Championship Roundup: Norwich Compounds Leicester's Home Woes
Norwich City delivered a decisive blow to relegation-threatened Leicester City, securing a 2-0 victory at the King Power Stadium. This result marks Leicester's fourth consecutive home defeat in the Championship, extending their winless league run to nine matches and keeping them perilously close to the drop zone.
Norwich's Clinical Finishing Seals the Points
Under the management of Philippe Clement, Norwich demonstrated why they are in formidable form, climbing 11 points clear of relegation danger. The breakthrough came in the 68th minute when second-half substitute Anis Ben Slimane, who had replaced the dangerous Paris Maghoma just after the hour, combined with Sam Field on the edge of the area. Slimane drilled a fine shot into the bottom left-hand corner, leaving Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk with no chance.
This goal highlighted Leicester's defensive frailties, extending their run without a clean sheet to 29 games. The situation worsened nine minutes later when Ali Ahmed sealed the points for Norwich. From a set piece, Kellen Fisher was allowed time and space by a dozing defence to advance and cross. Stolarczyk deflected Errol Mundle-Smith's shot across goal to the back post, where an unmarked Ahmed poked home from close range.
Leicester's Struggles Under New Management
Gary Rowett, in his third game as Leicester manager, had seen his side claim creditable away draws in his first two matches. They started brightly enough, with Ricardo Pereira almost sending Bobby De Cordova-Reid clear, but the final ball lacked quality and composure. Former head coach Enzo Maresca watched from the stands as Leicester's attacks fizzled out, exemplified by Harry Winks overhitting a diagonal pass straight out of play.
Despite Slimane forcing a brilliant save from Stolarczyk earlier, Leicester could not sustain pressure, and Norwich's efficiency proved decisive. This defeat compounds Leicester's home woes, leaving them third-bottom and in urgent need of a turnaround.
Hull City Matches 60-Year Record with Victory at Portsmouth
In another standout result, Hull City secured a 1-0 victory at Portsmouth, matching a 60-year record with their fifth consecutive away win. The last time Hull achieved such a streak on the road was in 1966, underscoring their impressive form under pressure.
Crooks' Smash-and-Grab Goal Decides the Match
Matt Crooks was the hero for Hull, capitalising on a defensive mix-up to score the only goal of the game. Portsmouth dominated possession with 69% in the first half and all 14 shots, but Hull made their limited chances count. In the second half, a double error by Adrian Segecic gifted Crooks a tap-in. Segecic's miscontrol put him in danger, and a short backpass allowed Oli McBurnie to close down keeper Nicolas Schmid, with the ball popping up for Crooks to lash home for his fourth goal of the season.
This victory keeps Hull in the automatic promotion race, applying pressure on the top two, while Portsmouth suffered back-to-back home defeats for only the third time since their return to the second tier.
Derby Stages Impressive Comeback Against Blackburn
Derby County revived their playoff challenge with a stunning second-half comeback to beat Blackburn Rovers 3-1 at Pride Park. Blackburn took the lead through Hayden Carter's header, but Derby turned the game around with goals from Ben Brereton Díaz, Matt Clarke, and Rhian Brewster.
Brereton Díaz struck against his former club to equalise, before Clarke punished tentative defending. The impressive Derry Murkin claimed his second assist to set up Brewster for the sealing goal, leaving Blackburn in relegation trouble.
Watford Secures Late Win Over Bristol City
On Friday, Watford edged past Bristol City 2-1 at Ashton Gate thanks to a 77th-minute strike from Jeremy Ngakia. Watford took an early lead through Luca Kjerrumgaard, but Scott Twine equalised for Bristol City with a close-range header. Just as a draw seemed inevitable, Ngakia found the top corner with a sweetly struck right-foot shot from 25 yards out, securing all three points for Watford.
These results highlight the intense competition and drama in the Championship, with teams battling for survival, promotion, and playoff positions as the season reaches its climax.
