Norwich back on top and Farke’s staying

THE pre-match roar that greeted the news Daniel Farke had extended his Norwich deal until 2022 spoke volumes.

This club have taken the German to their hearts, loving the fun brand of football he champions and their unexpected Premier League promotion push. And, on nights like this, it is very easy to see why.

All three of their goals against Hull — the outstanding Emiliano Buendia scoring two after a marvellous solo goal by Marco Stiepermann — featured classy touches. But there is a gung-ho side to Norwich that almost cost them this win and their return to the top of the Championship table above Leeds.

Marc Pugh was gifted a goal on the stroke of half-time and former Norwich striker Chris Martin ensured a nervy finale, but Farke’s side had enough in reserve.

Farke said: ‘I was concerned with the announcement before the game, but we are unbelievably happy with the outcome. It should have been a 7-1 or an 8-1, but we made naive mistakes.’

Hull’s Jarrod Bowen hit an early free-kick against the woodwork, but Norwich quickly took control. Stiepermann’s nimble feet sent him twisting and turning past three half-hearted Hull defenders before sweeping home.

Buendia was then on hand for a close-range finish. David Marshall saved well from Onel Hernandez but pushed the ball into the Argentine’s path.

Pugh halved the deficit after Tim Krul’s poor clearance had invited trouble, but then Norwich scored a sublime third.

Buendia produced a mid-air flick to set Teemu Pukki free, but he stepped on the ball when clear, before recovering to backheel it to Buendia, who scored through Marshall’s legs.

Hull manager Nigel Adkins said: ‘Against a very good side, we perhaps didn’t get the rub of the green.’