Norwich was clinical and registered a statement victory against the league leaders Leeds United. They now climbed on to the top of the table. It was the injury-time goal from Leeds that made the scoreline 3-1. Otherwise, it was perfect revenge for the Canaries as they were beaten 3-0 by Leeds at Carrow Road earlier this season.
With the win, Norwich now leads the table with 57 points in total. Leeds also has 57 points but are behind on goal difference. Sheffield United are third with 54 points after their 2-0 win against Bolton, who are now second from the bottom and facing relegation. Bristol City entered the playoff position in the expense of Derby City as they drew with Preston.
Leeds United was favourite going into the game as a home team. Norwich has always eyed the top spot but a couple of draws away from home did not help. Leeds United has an aggressive style of play and are capable to come back. They play physical football and have the capacity to maintain the lead. The first 25 minutes were crucial for Norwich. They played really well early on and created pressure in the counterattack against the home side.
Leeds started brightly with an early shot on goal. Five minutes into the game, Norwich took a lead with a goal from Mario Vrancic. Onel Hernandez was fouled just outside the box. It was a perfectly curled free kick taken by Vrancic which went past the goalie without any problem.
Early Norwich goal shifted the momentum and Leeds tried hard to score an equalizer. They pushed for a goal and created some chances. Krull made a couple of crucial saves to deny Leeds.
Norwich defended and pounced on any counter-attack opportunities. It was Norwich who scored the second goal of the game in the 35th minute. Teemu Pukki scored his 18th Championship goal to make it 2-0 for the away team. The prolific goalscorer was at right place at the right time to tap in the deflected shot from the goal scorer Vrancic.
Just before the half-time, Leeds scored a goal which was denied by the referee. The game ended 2-0 in the half-time.
After the half-time, Leeds substituted two players on the field looking for the equalizer. Norwich defended really well. This season, the Norwich defence is vulnerable playing away from home but they performed really well today. Norwich had the quality and speed to counterattack and trouble Leeds. Leeds claimed a penalty which was denied by the referee. Instead, he awarded a foul in favour of Norwich at around an hour mark.
Vrancic scored his second and Norwich's third goal of the game in the 78th minute. The win was there to grab for Norwich but Leeds scored their solitary goal of the game right at the end with Bamford's header. They denied Norwich their clean sheet. The game ended 3-1 and catapulted Norwich at the top of the table with superior goal difference. Thanks to those three goals scored today.
Daniel Farke was happy with the performance. He praised the team's composure and confidence to maintain the lead against a very good Leeds side.
“We knew we wanted to win this game and that showed on the pitch. We spoke about the details at half time to be even better but there was no doubt we deserved to be in the lead 2-0 at half time.” DF
Players and the manager praised the travelling fans as well who were in full voice in witnessing the win away from home.
“It is important for the confidence to be able to perform at this level in such a game. Our support today was magnificent, you could always hear our supporters sing.” DF
Mario Vrancic was the Man Of the Match for his two goals. Norwich will play the struggling neighbours Ipswich next whereas Leeds will travel to Middlesbrough.
Elsewhere, Middlesborough beat West Brom 3-2, Bristol beat Swansea 2-0, Derby drew with Preston 0-0 and Ipswich lost against Sheff Weds 1-0. West Brom and Middlesborough are vying for the playoff spot. For Ipswich, it is almost certain that they are out of the league now with 18 points from 30 games. Paul Lambert who succeeded with Norwich in the past is not doing so well with Ipswich.
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