Brentford 1-2 Norwich: Canaries’ first league win of season cannot save Daniel Farke

Norwich picked up their first Premier League win of the season at the 11th time of asking by beating Brentford, but it was not enough to prevent manager Daniel Farke being sacked hours later.

It was the first time Norwich had been ahead in a league game this season, although only a superb save from Tim Krul to deny Christian Norgaard from point-blank range prevented Brentford from quickly drawing level.

It proved a crucial save because Norwich doubled their lead midway through the first half when Teemu Pukki was brought down inside the box by Charlie Goode. The Finland striker stepped up to score the penalty.

It prompted scenes of jubilation in the away end, with the travelling fans seeing their side score two goals for the first time in 29 Premier League games.

But they endured a nervous second half as Brentford put on the pressure. Bryan Mbeumo had a goal ruled out for offside before Rico Henry volleyed home to make it 2-1.

Krul superbly kept out Sergi Canos’ fierce drive as the home side pushed for an equaliser, but the visitors held out for a precious win.

Norwich remain bottom despite the win but are five points from safety, while Brentford are 14th.

Farke came out in defiant mood in the post-match interviews, warning others not to write Norwich off.

However, later on Saturday, Norwich released a statement to announce his departure, ending his four-year spell at the club.

Norwich’s season finally up and running

Celebrating a Premier League victory will have been something of a forgotten feeling for Norwich fans.

This was their first top-flight win since they beat Leicester 1-0 on 28 February 2020. And it ended a run 20 games without a victory, during which they lost 18 and drew just two.

Their first-half performance belied that of a team on such a torrid run. Farke’s side attacked with pace and confidence and fully deserved their two-goal lead at half-time.

But poor defending has blighted Norwich this season, and when Henry was left completely unmarked to halve the deficit, the away fans must have feared the worst.

Brentford did respond but to Norwich’s credit, they defended resolutely to protect their slender lead and secure a huge, confidence-boosting win.

Farke’s departure leaves an element of uncertainty, however, and whether they can build on this victory will depend on who replaces the German.

Brentford, meanwhile, have now lost four league games in a row for the first time in five years and for the first time under coach Thomas Frank.

They currently sit 14th in the table will be desperate to turn around their fortunes after a strong start to their maiden Premier League season.

“My body is burning, I hate losing,” Frank said. “I will be devastated tonight but then I will have 24 hours and then need to go again.

“Out of the last four games we lost – three top performances we should have won and we were bad against Burnley.”

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