MADDIE POWER!
James strikes a giant peach
Bentley; Yennaris, Mepham, Bjelland, Barbet; Woods, Mokotjo (Marcondes 75th); Jozefzoon, McEachran (Judge 59th), Watkins; Maupay (Canos 59th)
BELOW Heathrow’s flight path, the Canaries flew highest in the vital charge for a Championship play-off spot.
A wonder goal by much sought-after James Maddison settled a feverish game in which Brentford had 52 per cent of the second-half possession – but did not have the nous to make use of it.
But overall, Norwich’s previous Premier League pedigree was too much for a side that has impressed following a solid run of five wins in their previous six league matches.
Norwich, who started with their three new signings on the bench, recently took Chelsea to the wire in the FA Cup and there is a hunger about them after many wilderness years. This was only Brentford’s second home defeat of the season, following a loss to Nottingham Forest in August. And Bees head coach Dean Smith said: “I feel disappointed, frustrated, aggrieved and thought the best team lost.
“The difference was the lad with a 25-yard wonder goal into the top corner. We controlled the second-half but needed a bit more patience. “They were always a danger on the counter with their pace but
Gunn; Hanley, Zimmermann, Klose; Reed, Tettey, Vrancic (Trybull 90th), Lewis; Maddison; Oliveira (Watkins 82nd), Murphy (Leitner 78th) will feel lucky to go home with the points.” Norwich are 13th in the table but only eight points off a play-off spot.
And after suffering just one defeat in their last six league games, they will be hoping to maintain their resurgence.
Norwich manager Daniel Farke said: “It was a battling performance after a troubling week.
“To come here, beat a side on fire and keep a clean sheet is a big compliment. This is their first loss in
14 at home and our second over them, so I am happy.”
Norwich took the lead with an eighth-minute goal which was worthy of the Premier League.
Maddison – a player with a bright future – stopped and controlled the ball, nutmegged Ryan Woods before firing an unstoppable
25-yard effort beyond the despairing Daniel Bentley.
Farke added: “Maddison has made a few headlines already this season with similar goals and he is an outstanding young player.
“Sadly we couldn’t produce a bit more of his magic. We had to fight hard in the second half.”
Brentford should have levelled on the half hour when Ollie Watkins weaved his way into James Maddison S Duncan the Norwich defence and crossed – only for Florian Jozefzoon to blast wide from eight yards.
On the basis that Wolves will not falter at the top of the table and Derby, Cardiff and Aston Villa have the most weaponry for second place, the race is wide open for the play-offs. And so this was a vital chance for both sides to claim a foothold in the race for a top-six spot.
Brentford were fearsome, attacking from all positions, but overall Norwich seemed to have the answers and – when they broke – looked more dangerous.
They could have made more of their chances but England Under-21s international Angus Gunn, on loan from Manchester City, showed why he is the best keeper outside the Premier League.
He was a safe pair of hands when Brentford staged their late assault. Norwich often played five across the back and Brentford found it hard to create openings, although Watkins was a livewire. Maddison, Jamal Lewis and Alex Tettey were impressive for Norwich, while Jozefzoon put in a solid shift for Brentford. The hosts played some good, skilful football, often using it to get out of tight positions and also staged a second-half rally of worthy note.
But the best side won. Norwich were far superior with their pace and ideas. Brentford’s tight-fit ground is not ready for the Premier League. Nor is their side – yet. Norwich have both going in their favour. KEVIN McDONALD and Ryan Sessegnon scored in added-on time as Fulham beat 10-man Barnsley 3-1 at Oakwell. Liam Lindsay put the hosts ahead but Sessegnon levelled after Dimitri Cavare’s red card – and the visitors snatched victory late on.