Norwich City fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Burnley in an enthralling Sky Bet Championship encounter at Carrow Road on Sunday. A packed crowd of 26,218 was treated to a captivating match that saw the home side make a bright start before Burnley mounted a stirring comeback.
The Canaries took the lead in the first minute when defender Jose Cordoba found the net from a well-delivered corner by Marcelino Nunez. Cordoba headed the ball past Burnley’s goalkeeper, James Trafford, sending the home crowd into raptures. Early on, Norwich appeared to be in control, nearly doubling their lead with Trafford showing impressive reflexes to recover after a misjudged backpass from CJ Egan-Riley. Shortly after, Borja Sainz tested Trafford again with a powerful shot, signalling Norwich’s attacking intent.
As the first half progressed, Burnley began to impose themselves on the game, despite struggling to convert their chances. Norwich goalkeeper Angus Gunn was on high alert, comfortably dealing with long-range efforts from both Jeremy Sarmiento and Josh Brownhill. The second half saw Burnley emerge with renewed vigour, with substitute Josh Laurent having a shot blocked brilliantly by Callum Doyle, followed by a significant save from Gunn off a powerful strike by Luca Koleosho.
Norwich continued to press for a second goal, coming agonisingly close around the hour mark. Trafford's exceptional reflexes kept out a header from Doyle, and Sainz wasted a follow-up opportunity that could have restored their two-goal advantage. However, it was Burnley who found the net in the 68th minute through Zian Flemming. Capitalising on a quickly taken free kick, Flemming unleashed a spectacular strike from 35 yards that curled beautifully into the top corner.
The visitors took the lead just eight minutes later, exploiting a lapse from Norwich’s Kellen Fisher. His misdirected header handed Josh Brownhill a clear chance, which he deftly converted from a tight angle to make it 2-1. Despite a valiant effort from Norwich to equalise, they were thwarted once again in injury time when Emiliano Marcondes’ close-range effort missed the target.
Though they faced disappointment on home soil, Norwich City can draw lessons from their impressive start to the contest. Meanwhile, Burnley’s victory was vital in propelling them to third place in the Championship standings. Both managers, Johannes Hoff Thorup for Norwich and Scott Parker for Burnley, will now turn their attention to the upcoming fixtures as the season unfolds.