Norwich City made it three wins in a week and a very welcome 9 points as they overcame Brentford in a tight encounter at Carrow Road.
As has become the norm, City won by the margin of a single goal courtesy this time of a cute finish from Emi Buendia on 34 minutes. Timm Klose provided the assist as he spotted Buendia, whose influence continues to grow, making a run.
Klose’s straight, over the top ball from the half way line was watched by Buendia all the way and as he went one on one with Bentley in the Brentford goal and the ball dropped, instead of taking a touch, like 99% of footballers probably would, he stroked a first time volley past the advancing keeper.
It could’ve been worse for the Bees in the remaining minutes of the first half as first, Jordan Rhodes fired narrowly wide after great work by Todd Cantwell and then Rhodes had a 44th minute penalty saved by Bentley.
It was a poor pen, very similar to that which he had saved against West Brom and he just didn’t look confident. If those two had also gone in then it’s game over by the break. However, as is City’s way they made us sweat a little.
Having said that, the Bees looked light up top, even with the league’s top scorer Neal Maupay playing. It was Maupay who came closest to snatching an equaliser when he fired against the bar when it seemed easier to score. Tim Krul had just made a double save and the ball fell to Maupay who slipped and then could only hit the bar from a position that I’d have backed my mum to finish – a big let off.
That was as good as it got for the visitors though and City continued to spurn chances in the second half. The best falling to Todd Cantwell late on, who fired tamely at Bentley when well placed.
Still, it’s another win and we’ve moved up to 4th place (joint 2nd), just 2 points off the top spot. It’s been a good week, despite the appointment this morning of you know who at Portman Road.
OTBC