Norwich City have emerged with a thrilling 3-2 victory over relegation rivals Newcastle United at Carrow Road in a match that could have drastic implications for the future of both clubs.
Coming into this match, both sides knew how important three points could be, and Norwich started on the front foot, causing a shaky Newcastle defence problems throughout. The hosts thought they had the lead midway through the first half when Dieumerci Mbokani put the ball into the net, only to be correctly denied by the offside flag.
City were rewarded for their supremacy on the stroke of half time when Swiss international Timm Klose headed home from close-range.
The Geordies forced themselves into the contest in the second half, and got a deserved equaliser when substitute Aleksandar Mitrovic headed in a cross from Andros Townsend. Their joy was only short lived as Mbokani had Norwich back ahead within minutes after a superb strike.
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With 85 minutes on the clock, Newcastle received a lifeline in the form of a penalty after a handball from Gary O’Neil. Mitrovic stepped up and dispatched the spot kick which looked like handing the visitors at least a point.
There was to be one more twist in injury time, however. Norwich left-back Martin Olsson pushed forward and was on hand to score the decisive goal, sending Carrow Road into a frenzy.
A big boost, but still work to do for Norwich
It was only three weeks ago when Norwich’s survival prospects looked to be in serious doubt off the back of a poor losing run. Since then, they have acquired seven points from a possible nine and have other strugglers Crystal Palace and Sunderland in their next two matches. Despite turning their fortunes around, there is no time for the Canaries to rest on their laurels and they will be looking to win their next two matches, considering their run in from that point is quite tough. Fixtures against Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton are still on the horizon.
There is no way back for Newcastle
Prior to their meeting with Sunderland, fans looked ahead to these two matches and earmarked six points. In the end, the Magpies picked up one point – a point they were lucky to get at that. With Southampton, Liverpool and Manchester City coming up and a six-point gap between themselves and 17th, it is almost impossible to foresee Newcastle pulling off an escape. Rafa Benitez is a good manager, but the club waited too long to bring him in and it will only make the job more difficult with a squad short of fight, hunger or desire to survive.
PICTURE | The situation is becoming increasingly desperate for #NUFC at the bottom, beaten by #NCFC 3-2. #BPL pic.twitter.com/v5J5qq0Aua
— Outside90 (@Outside90) April 3, 2016
A Tyne-Wear derby in the Championship?
Newcastle were not the only club to be negatively affected by today’s results. The win for Norwich extends their lead over Sunderland (18th on the table) to four points which is a big blow to the Black Cats who failed to beat a poor West Brom side at home. It means both clubs in the Northeast are facing relegation and a meeting in England’s second tier next season is starting to look like a real possibility.
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