English Premier League

Brighton 2-0 Norwich City

Brighton’s revival under manager Graham Potter continued as they deservedly overcame struggling Norwich City at Amex Stadium.

The Seagulls were by far the more impressive side and secured their third successive home win in the Premier League with second-half goals from substitutes Leandro Trossard and Shane Duffy.

Norwich, in contrast, has lost five of their last six league games since beating Manchester City at Carrow Road in September and could have no complaints here.

They came close in the first half when Marco Stiepermann hit the bar but from then on the momentum was with Brighton and they were rewarded when Trossard steered in a neat near-post finish after 68 minutes and Duffy slid in from a free-kick six minutes from time.

The victory puts Brighton in the top 10 but leaves Norwich still struggling to adapt to life in the Premier League under manager Daniel Farke.

Brighton received criticism in some quarters when they sacked manager Chris Hughton after he kept them in the Premier League last season – but the decision to bring in Graham Potter from Swansea City has proved wise so far.

Hughton had done an outstanding job but there perhaps comes a time when a manager’s tenure comes to a natural end and a fresh voice and approach are required.

Brighton decided that was the way forward and went for Potter, who had distinguished himself at Ostersunds in Sweden before doing well in difficult circumstances in south Wales.

He has brought a patient, passing style to Brighton and his new charges have been impressive in the manner they have got up to speed.

There are odd occasions when Brighton’s fans might like to see things done a little quicker but three successive home league wins against Tottenham, Everton and now Norwich have provided strong evidence that Potter’s message is working and winning favour with supporters and players.

Brighton looked strong at the back and the invention of Trossard, a summer signing from Genk, gives them an extra dimension, as he did when he emerged as a second-half substitute here and turned in the crucial opening goal from Martin Montoya’s cross.

They are now in eighth place and as Potter took the acclaim of Brighton’s fans at the final whistle, it is clear his work is winning their seal of approval.

Norwich’s magnificent win over reigning champions Manchester City on a night that electrified Carrow Road in September seemed an age away as they struggled so badly here.

When they beat Manchester City 3-2 they had pace, strength and the goalscoring touch of Teemu Pukki – none of that was on show here.

This is not Pukki’s fault. The talismanic Finnish striker is not even feeding on scraps currently and he is not helped when the undoubtedly talented Emiliano Buendia has the skill to work dangerous positions but is so prone to over-elaboration that the chance is often lost.

Manager Farke was determined his team would meet the Premier League challenge head-on with his all-out attacking style, but it has only brought them two wins this season and they are now characterised by the ominous combination of lack of punch up front and a propensity to concede at the back.

No wonder Farke’s brow was even more furrowed than usual as he prowled the touchline at a rain-lashed Amex Stadium.

Norwich can still work their way out of this but Farke must work fast to shore up those defensive deficiencies and find a way to get Pukki, his most potent attacking weapon, into the game.

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Source – BBC