Gibson: It’s make or break

Norwich....... 0 sheff’ utd..... 1

BEN GIBSON knows it is now make or break for the Canaries’ curate’s egg of a season.

The table suggests the sweet smell of success could still be sniffed by Norwich, who are seventh after James McAtee’s (below) goal tightened Sheffield United’s grip on the second automatic promotion spot.

However, this was a fifth home defeat without a goal in 2023, with no shots on target until stoppage time.

It left David Wagner’s side four points off sixplaced Blackburn, their next opponents at Ewood Park on Friday.

Norwich also travel to Gibson’s former club Boro on April 14 for another Friday showdown.

Bush

“There’s no point beating round the bush, time is running out,” he said. “We’ve got to do it now. If we don’t, it won’t have been anywhere near a successful season.

“We have to change the way we’re currently heading but one result can certainly spark that and then everyone will be believing that we’re getting in the play-offs and that is still the aim.

“Brentford went up in the play-offs and look where Brentford are now. It doesn’t matter how you get up, it just matters that you do it.

“Wouldn’t it be great if we can pull a rabbit out of the hat from here?”

McAtee’s 62nd-minute goal – a close range scuff off Max Lowe’s pass – sparked plenty of debate about whether a flag should have been raised.

Norwich could not deny that United had been superior, however, with Sander Berge missing a free header early on and defender Anel Ahmedhodzic and sub Billy Sharp each hitting the woodwork.

Boro’s 4-2 loss at Huddersfield was a big bonus for the Blades, who are now six points clear of Michael Carrick’s side, plus Luton, who are fourth on the same number of points.

The FA Cup semi-finalists host struggling Wigan on Friday and look good bets to solve off-field financial problems through promotion as prospective new owner Dozy Mmobuosi awaits EFL approval.