Mark Harris' 28th-minute opener set the U's on their way to a deserved victory on the opening day
Oxford United celebrated their return to Championship level for the first time since 1999 with a deserved 2-0 victory over Norwich City.
Talismanic striker Mark Harris got Oxford's first goal in the second tier this century, seizing on an error by Canaries skipper Grant Hanley before cutting inside Shane Duffy and squeezing the ball through the legs of Angus Gunn.
Cameron Brannagan doubled the advantage just before the hour mark when he curled home from the edge of the box following a pinpoint cross from Sam Long.
The Canaries' best chance came late on but Jack Stacey's goalbound effort was blocked by U's left-back Joe Bennett in a difficult first game for new City boss Johannes Hoff Thorup.
The day started badly for Thorup when winger Jonathan Rowe withdrew from the Canaries squad on Saturday morning amid speculation French giants Marseille had submitted a bid to sign the 21-year-old.
Callum Doyle, on loan from Manchester City, was selected by the Dane at left-back on his Norwich debut as both sides matched up in a 4-3-3 formation.
The U's, however, made the brighter start and Harris somehow managed to misjudge Tyler Goodrham's low cross with the goal gaping, although the linesman's flag had already been lifted.
Former Norwich man Przemyslaw Placheta then went close for United but saw his near-post strike kept out by Scotland international Gunn.
Harris missed another presentable chance after a cross from the stand-out Long, whose combination with Goodrham caused debutant Doyle problems all afternoon.
The second half brought much of the same and Brannagan saw a deflected effort hit the bar after Norwich failed to clear a Will Vaulks corner.
Barely five minutes later Brannagan made no mistake from Long's cut-back to seal a terrific return to the second tier for Des Buckingham's side.
Judging by today's performance, United may have higher expectations than just safety this season.
Oxford United head coach Des Buckingham:
"It was a great start and we said to the boys about coming into the game and not shying away from the level of competition and changing the way we have been playing the last six months.
"When you come into so many unknowns, it's important you stick to that identity, and I'm delighted with the performance.
"It wasn't easy, believe me. We've got 45 more of those – we'll get different tests chucked at us."
Norwich City boss Johannes Hoff Thorup:
"We didn't defend well and we should have put more pressure on their box and their defensive lines so overall I was not satisfied."
On Rowe's exclusion:
"It was too late a decision. It should not happen on game days, of course.
"It's fair to say it can have some effect on the group and on the performance level.
"My next plan is to have a conversation with Jonny on what happened today – and how can we continue moving forward."
