Dan’s men go to the Max but are off top
MAX AARONS headed in a
78th-minute equaliser to earn Norwich a point in a thrilling Championship encounter.
The result was not enough to stop Leeds replacing Daniel Farke’s side at the top of the table – but the Canaries boss had cause for satisfaction over his team’s battling qualities against an inspired Bristol City side.
Marco Stiepermann’s brilliant left-footed curler from just outside the box in the 39th minute gave Norwich the lead.
But seconds before the break, Famara Diedhiou, on his 26th birthday, shot home a deflected equaliser from 15 yards, having been set up by Andreas Weimann.
Then eight minutes into the second half, impressive winger Callum O’Dowda smashed in a shot off the crossbar after being put clear by Marlon Pack.
But Norwich hit back when full-back Aarons turned up at the far post to head in a cross from the right by substitute Onel Hernandez.
From the very beginning, both teams set out to pass the ball quickly and an open contest soon developed.
Diedhiou was soon looking sharp up front for the hosts and his 20th-minute drive from 25 yards brought a low save from Tim Krul.
Norwich looked set to take a 25th minute lead when Teemu Pukki broke clear down the left and cut inside only to see his low shot well saved by Niki Maenpaa.
Emiliano Buendia volleyed narrowly wide from 20 yards as the Championship leaders found their rhythm and attacked with menace.
But the home side also threatened and Krul had to tip over a Jamie Paterson volley after a penetrating run from O’Dowda and then produced a better save to keep out Josh Brownhill’s
30-yarder.
The Robins felt Norwich should have been reduced to
10 men early in the second half when Norwich skipper Alex Tettey, already booked, pulled back Pack to prevent a dangerous break.
But referee Roger East decided a stiff talking-to was sufficient punishment, to the frustration of home head coach Lee Johnson.