Norwich Subs Undermine Manchester City

So, what do you do when you're missing eight first-team players and Manchester City's next up on your schedule?

What else? Realize you've got 'em right where you 'em.

Newly promoted Norwich City could be considered by American fans as a Premiership version of the Green Bay Packers. Its population of 125,000 is pleasantly nestled in the heart of East Anglia, and the Canaries' colors are even similar to their NFL brethren. They've spent time at the top level before and believe their best approach is one of full-on attack.

 

That approach, superbly executed under the guidance of German manager Daniel Farke, surprised the reigning champions with a 3-2 upset stunner. Finnish star Teemu Pukki led the scoring with a goal and an assist.

Everything looked normal for Manchester City in the early stages, as they controlled possession. However, the Canaries' ever-vigilant search for an opening bore fruit in the 18th minute.

That's when Emiliano Buendia found Kenny McLean at the near post:

 

Ten minutes later, the hosts doubled their lead.

Buendia was again the architect, picking Pukki out, whereupon the Finn striker unselfishly fed Todd Cantwell, who tapped into the empty net:

 

 

Who was?

Except maybe Farke.

The Sky Blues pulled a goal back seconds before the break, as Bernardo Silva released Sergio Agüero, who used his head:

 

Those feisty Canaries gave no thought to battening down the hatches, though, and were rewarded for their initiative.

Dudes restored their two-goal lead was restored five minutes after the intermission. Nicolas Otamendi's terrible mistake was punished when Buendia earned his second assist, feeding Pukki, who controlled the ball before again firing home:

 

The Citizens looked lost, but they kept seeking to reduce the gap.

That happened in the 88th minute. Rodri was the recipient of a Gabriel Jesus dish and knocked it past Tim Krul:

 

Understandably, wild celebrations erupted throughout Carrow Road at the final whistle.

Meanwhile, this result puts Liverpool five points ahead of Manchester City in the standings, who now turn their attention to other things. Dudes travel to the Ukraine to face Shakhtar Donetsk on Wed 18 Sep in the UEFA Champions League, and they'll be looking for a few wrinkles in their game that clearly need to be straightened out.

As to the Canaries, it'd be cool if everyone got healthy, but right now, that doesn't seem so important.