Norwich City produced an incredible performance at home to succumb Newcastle United to a second successive defeat of the season.
Teemu Pukki was nothing short of exquisite in front of goal as his decisive movement, and clinical finishing terrorised the visiting defence. The scoring began with a superb volley from a poorly cleared corner which Pukki struck sweetly beyond Martin Dubravka.
Just after the hour mark, the Finn doubled the hosts lead, after latching on to a series of neat passes to sweep a strike low into the net. Pukki then completed his hat-trick after Newcastle were caught out defensively, as he calmly dispatched the finish to collect the match ball.
Jonjo Shelvey scored Newcastle’s opening goal of the season in added time with a well taken shot, but at that stage, it was merely a conciliation.
Pukki continues Championship form
Since the start of last season, Teemu Pukki has been nothing short of phenomenal. The Finnish striker has amassed 33 league goals in 45 appearances and has gotten off to an electric start in the Premier League with four goals in two matches. Many strikers before him have struggled to transfer their impressive Championship strike rate to the top flight, but fortunately for Norwich Pukki is already flying.
Without any expensive summer additions in attack, Daniel Farke placed an onus on Pukki to deliver the goals; currently, that faith appears to be well judged. It is well documented that the Finn had struggled to find the net in previous spells across Europe’s top divisions, but at 29 he may have finally acquired all the experience he needs to become a consistent menace in front of goal. With 100 per cent of his side goals so far this season, keeping him fit and firing will be vital to Norwich City’s survival.
Newcastle lack organisation
Meanwhile, Newcastle hardly proved the sternest test for a Norwich attack that created chances at will with sublime short interchanges. The visiting defence were consistently pulled out of position and appeared to lack cohesion. Matt Ritchie did not provide nearly as much defensive cover as he has previously done under Rafael Benitez; while Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar were a shadow of the partnership they have previously been.
Things did not improve further forward, with a midfield trio of Ki Sung Yeung, Issac Hayden and Shelvey lacking industry and invention, which is surprising given they have an excellent range of passing. Though the issue may have been the abnormally large distance Miguel Almiron and Joelinton found themselves apart, which often meant the Brazilian failed to hold on to possession while waiting for support.
The past five Newcastle managers have all lost their opening Premier League away fixtures, and Steve Bruce already appears to be on the ropes. He desperately needs to improve the Magpies defensive organisation if he is to hold onto a Premier League job.
Norwich impress on Carrow Road’s Premier League return
Conversely to Bruce, Farke is beloved by his supporters and became the first Norwich manager to win his opening Premier League home game in charge since 1992. Carrow Road was jubilant from kick-off, and after a tough opening fixture at Anfield, Saturday was the perfect way to bounce back from defeat. The Canaries will not stay in the division without beating the sides around them, and they passed their first proper test with flying colours.
From start to finish they were in the ascension and outclassed the visitors with superb dynamic passes. Farke’s side kept 64 per cent of possession and nearly doubled Newcastle’s total with 603 passes. But these passes were not just about keeping hold of the ball; each move had purpose and direction, often leading to overlaps in the channels or leaving space through the centre.
Slow start again for Newcastle
Once more Newcastle have crawled out the blocks in a Premier League campaign. In the past 22 seasons, the Magpies have managed just two victories in their opening away fixture. As for August, their record is even worse with only two wins in their last 29 Premier League games of the opening month. It is a glaring sign that something must be amiss with the club’s pre-season preparations.
In recent campaigns Benitez has managed to address slow starts with an improved finish to the season, but if Bruce is under pressure from the board and the fans that negativity may seep into the squad. If this happens, there can be little doubt they will be making a hasty return to the Championship. Therefore Bruce must start picking up points sooner rather than later, though a trip to Tottenham next weekend could leave Newcastle on zero points from three matches.
Up Next:
Norwich host Chelsea at Carrow Road on Saturday, while Newcastle travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.
