Norwich City 2-0 Burnley: Pierre Lees-Melou and Teemu Pukki give Canaries hope

Bottom membership Norwich City stored alive their slim hopes of avoiding a quick-fire return to the Championship and dealt a blow to fellow strugglers Burnley with a vital win at Carrow Road.

French midfielder Lees-Melou’s ninth minute deflected shot, which went in off the put up, put the hosts on their means earlier than Pukki drilled dwelling the second to give Norwich a glimmer of hope of staying up, with Dean Smith’s aspect now seven factors from security with seven matches left.

Burnley had their moments, with Maxwel Cornet, the match-winning hero towards Everton in midweek, lacking a wonderful likelihood from three yards out.

In what was a must-win recreation, Norwich’s defence got here underneath relentless stress at instances however withstood every little thing that was thrown at it to file back-to-back clear sheets within the league for the primary time since October.

The end result leaves the Clarets 18th within the desk, 4 factors from security with eight matches remaining.

Gritty Norwich present struggle – however have they left it too late?

With struggling Everton beating Manchester United at Goodison Park on Saturday, Norwich began Sunday’s recreation 10 factors from security with eight matches left.

But Smith’s aspect handed the stress check in model with a primary win in 9 league video games.

It will nonetheless require a monumental effort for them to outlive. Three of their ultimate seven matches embrace groups difficult for Europe – West Ham (dwelling), Tottenham (dwelling) and Manchester United (away).

Smith stated earlier than the match he nonetheless had perception, and his gamers responded with a totally skilled efficiency towards a staff with renewed perception following their midweek win over Everton.

Even earlier than Lees-Melou’s purpose, Milot Rashica pressured Nick Pope right into a diving save, whereas the Burnley keeper prevented Pukki from scoring by saving along with his legs.

Just as spectacular for Smith was his aspect’s efficiency on the again.

Norwich made a number of important blocks to frustrate Burnley, together with one by former Clarets defender Ben Gibson to maintain out Ashley Westwood’s volley.

In the closing levels, Grant Hanley headed towards the bar whereas Pope denied Rashica earlier than Pukki had dwelling followers celebrating a uncommon win.

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