Norwich City came back from a goal down as they finally put Charlton to the sword in the Carabao Cup Second Round at Carrow Road on Tuesday night.
Daniel Farke made six changes to the side beaten at Aston Villa with returns for Michael McGovern, Ivo Pinto, Alex Tettey, James Maddison, Wes Hoolahan and Marley Watkins. There was no recognised striker in the squad with both Jerome and Oliveira struggling with groin strains, so Watkins played up top.
League One Charlton took the lead after just five minutes when Naismith was easily dispossessed in midfield and the ball was fed to Lee Novak who fired a cracking strike into the top corner of McGovern`s net. What then followed was another ten minutes of shocking football from City as they struggled to string two passes together. Eventually, Norwich managed to get things together and started to pass it around a bit, creating a few more chances.
Josh Murphy was at that point the only player who seemed to be “up for it” and he got the home side back into the game on 21 minutes with a low drive from outside the area.
Both Murphy and then Maddison were denied by keeper Dillon Phillips before the break and the score was level at half time.
On 52 minutes, Norwich took the lead after yet another great bit of player from the excellent Murphy. He burst into the box on the left and eventually fired home, after skipping past a defender, from a very tight angle.
Charlton didn`t have many chances but almost levelled when Magennis headed just wide of the post.
The game was eventually wrapped up in the 73rd minute when Watkins scored from Murphy`s cut back before debutant Tom Trybull volleyed home a cracking fourth in the 89th minute.
FT 4-1
Both Hoolahan and Maddison were rested before the end and will hopefully be available for Millwall on Saturday. In terms of Oliveira and Jerome, Farke said afterwards that he`s “hopeful” both will be available for the weekend but it looks more likely that Jerome will make it rather than Oliveira.
Ivo Pinto came through the 90 minutes unscathed, which is good news but Timm Klose will not be fit enough for the starting XI at Millwall, although he could potentially make the bench. Meanwhile Marcel Franke was withdrawn as a precaution due to a muscle complaint.
After a shaky start, Norwich came through this latest cup test against League One opposition in some style but need to hope they can get their walking wounded back fit asap. The draw for the third round will take place at 4.15am(!) on Thursday morning in China, so best set your alarm.
OTBC
Share this article
