for Hughton to squeeze in Hoolahan.
Yet he managed it at Chelsea after tweaking his system to see Hoolahan shine behind lone striker Holt. And I wouldn't mind betting that Hughton goes the same way on Saturday when a similar challenge awaits Norwich. Arsenal might be the away side, but, just like Chelsea, they can destroy you in midfield with their superb technicians.
That's why Hughton might shy away from playing two strikers, no matter how negative it sounds to frustrated fans. Instead, he could bank on Hoolahan to use his intelligence to drop on to Mikel Arteta at the base of Arsenal's midfield to try to prevent the Spaniard from getting the visitors moving.
And when Norwich win the ball, Hoolahan's job is to find space between the lines to offer Holt service and support (see graphic). Against a team like Arsenal, this is a really testing role since there will be long spells in the game when you don't have the ball, when you'll be chasing about without much reward.
Yet Hoolahan must somehow find the energy to stay switched on for those occasions when his team win possession. And if the playmaker manages to find room in a decent area, his clever left foot is more than capable of finding a centre-forward who seems to be finding some of last season's form.
Having found the net against Liverpool and Chelsea, Holt might fancy his chances of making it a hat-trick given the slightest encouragement from Thomas Vermaelen and Co.
That said, anything from today must be regarded as a bonus. Forthcoming matches against Aston Villa, Stoke and Reading will be earmarked by Hughton as much more important. No wins after that little run and Norwich really are struggling.
Second-season syndrome or not, the gap at the bottom, even at this early stage, could become too great.
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