Swansea fight back to beat Norwich and extend Championship lead

Swansea came from behind to beat Norwich 2-1 at home in the Championship, extending their lead at the top of the table. The win came after West Ham drew the night before, with Swansea also seeking to make it five consecutive unbeaten home games in the league. When the international break ended, Swansea were dealing with an injury to Canadian Stephen Eustaquio.

Norwich initially unsettled Swansea with their pressing, and the hosts looked short of sharpness. In the 22nd minute, Joseph Opoku won the ball in midfield, drove towards the opposition area and set up Idah for a good chance. The move did not produce a goal. Norwich also threatened on the counter: a cross from the left forced Stephen Welsh to head over his own crossbar and concede a corner.

Swansea looked a different side after the break. Gonçalo Franco set up Idah for a shot, which Kovacevic saved; Ruairi McConville then cleared Opoku’s follow-up off the line. Idah had already had two more chances to level before half-time, but Kovacevic denied him on both occasions.

The decisive goal arrived in the 59th minute, when the Republic of Ireland striker headed in a cross from Melker Widell to complete Swansea’s comeback after Jacob Wright’s first-half goal. Idah, who had scored three times already this season, later limped off and was replaced by Zan Vipotnik. In the closing minutes, Lawrence Vigouroux saved Sam Field’s effort before Jovon Makama headed over. Swansea held on to the win and their lead at the top.