That was not how they wanted to do it, but Norwich were encouraged to the Premier League on Saturday … despite a 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth.
The Canary Islands knew they were up when they started against the cherries. Brentford and Swansea, who previously dropped points, meant that Norwich were 14 points from third place with four games left, and they started to look like the best in the division.
Emiliano Buendia got the hosts for a flyer, but a red card to Dimitris Giannoulis soon made things difficult for Daniel Farke’s team. Bournemouth fought back, but it did not matter to Norwich, who had parties to enjoy.
? ??????? ????????????! ? pic.twitter.com/KVFTziVyKV
– Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) April 17, 2021
What are we? pic.twitter.com/SkOCjTo5Gr
– Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) April 18, 2021
The decision to stand by Farke in the summer despite their relegation last term has yielded results. Norwich may have been forgiven for leaving the German boss after they only took 21 points in the top flight, but they knocked it out and felt he was the best man for the job to bounce back.
? “We hope we have managed to encourage the fans a little and get some joy in their hearts and souls during the season by marketing back to the Premier League and hopefully winning the title.”
You’ve done it 100 percent, Daniel! ?
– Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) April 17, 2021
They have stormed the championship this semester, rolled over all coming and scored 66 goals so far in the process.
In the middle of all this was Teemu Pukki, who has netted 25 times and once again looks like one of their players for the season. He celebrated with a beer along with other strikers Adam Idah and Jordan Hugill.
Our punch is better than yours. pic.twitter.com/N7yKJoMaCF
– Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) April 18, 2021
Goooooooooo good morning! pic.twitter.com/rEa6FRvt08
– Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) April 18, 2021
Only two boro guys !! @ bengibson1993 pic.twitter.com/0px5NTkByc
– Jordan Hugill (@JordanHugill) April 17, 2021
The Canary Islands only found out they were up hours before kick-off. Which was a shame for assistant king Emiliano Buendia, who was just trying to sneak in a siesta in the afternoon when their top flight status was confirmed.
Hate it when it happens.
? “I was asleep when we were promoted! I knew nothing about the results, so when I woke up and I saw my phone I had about 20 missed calls, lots of congratulatory messages.”
Oh Emi?
– Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) April 17, 2021
It did not stop him from breaking out of the bubble after that, but …
That’s it for tonight, City fans.
Sweet Dreams! ? pic.twitter.com/sTe9Mojb1F
– Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) April 17, 2021
Norwich could not have done it without their first baseman Tim Krul. The Dutchman has been in inspired form this season and conceded just 16 goals in his 32 league games to help his team return from the second tier.
The 33-year-old is under contract until 2024 and looks to be their starting guard back in the Premier League if nothing changes.
Mission back to @premierleague complete ✅ .. ??? 4 matches left to end the season as champions. pic.twitter.com/eyaHmBDwcu
– Tim Krul (@TimKrul) April 18, 2021
23-year-old Todd Cantwell also had one of the best seasons of his career so far. He was strongly linked to a move in the summer, but had no problem staying to support the promotion fee this season.
Despite an injured start, he has recovered to play an important role. His six goals and five assists, most of which come since the turn of the year, have been crucial for the Canary Islands.
A heartfelt message to Norwich fans from @ ToddCantwell_10! ?? pic.twitter.com/GCYVpEcI8B
– Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) April 17, 2021
There is still work to be done for Norwich who need four more points to be sure of their status as champions.
But no matter what happens, they know which league they will play next season.
WE ARE PREMIERE !!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/uZZPjob3au
– Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) April 17, 2021
