Norwich had the chance to go top of the league for at least 24 hours at Griffin Park and did just that by beating newly-promoted Brentford 0-3 thanks to goals from Alex Tettey and a brace from Cameron Jerome – ultimately, it was another excellent second half performance that settled the destination of three points.
Neil Adams went for a rather unorthodox 4-4-2, with Wes Hoolahan on the left wing and incorporating Cameron Jerome after he helped turn the game around against Cardiff on Saturday. Birthday boy Kyle Lafferty dropped to the bench, whilst Gary Hooper and Jonny Howson are still injured but close to returning.
The home side started much brighter than the Canaries and edged the first half, with Alex Pritchard not quite tall enough to get his header on target early on. The Bees were, however, forced to clear off of their line after a Norwich corner was turned goal-wards but managed to come through unscathed, then Stuart Dallas had his cross skim through the City box but anyone in red failed to make contact.
The referee appeared to have lost control of the game early on, making various poor decisions whilst favouring the Bees, in particular booking Michael Turner straight after an dreadful challenge from Jake Bidwell went unpunished. Lewis Grabban cut a frustrated figure, even pushing Alex Tettey after an attack broke down.
John Ruddy once again pulled off a stunning save to deny a strong Alan McCormack effort, whilst Jos Hooiveld had to deflect a shot over the bar to keep the game at deadlock. Shortly after, Ruddy denied Pritchard from close range before having to be utilised again to deny Brentford the lead early in the second half.
Hoolahan began limping as Grabban got in behind the Brentford defence, but blazed his shot over the bar. Then up steps Alex Tettey; the Norwegian midfield capped off a brilliant counter after Brentford had given the ball away, with Hoolahan playing an incisive pass to split open the Bees defence. Tettey slid the ball through the legs of Brentford’s keeper Button, wheeling away in delight.
City’s advantage was doubled soon after, a resolute Brentford defence seeming on their knees. Steven Whittaker’s perfectly weighted cross was met by a flying header from an unmarked Cameron Jerome with just 15 minutes left to play. Grabban had a quiet game by his standards and was replaced late on by new signing Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe, making his debut for City.
The result and three points were confirmed shortly after; Jerome again put the ball in the back of the net, this time with a fantastic strike. He cut in from the left before rifling a right-footed drive into the top corner of Button’s net, leaving the ‘keeper with absolutely no chance. Now, Norwich have scored the most goals in the Championship and also have the best goal difference: some change from the disaster of last year.
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