Middlesbrough continued their perfect start to the Championship season with a 2-1 victory over 10-man Norwich City at Carrow Road, a result built on a ruthless spell just before half-time. Finn Azaz and Tommy Conway struck within three minutes of each other at the end of the first period to put Rob Edwards' side firmly in charge, and although Josh Sargent pulled one back late on, the visitors held their nerve to make it three wins from three under their new head coach.
Norwich midfielder Jacob Wright was sent off on 58 minutes for a dangerous challenge on Aidan Morris, compounding a frustrating afternoon for Liam Manning's side after they had created the better chances for much of the first half. Sargent's deft lob from Kenny McLean's long ball, his fourth goal in four games in league and cup and the first Middlesbrough have conceded this season, set up a tense finish in front of a roused home crowd, but Boro's earlier work and disciplined late defending proved enough.
Norwich recover from early scare to take control
The contest began with a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong at this level. Norwich goalkeeper Vladan Kovacevic almost gifted Middlesbrough an early opener when he took too long over a clearance, allowing Morgan Whittaker to close him down. The ball broke invitingly for the Boro forward, but he could not get it under control to punish the hesitation. It was an anxious moment for the Carrow Road crowd and for a Norwich side already under scrutiny at home after defeat to Millwall on the opening weekend.