Ayew has Canaries wobbling on their perch
SWANSEA laid their Premier League credentials out for all to see by passing their way to a commanding victory over Championship leaders Norwich last night. Conor Hourihane provided the knockout punch once again, with his third goal in as many matches since his arrival on loan from Aston Villa, in a clinical performance from Steve Cooper’s men. It looked as if there would be no stopping Norwich returning to the big league at the first time of asking, but after three games without a goal, their rivals have made up crucial ground. The Swans, and Brentford, can now knock the Canaries off their perch if they win their games in hand. Swansea knew their promotion credentials would get the ultimate test against Daniel Farke’s Norwich, who had looked like title shoo-ins until goalless draws with Millwall and Middlesbrough stalled their charge. Kenny McLean and Jacob Sorenson came into the Canaries’ XI as they began the evening aiming to pull clear of second-placed Brentford. A Championship classic looked to be in the offing. But it was a mistake that almost opened the door for Swansea to get ahead when Lukas Rupp sold Tim Krul short with a misplaced back-pass. The Norwich goalkeeper narrowly beat Jamal Lowe to the ball to keep the scores level. The sides traded blows until Andre Ayew pounced to break the deadlock. Krul came to collect a Connor Roberts corner but fumbled. Marc Guehi got a toe to the ball and Jake Bidwell stabbed it towards goal, where Ayew provided the scoring touch from close range. Swansea keeper Freddie Woodman kept out Grant Hanley’s header with a reaction save moments later to prevent the equaliser just before half-time. The scare before the interval only served to rev up the Welsh side in their bid for a statement victory. And it was the man who has been delivering the goods since being brought in who stepped up again. Hourihane picked up possession from Jay Fulton 25 yards from goal and drilled the ball into the bottom corner to continue his stellar run. He has struck in every game since his arrival on loan from Villa.