The game at Carrow Road this weekend had everything you want from a team playing their best football. Resilience is the word that perfectly describes Norwich’s attitude this Saturday. The character they showed in the match makes them an ideal team to fight in the top flight. I feel sorry to ruin Bristol's party as they failed to continue their undefeated runs of games, but not complaining. For a change, Pukki did not score a goal, but it was Kenny McLean who scored twice alongside Ben Godfrey. Norwich came back twice to win the game and showed why they have been so successful this season, especially at home. Winning the game and different team members helping to snatch a win is positive for Norwich going forward.
Norwich City is leading the league table with 66 points. Leeds United are now third despite the win against Bolton as Sheffield United climbed up a position with the win against West Brom. They have equal points, but Sheffield United has a superior goal difference. Leeds United still has a game in hand and has a chance to claim the top spot with a win.It was not a perfect start for Norwich to be honest. Fans must have panicked when in-form Bristol took the lead early on in the game. The home side was uncharacteristic in conceding that early goal as Norwich almost always looked to control game straight from the start. Paterson scored the opener for visitors and instantly made an impression that Bristol are looking for a win. Norwich responded well. Buendia and Hernandez have been good for the team in leading the attack in partnership with Pukki. Norwich controlled the game looking for an equalizer, which did not come until the 35th minute. Kenny McLean scored his first goal for the Canaries where Pukki and Hernandez were heavily involved.
The score was 1-1, and that lasted just for a minute or so. Bristol scored their second to take the lead one more time. The Bristol side is oozing with confidence lately due to their superb run of form. They wanted to increase their unbeaten run in the league. No more goals were scored, and the boys in Yellow were trailing 2-1 going into the half time.Even though the scoreline was not in favour of the home side, they were playing better football in terms of dominance and possession. That paid off when they scored the equalizer ten minutes after the start of the second half with a goal from Ben Godfrey. At least, a point was secured which looked like a great deal when you put that into perspective at the top of the league table. But, fans did not have to worry about that when Kenny scored his second of the day and put Norwich on the leading seat. Hell of a strike from Kenny gave no chance to the Bristol City goalkeeper. The score was 3-2, but it was the home side looking in a hurry to score again. Norwich pressed and almost scored had it not been the crossbar. The game ended with the same scoreline and Norwich secured the crucial three points keeping the excellent run.I am personally delighted that it was Kenny who scored the winner and it was not Pukki. Having other scorers in the team will lessen the pressure on Teemu and help him share the responsibility with others. Not relying on a single striker is always good for the team in crunch matches going ahead.
Farke was super happy with the performance. He was calm and composed, as usual. He knew the importance of this game as he said :
“We spoke before the game about playing the game like a final. We knew a win would put us in a brilliant position.” Daniel Farke
The match was really like a final with the intensity attached and the character shown from the players. It was a massive win for the home side.
“It is a huge win. We needed to keep the distance between them and us and I just said to the lads now, it’s a massive win.” Daniel Farke
Norwich is now firmly placed in the league standings although Leeds has one more game to play to go past the Canaries. They will play Millwall next and are expected to win. Ipswich town is still struggling at the bottom of the table. With two losses against Norwich and Leeds, Bolton is reeling just above Ipswich with 26 points. Bristol is sitting at the playoff position, but Derby has a game in hand and could take that spot with a win.Things are shaping up nicely in the Championship, and I can draw parallels from the premier league.
Here's a highlight of the game.