Norwich City secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Derby County at Pride Park, extending their winning streak to three games. The Canaries were three goals up by half-time in a performance that highlighted their attacking prowess and Derby's defensive frailties. This latest win, following a 3-2 victory over Watford and a 3-1 win at Charlton, gives the side a recent form of three wins and two losses from their last five matches.
Anthony Musaba opened the scoring after just eight minutes, finishing from a Jack Stacey cross. Paris Maghoma doubled the lead in the 27th minute with a fine curling effort from outside the box. Darlin Yongwa, making his first start after replacing José Córdoba in the lineup, then scored his first goal for the club just before the break, his shot taking a deflection on its way in.
Jovon Makama completed the rout in the 61st minute with a spectacular long-range strike that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar. The result lifts Norwich to 15th in the Championship table with 15 points from 13 games, now just a point behind their next opponents, Bristol City. Their record stands at five wins and eight losses, having scored 23 goals and conceded 24 this season, leaving them 13 points adrift of leaders Middlesbrough.
Derby manager John Eustace endured a miserable 47th birthday as his side's poor start to the season continued. "It was a tough night," Eustace said. Goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström prevented a heavier defeat with several excellent saves, including one from a Carlton Morris header in the second half and a strong parry to deny Maghoma a second goal.
Philippe Clement made two changes to his starting side, with Harry Darling also coming in for Ben Chrisene. The changes worked perfectly as Norwich controlled the game from the outset. This third consecutive win, following victories over Watford and Charlton, marks a significant upturn in form after a run of two defeats which included losses to Portsmouth and Southampton.
With several players including A. Ahmed, P. A. Diallo, G. Forsyth, M. Toure, and P. The absence of top scorer M. Touré, who has five goals in seven appearances, is a particular concern. Derby, who remain in the bottom three, travel to face Coventry City.
Further reading: Derbyshire Live
