Norwich City and Leeds United played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Carrow Road, ensuring there was no winning return for former Canaries boss Daniel Farke.
Farke, now in charge at Leeds, had to settle for a share of the spoils in an entertaining Championship clash that saw both teams create chances to win but ultimately share the spoils. Norwich, aiming for their third consecutive victory, took an early lead, but Leeds fought back to ensure a point in Daniel Farke’s return to Norfolk.
The Canaries started brightly and went ahead in the 15th minute, thanks to a penalty confidently converted by Josh Sargent. The American striker earned the spot-kick after being fouled by Leeds defender Joe Rodon inside the six-yard box. Sargent, having been picked out by a smart pass from Ante Crnac, was brought down as he tried to cut inside, and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. After a delay due to treatment for Ilia Gruev, Sargent stepped up and calmly slotted home his third goal of the season, putting Norwich in front.
Leeds responded strongly, with Wilfried Gnonto coming close to an equaliser almost immediately. The Italian forward worked himself into space in a crowded penalty area, but his low drive struck the post, much to the relief of Norwich goalkeeper Angus Gunn. Gnonto continued to cause problems for the Canaries’ defence, testing Gunn again with a shot that was well saved.
Norwich, meanwhile, created further chances of their own, with Sargent nearly adding a second. However, Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier was equal to the task, blocking Sargent’s effort at the near post. The first half ended with Norwich leading, but the sense was that Leeds were growing into the game.
The second half saw Leeds come out with more intent, and they soon began to dominate possession. Substitute Joe Rothwell almost made an immediate impact for Leeds, firing a powerful shot from the edge of the box that Gunn did well to keep out. Leeds were pressing hard, and it felt inevitable that they would find a way back into the game.
Their equaliser came on the hour mark, and it was a moment of real quality from the visitors. Gnonto was at the heart of the move once again, driving into the Norwich box before laying the ball off to Belgian youngster Largie Ramazani. Ramazani made no mistake, rifling a shot across Gunn and into the far corner to level the scores. It was a deserved equaliser for Leeds, who had been the better side since the restart.
Despite the momentum being with Leeds at that point, Norwich showed resilience and began to create chances of their own as the game progressed. Borja Sainz came close to restoring Norwich’s lead with an audacious attempt at a rabona, his effort narrowly missing the target. It was a sign that Norwich were not content to settle for a draw and were pushing for all three points.
As the match drew to a close, neither side was able to find a winner. Norwich looked the more likely in the closing stages, but Leeds held firm to secure a point. The result keeps both teams in the mix for the play-off spots, and while Norwich would have been hoping for a win, they can take heart from their solid performance.
Statistically, Leeds had the edge in possession, with 54.3% of the ball compared to Norwich’s 45.7%. The visitors also had more shots, 14 to Norwich’s seven, and tested Gunn on several occasions. However, Norwich did well to limit Leeds to only one goal and showed plenty of spirit in a game that could have gone either way.
Overall, it was a competitive match between two sides looking to solidify their positions near the top of the Championship. Norwich will feel they had chances to win it, but in the end, a point apiece was a fair reflection of the contest.
