The Hornets can smell the summit, the promise land is close

Three fantastic saves from Norwich keeper Tim Krul in the first half, helped keep the score goaless at halt-time. The highlight of the saves being the one from the angled shot from Ismaila Sarr, where the Dutch keeper expertly utilised his legs to pull off a save which many in the Hornets dugout felt was impossible to make.

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Dan Gosling broke the deadlock, putting the Hornets ahead when he capatalised on Joao Pedro’s low ball into the middle 12 minutes after the restart.

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The Canaries on the other hand, having already clinched their automatic promotion, had an opportunity to clinch the Championship title with a victory, but struggled to create any chances, with Mario Vrancic’s shot straight at visiting keeper Daniel Bachmann being the best effort that the home team could produce.

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The Hornets started energetically, with Gosling and Sarr being constant menaces in the quest to take the game to the home side. Gosling headed wide when he was found unmarked by Ken Sema before Sarr had a decent shout for a penalty turned down after going to ground following a tussle with Norwich left-back Xavi Quintilla.

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As a reaction to the relentless pressure, Norwich responded through their most influential player of the season, Todd Cantwell, who along with Kieran Dowell had both their long-range efforts deflected over the bar as Norwich pushed in response.

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The Canaries were no where close to the form which they had displayed all throughout the season which had seen them win 11 times in a 13-match unbeaten run, with a last-ditch tackle from Grand Hanley preventing Andre Gray from doubling Watford’s advantage 15 minutes from time.

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The loss confirming that Norwich have now lost both their games after confirming promotion and now needing five points in the final three minutes to pip Watford to the Championship title.

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Norwich boss Daniel Farke highlighted that the club may have taken the foot of the pedal after having achieved automatic promotion but believes that the club need to refocus in order to be able to capture the title and head into the Premier League with the right form and mindset.

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Watford head coach Xisco Munoz on the other hand, reiterated the need for the club to firmly stay on the ground and keep up the hardwork and focus in order to secure automatic promotion on Saturday. The Hornets need a maximum of 3 points from their remaining 3

games, with the next home game against Millwall, being the day the club could confirm their status as a Premier League outfit for next season.

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Man of the Match: Tim Krul. The Dutch keeper kept Norwich in the game by constantly denying the Watford strikers and making sure everyone in London is kept on the edge of their seats and having to look towards what is going on in Brentford and Swansea. Having Premier League experience, Krul will be a vital figure for Norwich going ahead as they look to do better than their last Premier League campaign.