Match Report | Norwich City 2-0 Cardiff City
Cardiff City were defeated by Norwich City on Saturday afternoon, following two first half goals at Carrow Road.
Sabri Lamouchi made three changes to the side which started against Reading last time out, including a first start for striker Connor Wickham.
Cardiff City started the stronger of the two sides, catching their opponents seemingly off guard repeatedly throughout the early moments of the match. With the hosts initially losing possession to unforced errors, City were quick to latch onto loose passes before quickly launching counterattacks.
Wickham was heavily involved in the early City chances, as he held up play well and offered himself as an option continuously for his teammates, pairing well with the likes of skipper Joe Ralls, who had also returned to the starting lineup.
Mahlon Romeo was given a good chance on the quarter hour mark, taking on a shot himself from the edge of the area, having intercepted well from a loose defensive pass. However, the effort was well gathered by Angus Gunn.
Following a shaky start to the afternoon, the hosts eventually settled into the run of play and turned it to their favour, gradually keeping more possession as time progressed.
The Canaries took the lead just past the half-hour mark following a period of increasing pressure. With time to strike from distance, Gabriel Sara placed his effort well, as the ball flew into the back of the City net as it evaded Ryan Allsop’s grasp.
Marquinhos doubled the lead for the hosts a few minutes later, firing home from inside the area to put the Canaries ahead by two going into the interval.
With City making three changes at the break, including the introduction of forwards Sory Kaba and Kion Etete, the Bluebirds steadily looked to increase their influence on proceedings as the second half progressed.
Though Norwich City’s chances were limited throughout the second period, a few good opportunities arose, though they were unable to capitalise. Striking the post at one point, the hosts saw several shots go off target as they searched for a third goal.
The Bluebirds were given a good opportunity when Sory Kaba won his side a free-kick at the edge of the area. Stepping up to attempt a shot on goal, Perry Ng's effort was powerful and on target, but Gunn was able to tip the ball over the crossbar.
Late on, substitute Teemu Pukki was put through down the middle of the pitch, and took the ball wide before attempting to chip Allsop from inside the area. However, the shot had too much on it, and the ball flew high over the crossbar.
In injury time, the Bluebirds nearly found a consolation goal through Jaden Philogene. With space at the edge of the area, the forward struck towards goal, but saw the shot glance of the left post and out for a goal kick.
With the final whistle blown, the Bluebirds were defeated by the Canaries, following a tough encounter on the road in Norfolk.
FINAL SCORE: NORWICH CITY 2-0 CARDIFF CITY
Cardiff City: Allsop, Romeo (Kaba 46’), McGuinness, Wintle, Ralls (Rinomhota 46’), O’Dowda, Sawyers, Kipre, Philogene, Wickham (Etete 46’), Ng.
Subs not used: Alnwick, Ojo, Whyte, Simpson.
Norwich City: Gunn, Aarons (Giannoulis 73'), Hanley, Gibson, Idah (Gibbs 85'), Marquinhos (Pukki 59'), Sara, Sorensen (Omobamidele 85'), McLean, Hernandez (Tzolis 73'), Nunez.
Subs not used: Krul, Kamara.
