Norwich City ended their seven-game winless run in emphatic style with a 6-1 demolition of Plymouth Argyle at Carrow Road.
The result piled pressure on manager Wayne Rooney with Argyle’s heaviest defeat under his tenure. Their. mins 16 goal difference is now the worst in the league, leaving supporters fearing a season-long relegation battle.
Sainz Shines as Norwich Dominate
The match started perfectly for Norwich as quick interplay and a fortunate deflection set up Borja Sainz, who slotted home just two minutes in. Although Argyle protested for offside, a crucial touch from Pleguezuelo ensured the goal stood. Norwich’s early advantage was quickly followed by a flurry of attacks, keeping Plymouth pinned in their defensive third.
Norwich were unlucky not to double their lead within the opening 15 minutes. Ante Crnac struck the post before Sainz forced Szucs into a critical block after pouncing on a loose ball. An outstanding reaction save from Plymouth’s goalkeeper Grimshaw denied Crnac’s header moments later, offering the Pilgrims a temporary reprieve.
However, Sainz was unstoppable. He doubled Norwich’s lead with a perfectly timed run onto Emiliano Marcondes’ through ball, curling his shot into the bottom corner with precision. The Canaries continued to apply pressure, with Marcondes testing Grimshaw again from a free kick before Plymouth found a rare moment of hope.
Argyle capitalised on a Norwich error to pull one back just before the break. Szucs pressed high to win the ball and fed Gray, who set up Bundu for a composed finish past Angus Gunn, giving the visitors a lifeline at 2-1. The hosts carried a narrow lead into half-time.
Sainz Completes Hat-Trick as Norwich Dominate Second Half
Wayne Rooney’s decision to stick with his initial line-up after the interval backfired. Norwich restored their two-goal cushion when Shane Duffy rose highest to head home a corner early in the second half. Sainz then completed his hat-trick with a sublime effort, cutting in from the right and curling the ball into the far corner.
The onslaught continued as Norwich’s substitutes added fresh energy. Anis Slimane scored Norwich’s fifth with a well-placed shot from inside the box, and Ante Crnac capitalised on a defensive error to fire home the sixth, sealing a memorable victory for the Canaries.
Statistically, Norwich’s dominance was clear, with 72.3% possession and 10 shots on target compared to Argyle’s four. The Canaries showcased clinical finishing and relentless attacking pressure, while Plymouth struggled to mount consistent threats.
Writer’s View
Norwich delivered a commanding performance, with Sainz’s clinical finishing standing out as a key factor. However, their vulnerability at the back before half-time remains an area for concern. For Argyle, Rooney faces increasing pressure as his side falters under intense opposition.
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