Teemu Pukki scored a brace to help Norwich City produce one of the most comfortable football results of the weekend in the Championship. Only eight days after being named manager of Norwich, the former Huddersfield manager’s fingerprints were clearly visible all over a road performance brimming with vigor and enterprise. For the first time since October, Kieran Dowell returned to the starting lineup, and the forward added two goals to Teemu Pukki’s goal in the 13th minute as Norwich exploded for three goals in the opening three minutes. After 69 minutes, Pukki added his 10th goal of the season. Following its first victory in five Championship games, Norwich moves up four spots to seventh, just two points behind West Brom in sixth place.
Preston drops three spots to 13th after losing its fourth consecutive home league game. The top-scoring duo of Ched Evans and Emil Riis for Preston were absent due to injury; Riis’s season is gone owing to a significant knee ailment. The 11 starting have combined for just five Championship goals this season. And Preston’s dazzling passing frequently failed in the final third, making the lack of attacking potential clear right away. From the beginning, Norwich exuded a sense of threat. The intention of his team was reflected by Max Aarons’ drive infield from right-back to start the move for the opening goal.
