Norwich boss Johannes Hoff Thorup was relieved to get his first Sky Bet Championship win since becoming manager, as his side secured a 1-0 victory at Coventry.
The Canaries won it four minutes into the second half when Borja Sainz’s shot took a heavy deflection off Joel Latibeaudiere and beat helpless Sky Blues goalkeeper Oliver Dovin.
After the opening day defeat to Oxford, followed by home draws against Blackburn and Sheffield United, Norwich came into the game following a frustrating start to the season.
However they largely dominated this contest at the Coventry Building Society Arena and the controlled performance yielded Thorup his first league victory after arriving from Danish side Nordsjaelland earlier this summer.
“It’s something you wish can happen in the first game you play, but that was not the case and we had to wait a little while,” said the 35-year-old.
“What I’m most satisfied about is the attitude and the mentality of the team, we controlled the game – they had chances, but the mindset we played this game with, I am really pleased about.
“The defensive job was outstanding. If you only have a one-goal lead towards the end there will be some moments when you have to support each other and defend with everything you have.
“There’s a good spirit in the group and there’s a positivity around what we’re doing. I’d like to say full support to the players because they’ve been terrific so far and they really buy into what we are trying to build here.
“I think especially what we saw at the start of the second half today was a big step in the right direction.”
Coventry manager Mark Robins was left frustrated with the performance from his Sky Blues, feeling they were outperformed by the visitors.
A closely-fought first half saw Ellis Simms squander a couple of good chances, although after the break Norwich took a grip of the contest. After Sainz’s strike, Coventry struggled to match their opponents.
“Very disappointing,” said Robins. “You’ve got to match the opponent for their work-rate before you earn the right to play any football.
“First half there was very little in it, we probably had the better chances and looked like we could go toe to toe with them and go on and beat them.
“In the second half we got really disjointed, we stopped running and found it difficult to pick people up. The first rule in football, you’ve got to stay with your runners.
“There was a disconnect between the players in areas, so we’ve got plenty of work to do on that.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. PORTUGAL WIN THE UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE ON PENALTIES Nuno Mendes 😎 Anti Right Winger Morata : Me again? Congratulations Portugal & Ronaldo Kepa in Arsenal be like I am sorry. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: BleacherReportFootball, Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball)...
PSG get talks underway with Bournemouth for ZabarnyiFabrizio Romano reports that PSG are determined to sign Ilya Zabarnyi this summer. While talks are underway with Bournemouth, the two clubs have not yet reached an agreement. The player remains keen to join Les Parisiens.Everton join Newcastle in race to sign GrealishEverton are interesting in acquiring the services of Manchester City outcast Jac...
WHAT HAPPENED?Napoli striker Osimhen has reportedly made up his mind on his future, and it seems like it won't include a sensational move to the Middle East. This comes from a scoop from journalist Buchi Laba, who reports that Osimhen has rejected a fifth offer from Saudi side Al-Hilal and would rather continue his career in Europe.THE BIGGER PICTURELaba claims that Osimhen is not interested in a ...
France captain Kylian Mbappe says he is satisfied with his side bouncing back from their Nations League loss to Spain in the third-placed play-off.Les Bleus finished the campaign with a win over Germany, thanks to goals from the Real Madrid star and Michael Olise.And while there was a lot to like about the French performance in Stuttgart, Mbappe took a balanced approach to things in his post-match...
WHAT HAPPENED?The German club have asked to be kept up to date on Sancho's situation, with the Man Utd outcast being touted as a possible replacement for Chelsea target Jamie Gittens, as per Sky Sports. Sancho has already re-joined the club from Manchester United once - a six-month loan spell at the end of last season - and could yet return for a third spell with the German giants. Chelsea paid a ...
Jobe Bellingham of Sunderland celebrates getting promoted back to the Premier LeagueEngland U21 midfielder Jobe Bellingham has agreed terms to leave Sunderland for Borussia Dortmund in a deal reported at around 331 million including add-ons.The Bedlington-born starlet joins the German club on a five-year contract following Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League.Dortmund has reportedly agreed...
Brian Priske has chosen to return to Sparta PragueBrian Priske has returned to Sparta Prague to take up the position as head coach, say the Czech club on their website."We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new head coach. We welcome Brian, who knows the environment in the club. We strongly believe that he will build on the successful work he has delivered in the past and help Sparta w...
Borussia Dortmund keen on signing Jadon SanchoBorussia Dortmund are weighing up a fresh move for Jadon Sancho amid uncertainty over his future at Manchester United.The Bundesliga side have requested to be kept informed about the Englishman’s status at Old Trafford, with the out-of-favour winger seen as a potential replacement for Chelsea-linked Jamie Gittens, according to Sky Sports.Sancho i...
Gravenberch names his 2025 Ballon d'Or favouriteRyan Gravenberch shared his 2025 Ballon d'Or choice, backing his Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah to win the prestigious award.The Egypt international was the frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d'Or during the first half of the season, topping both the goals and assists charts in the Premier League.0"That's a tough one, but I'll go for my teammate: Moha...
Uriah RennieUriah Rennie, the first black man to referee in the Premier League, has died at the age of 65.WHAT HAPPENED?In August 1997, Rennie was named as the referee for a Premier League game between Derby County and AFC Wimbledon and made history as the division's first ever black referee. He went on to officiate over 300 top-flight games across 11 years, as well as refereeing domestic cup fina...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Marcus Rashford 'grows close' to stunning semi-pro padel player
- 3 Why Premier League transfer may be off the cards for Victor Osimhen as Man Utd make 'timid' attempts to convince striker
- 4 Chukwueze reveals cause of AC Milan’s ‘disastrous’ season
- 5 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 6 FIFA confirms 34 team base camp training sites in the United States for 2025 Club World Cup, including nine in Florida and five in Calitornia
- 7 Man Utd continue to be linked with Emi Martinez
- 8 Daily Laugh - Morata : Me again?
- 9 Daily Laugh - Mbeumo and his amazing talent
- 10 Liverpool's dream transfer window with six signings including £100m striker