Pukki misses host of chances but is still Finn-credible
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DANIEL FARKE hailed Teemu Pukki as the Championship’s top predator – even though the Finn missed a series of sitters.
The striker’s 15th goal of the season ended up sinking the stubborn Millers and sending Norwich seven points clear at the top.
Pukki really should have claimed the match ball, which would have made life a lot easier for the Canaries.
But boss Farke insisted he will always accept misses if the points keep rolling in.
He said: “Teemu is the best striker in this league. He could have scored three or four in this game, that is definitely right.
“But when he got the Golden
Boot two seasons ago he missed an amazing amount of chances as well.
“If he goes on like this then he is unplayable.
“Our goal difference should look much better than it is but much more important are the three points.”
Norwich started at a furious pace, with Mario Vrancic sending two decent chances wide and Pukki tamely poking an even better one straight at goalkeeper Viktor Johansson.
Rotherham, though, were energetic in the press and dangerous from set-pieces.
Canaries keeper Tim Krul had to bat Lewis Wing’s corner away at his near post before the away side had the ball in the net in the 11th minute from another corner.
The whistle had gone before Clark Robertson’s header hit the net, though, for a foul on Krul by Daniel Barlaser.
Norwich replied with a quality opener in the 17th minute, as Todd
Cantwell’s clever dummy of Emi Buendia’s diagonal ball sent Pukki clear and this time he slotted home calmly.
Michael Ihiekwe’s error let Cantwell in straight after but the finish was wild.
Buendia’s was better six minutes before the break when Vrancic set him up but Robertson arrived out of nowhere to make a goal-saving block.
Rotherham came out for the second period looking like they meant business. Within two minutes they were denied an equaliser when Ben Wiles’ strike from the edge of the box pinged off the bar.
Cantwell was just wide at the other end after a pass from Buendia, who was hurt by an Ihiekwe challenge that brought a booking.
Johansson kept Rotherham in the game by diving to foil Pukki, after he was sent clear again by Kenny McLean’s quick free-kick, although his shot was far too tame.
It almost proved crucial as sub Freddie Ladapo set up Matt Crooks for a shot that Max Aarons blocked.
Millers boss Paul Warne said: “The best team won – there’s no disputing that.
“But it doesn’t detract from the effort the lads have put in.”