Norwich City 2-2 Swansea City: Matt Grimes penalty earns Swans point against Norwich

Jamie Paterson of Swansea City scores Swansea opening goalImage source, Huw Evans picture agency
Image caption,

Jamie Paterson of Swansea City scores Swansea opening goal

Norwich City's play-off destiny is still in their own hands, as they earned a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Swansea City at Carrow Road.

The Swans started well, and took the lead when Liam Cullen played through Jamie Paterson, who finished into the roof of the net from a tight angle after 24 minutes.

The Canaries soon hit back, Gabriel Sara drawing the hosts level before he turned provider for Josh Sargent in first-half stoppage time.

Swansea were handed a way back into the game when Ronald was fouled in the penalty area, and captain Matt Grimes calmly slotted the spot kick down the middle on his 300th appearance for the club.

The visitors pushed for a late winner, but Norwich goalkeeper Angus Gunn kept out chances from Ronald, Cullen and Jamal Lowe.

The draw sees Norwich move up to fifth place, four points ahead of Hull City in seventh, and the Canaries will be guaranteed a play-off spot if the Tigers lose against Ipswich on Saturday evening.

Norwich started the day knowing victory would move them six points clear of the chasing pack with one week left in the Championship season.

Swansea, meanwhile, had moved away from a relegation battle in recent weeks with three straight wins going into this contest.

The difference in pressure between the side was evident, as Norwich made a nervy start, Gunn making a superb save to stop Cullen scoring in the first five minutes.

Swansea's dominance eventually told, when Cullen played Paterson in down the left-hand side, and the Swans forward finished in style into the top corner.

That goal proved to be the spark Norwich needed, and within minutes of the goal it was the yellow and green shirts on the front foot.

Sara's equaliser was the highlight of the game, as he collected Christian Fassnacht's nod down behind finding the top-right corner of the net, the ball ricocheting the under-side of the crossbar on the way in.

And in first-half stoppage time the Canaries went ahead, Sara's back-post cross being met by Sargent who headed past Carl Rushworth.

Swansea improved after the break, and when Gunn sent Ronald tumbling in the 18-yard box, Grimes calmly slotted the resulting penalty straight down the middle to earn the visitors a point.

The draw is still enough for Norwich to remain in control of their destiny, but they could still need a win on the final day of the season against Birmingham to seal a play-off place.

Swansea City head coach Luke Williams told BBC Sport Wales:

"I think a draw is fair, about what we deserved.

"We created a lot of chances but we were on the receiving end of a lot of chances, I'm really happy with the performance though, don't get that twisted.

"I'm happy with some signs of consistent performances at the level we want to be a bare minimum, and this was a great test for us today.

"Jamie Paterson today gave everything for the team, at times he is like holding onto a hand-full of water, he's impossible to play against."

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