LEADERS ARE TOO GOOD FOR FOREST

TWO EARLY GOALS LAUNCH VISITORS TO COMFORTABLE WIN

NORWICH City last night demonstrated why they are heading for an instant return to the Premier League as they proved too slick for Nottingham Forest.

The Canaries sealed a 2-0 win at the City Ground, where Daniel Farke’s Championship leaders showcased their title credentials with a brilliant performance which highlighted the gulf in class between the sides.

Forest boss Chris Hughton made five changes to his starting XI for last night’s Championship clash.

And, most significantly, the hosts were without keeper Brice Samba, who is understood to have picked up an injury.

It meant Jordan Smith came into the line-up, with summer signing Abdoulaye Diallo involved for the first time in a matchday squad as back-up keeper.

Forest were already without Joe Lolley due to a hamstring tear, with the winger having been forced off during Saturday’s home draw against Reading. He was replaced in the team by Luke Freeman.

Elsewhere, Tyler Blackett was handed a rare start at left-back, with Gaetan Bong left out of the squad.

Ryan Yates and Lewis Grabban also came into the XI, with Filip Krovinovic and Glenn Murray dropping to the bench.

There was no Anthony Knockaert in the squad, with the Fulham winger also believed to have picked up an injury.

Forest went into the game hoping to increase the distance between themselves and the bottom three but they were soon on the back foot.

Teemu Pukki put the Canaries ahead in the ninth minute when he received the ball in the area and took advantage of Blackett going to ground by firing a shot into the bottom corner.

And it was not long before Norwich doubled their lead as the Canaries, so sharp when playing between the lines, ended a 13thminute move with Kieron Dowell, who previously played for Forest, drilling home from 20 yards.

Forest’s best threat in the opening 45 minutes came from set-pieces and Ryan Yates should have pulled a goal back when he rose to meet Freeman’s corner but planted his effort over the bar.

That stung another response from the Canaries, who could have made it three as they carved open Forest’s defence only for Smith to make a fine save to deny Kenny Mclean.

Forest did begin to puncture Norwich’s defence early in the second half when Freeman fizzed an effort wide of the post.

Grabban then dithered in the area after being picked out by James Garner, allowing Tim Krul to save.

But Smith denied Pukki again following another incisive attack, before Todd Cantwell wasted a good opportunity after being picked out from the byline by the striker.

Forest kept plugging away in the hope of a reply but Norwich were never really troubled as they saw out the game comfortably to move 10 points clear at the summit.