Match Report | Norwich City 4-1 Cardiff City
Cardiff City were defeated by Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday afternoon.
Despite going ahead through Jamilu Collins, the hosts struck back with a brace for Josh Sargent and goals for Gabriel Sara and Christian Fassnacht,
City boss Erol Bulut made four changes to the side that faced West Bromwich Albion last time out, with Mahlon Romeo, Joe Ralls, Manolis Siopis and Karlan Grant coming into the starting XI.
The hosts started brightly and went close to taking an early lead, as striker Sargent fired towards goal from inside the area, only for centre-back Nat Phillips to produce a heroic block on the line. In another chance, Borja Sainz broke into the box and forced Ethan Horvath into a smart save.
Canaries striker Ashley Barnes then went close, as he headed over from close-range, having been put under pressure by Phillips. Having weathered an early storm from the hosts, the Bluebirds grew into the contest and took the lead in the 19th minute, as some great work on the right from Rubin Colwill saw the playmaker find space to deliver into the area, where Collins was on-hand to convert at the back post.
David Wagner’s side responded by going close to a swift equaliser, with Sara striking the post from distance. With 39 minutes on the clock, the hosts levelled through Sargent, who fired in from close-range. A minute before the break, Sara gave Norwich City a 2-1 lead, finding the net with a free-kick.
City started the second half brightly, as substitute Josh Bowler cut inside and had an effort saved by Angus Gunn. In another positive attack, Grant did well to win the ball back, before his shot was deflected into the hands of the Canaries goalkeeper. At the other end, the hosts were clinical and added a third in the 54th minute, as Sargent fired home with a rebound, having initially been denied by a fine save from Horvath.
As the Bluebirds looked to get back into the contest, Grant found space to shoot from the edge of the area, but fired wide of the post. Substitute Kion Etete also had a chance, as he showed good strength to turn, but struck off target. The hosts took their opportunities when they arose, adding a fourth in the 77th minute, as Fassnacht found the bottom corner to seal their victory.
City return to action on Tuesday, February 20th, welcoming Blackburn Rovers to Cardiff City Stadium, 7.45pm KO.
FINAL SCORE: NORWICH CITY 4-1 CARDIFF CITY
Norwich City: Gunn, Stacey, Hanley, McLean, McCallum (Giannoulis 60’), Nunez, Sara, Hernandez (Fassnacht 60’), Barnes (Sorensen 70’), Sainz, Sargent (van Hooijdonk 70’). Subs not used: Gibbs, Long, Batth, Fisher, Aboh.
Cardiff City: Horvath, Romeo, Goutas, Phillips, Collins, Siopis, Ralls (C) (Wintle 58’), R Colwill (Turnbull 78'), Grant (Tanner 78'), Wilson-Esbrand (Bowler 46’), Diédhiou (Etete 58’). Subs not used: Turner, Sawyers, J Colwill, Ashford.