Swansea City 2-1 Norwich City: Bashir Humphreys’ late goal sees Swans beat Canaries

Swansea City claimed a third successive Championship win as Bashir Humphreys’ fine late goal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Norwich City.

The 20-year-old’s first senior goal was tough on Norwich, who missed numerous opportunities as they dominated much of the second half.

Swansea had gone ahead early on as Jamal Lowe’s cool finish saw him score for the third successive game.

But Norwich levelled midway through the first period thanks to Gabriel Sara’s header, before Adam Idah wasted the best of the visitors’ chances after the break.

Victory represented another step forward for Michael Duff, who had been under pressure after failing to win in his first seven league games as Swansea’s head coach.

Having ended that sequence with comfortable wins over Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall, this was Duff’s most notable triumph yet given Norwich’s status as probable promotion contenders.

The Canaries need a significant improvement in form if they are to live up to that billing, however, having slumped to four defeats in their last six second-tier games.

The latest setback means David Wagner’s team drop out of the play-off places on goal difference, while Swansea climb to 15th.

Norwich have been among the division’s entertainers this season, with Wagner’s men scoring plenty of goals while also conceding too many for their head coach’s liking.

So it was no shock that there were goals at both ends in an open, entertaining first period.

Swansea needed just three minutes to break the deadlock, with Norwich caught out by the home press as Lowe’s sliding challenge on Adam Forshaw presented possession to Matt Grimes.

Swansea’s captain exchanged passes with Jamie Paterson before the ball rolled into Lowe’s path and the forward seized his chance, guiding a shot past the advancing Angus Gunn and into the bottom corner.

Charlie Patino’s drive was blocked as Swansea chased a second, before Norwich levelled with their first genuine opportunity of the night.

After Jonathan Rowe’s initial cross was cleared, Dimitris Giannoulis’ deflected centre fell perfectly for Sara to head his third goal of the season beyond a helpless Carl Rushworth.

Jack Stacey’s drive then drew a fabulous save from Rushworth before Swansea threatened again as Jerry Yates’ flick ricocheted wide.

If Swansea shaded the first half, the second was dominated for long spells by Norwich.

Rowe headed wide, Ben Gibson and Onel Hernandez were denied by Rushworth and Kenny McLean’s shot was blocked before Idah headed Przemyslaw Placheta’s cross over a gaping net.

Swansea then conjured some attacking momentum in the closing stages, with Yates turning the ball home after Ollie Cooper’s volley was saved only to be flagged offside.

Yates was denied again as Shane Duffy blocked his header on the line before Humphreys’ moment to savour arrived.

Lowe had two efforts, the first blocked and the second saved, before the ball dropped to Humphreys and he lashed home in style from 12 yards.

Swansea City head coach Michael Duff:

“Delighted with the result and delighted with the performance as well. I think we started the game with real intent, trying to get on the front foot which we have talked about.

“The goal comes from a high press. Their goal ironically comes from us getting the press wrong, where we’ve gone in ones and twos.

“Second half we defended the box really well and finished the game really strongly and were good value against a really strong Norwich team.

“I think they are one of the better teams in the league. We had 20 shots and the supporters came with us at the end. It’s a pleasing evening.”

Norwich City head coach David Wagner:

“Obviously the result is very disappointing. Performance-wise, first half we were not good, second half we were much better.

“Second half we have to kill the game. We had enough very good opportunities until 75-80 minutes.

“After that they put pressure on us with set pieces. If you don’t kill the game, then one situation can cost you.

“It’s very frustrating that we were not clinical in both boxes today and have not won a game we had opportunities to win at 1-1.”