Norwich City ended their difficult start to the Championship season in emphatic style with a 4-1 victory over Burnley at Carrow Road, Mohamed Toure and Andre Brooks both scoring twice.
The Canaries had lost their opening two league matches but put those results behind them by racing into a two-goal lead inside the first five minutes. Burnley, meanwhile, were left to reflect on another disappointing afternoon, which ended with Josh Laurent sent off after collecting a second booking.
The Clarets have taken only one point from their first three matches under manager Nicky Hayen. They also remain without a league victory since beating Crystal Palace in the Premier League in February.
Norwich made the perfect start on a wet afternoon in Norfolk, taking advantage of some poor defending to move two goals clear before Burnley had settled.
Less than 90 seconds had been played when Anel Ahmedhodzic failed to deal with a straightforward ball forward from Jose Cordoba. Mohamed Toure seized on the mistake, raced through on goal and finished decisively to put the home side in front.
Norwich doubled their advantage during their next attack. Kenny McLean found space to play a clever pass to Anthony Musaba, who was left unmarked and sent a low delivery across the area for Andre Brooks to apply the finish.
Burnley’s afternoon grew more difficult in the 21st minute when Norwich added a third.
Oscar Schwartau’s corner from the right caused confusion in the visitors’ defence. The ball fell invitingly for Toure, who reacted quickest from close range to score his second goal of the match.
The Clarets appeared stunned and Norwich might have extended their lead further, although Burnley did create opportunities to reduce the deficit. Zian Flemming went close before Aaron Ramsey also threatened.
Burnley eventually found the response their attacking efforts deserved in the 27th minute. Kyle Walker slipped a pass inside to Laurent, who struck a powerful effort from just outside the penalty area. His shot went in off the post to give the visitors hope.
That hope almost grew three minutes after the restart when Jacob Bruun Larsen unleashed a fierce drive which came back off the upright.
Burnley enjoyed significant territorial pressure during that spell and remained in the contest, but they could not turn their possession into another goal. Norwich punished them in the 67th minute to restore their three-goal advantage.
Substitute Papa Diallo began the move by spreading play out to Jack Stacey. The full-back delivered a cross into the area, where Brooks finished the attack to complete his own brace and effectively end Burnley’s hopes of a comeback.
The visitors’ misery was compounded in the 77th minute when Laurent was dismissed. He received his second yellow card for pulling back Anis Ben Slimane as the Norwich substitute tried to break forward.
The result gives Norwich a welcome first league win of the campaign, while Burnley’s wait for a victory continues.
Norwich’s Philippe Clement: To follow…
Burnley’s Nicky Hayen: To follow…
