Swansea Metropolis 2-0 Norwich Metropolis: Andre Ayew and Conor Hourihane objectives give Swans victory

Swansea Metropolis closed the hole on Championship leaders Norwich Metropolis to 2 factors because of a formidable 2-0 victory over the stuttering Canaries.

Conor Hourihane then made it three objectives in as many league video games since becoming a member of Swansea on mortgage from Aston Villa with a supreme long-range drive to place the hosts firmly in management.

Norwich, who would have gone seven factors clear on the high of the desk with victory, battled to discover a response however noticed their winless league run stretch to a few matches.

That leaves them trying over their shoulders at Swansea, who climb again into the automated promotion locations and have a sport in hand on Daniel Farke’s staff.

This assembly of two sides who prefer to play possession soccer promised a lot and didn’t disappoint in an open, entertaining first half.

Norwich pressed excessive and have been sharp on the counter-attack, whereas Swansea labored laborious to move their manner across the yellow shirts and have been sometimes steadfast on the again foot.

It was the guests who threatened first, Todd Cantwell threading Teemu Pukki into area just for the Finland striker to shoot narrowly vast with the angle tight.

On the different finish Lukas Rupp’s wayward backpass had Krul scrambling to clear, earlier than Marc Guehi’s fabulous ball despatched Jamal Lowe surging into the field.

Krul gathered Lowe’s effort, then Max Aarons made an important block to disclaim Hourihane on the far put up after Connor Roberts’ lengthy throw was not cleared.

The opener got here from the Roberts nook which adopted, as Krul got here to assert and spilled the ball to Guehi.

He laid it off to Jake Bidwell and his mishit effort fell to Ayew, who shot on the flip and located the underside nook.

Norwich virtually produced a direct response as Grant Hanley met Przemyslaw Placheta’s free-kick with a agency header, however Freddie Woodman’s sensible save ensured Swansea have been forward on the break.

They doubled their benefit with the primary notable assault of the second half, as Norwich left Hourihane in an excessive amount of area and Jay Fulton squared for the Irish worldwide.

Hourihane completed brilliantly, drilling a low, left-foot shot into the underside nook of Krul’s web from 25 yards.

This was Norwich’s third sport in six days – whereas Swansea had a uncommon midweek off – however that didn’t cease Farke’s males pushing laborious to attempt to discover a route again into the competition.

However they’re now with no purpose in three league video games whereas Swansea, the aspect with the meanest defence within the EFL, can rejoice their fifteenth clear sheet in 27 Championship video games this season.

Cooper felt they need to have had the possibility to increase their lead from the penalty spot late on when Jordan Morris tumbled below Ben Gibson’s problem, however referee Simon Hooper’s choice to wave residence appeals away counted for little ultimately.