Josh Sargent struck in each half as Norwich City beat 10-man Blackburn Rovers 2-0 at Ewood Park, securing back-to-back away wins in the Championship and sending the Canaries into the international break on a much-needed high. The United States international converted a penalty on the stroke of half-time after Sean McLoughlin pulled him down and then sealed the points in stoppage time with a powerful finish.
Blackburn, reduced to 10 men by McLoughlin's red card, produced a spirited response after the interval and created enough chances to feel they deserved something from the game. But they found Norwich goalkeeper Vladan Kovacevic in inspired form, the Bosnian producing a remarkable double save from Augustus Kargbo and standing firm under heavy pressure before Sargent broke clear late on to settle a contest that, for long periods, was finely poised.
Norwich Edge a Tight First Half Before the Game Turns
Both sides came into the match under a cloud. Norwich's supporters had endured a miserable week, with home defeats to Middlesbrough in the league and Southampton in the Carabao Cup, compounded by the sale of key midfielder Marcelino Nunez to rivals Ipswich Town. Blackburn, meanwhile, have also been wrestling with early-season problems, though optimism had been rekindled by a comprehensive 3-0 win at Hull City that home fans hoped would launch their campaign.