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Extraordinary scenes with FIVE goals scored in opening 26 minutes of Coventry v Norwich

There were extraordinary scenes with FIVE goals scored in the opening 26 minutes of Coventry v Norwich on Saturday afternoon.

A glorious day at the CBS Arena to welcome new Sky Blues owner Doug King for his first home game since he formally took charge, conditions to suit Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres and Finland’s Teemu Pukki.

It took just six minutes for the deadlock to be broken, as Grant Hanley muscled his way towards the ball in the six-yard box as Coventry defend a corner poorly. But, in trying to stop Hanley getting to the ball, Jake Bidwell can only turn it into this own net.

Norwich had another four minutes later, sending them well on their way, looking to continue their good form since the arrival of new boss David Wagner.

Onel Hernandez collected a cross on the edge of the six-yard-box, which was stuck between his feet, but he skilfully got it out turns and fired the ball into the back of the net.

His first touch is poor, but he retained control, turned inside Fankaty Dabo and rolled the ball through Ben Wilson’s grasp and into the back of the net.

Norwich then put a third past Coventry with just 18 minutes on the clock.

Teemu Pukki produced a drag back pass to Josh Sargent who hit a low shot into the bottom corner from the penalty spot.

Before that, Norwich went close when Ben Wilson screamed at his defence as he tipped a fizzing shot from Josh Sargent around the post.

Then another chance for the visitors from the corner was played short, with Onel Hernandez lifting in a teasing ball to the far post, but there are no takers in a Norwich shirt.

Championship football at its finest with Coventry getting one back.

Kasey Palmer whipped in a cross from the right-hand side, with Jamie Allen lashing the ball home after being teed up by a cool cushioned header!

The home fans roaring again – and a comeback was firmly on the cards with Coventry getting a second shortly after.

A cross from the left was mis-controlled by Viktor Gyokeres, but he acted quick to the second ball, smashing the ball past Tim Krul.

On second look, he swung his leg at exactly the same time as Kasey Palmer, getting the first touch!

Ged Scott (BBC Sport at the CBS Arena): “A nightmare start for Coventry City to be three down inside 18 minutes.

“An element of fortune about both the first two goals. But the bottom line is that the Canaries have started well in this tale of two Cities – and Cov haven’t.

“Home boss Mark Robins looks unmoved and resolute in the home technical area, knowing that there is still a long way to go.

‘And to hit back with such an instant response by the hosts from skipper Jamie Allen shows that the players believe it too.

“Well what a 45 minutes of football that was.

“I’ve missed half of it due to sun glare (and forgetting to pack my shades) – through not being able to type and keep my hand up to cover my eyes simultaneously. But the bits I missed sure sounded good too.

“Two attack-minded teams both going at it hammer and tongs.

“Two sets of supporters in full voice.

“One or two bits of fortune and one or two key errors – but also some scintillating football that would not look out of place a division higher.

“What’s the betting when the sun dips after the break, and the temperature cools, that the second half now proves goalless?”

A superb shot from Kieran Dowell from inside the box went straight into the bottom corner to put Norwich 4-2 up on the 65th minute.

He held off two Coventry defenders and sent it past the keeper.

Three hard earned points for Norwich who if results go the way they want it to, could end up third in the Championship.

Coventry City boss Mark Robins told BBC CWR:

“If you try to pass it against them, they’ll kill you. It’s the space that kills you. Time on the ball. And we gave them too much time.

“You’ve got to learn these lessons. Preston did the same last week and they were 3-0 down in 20 minutes. They’ve got top players. And you need numbers at the back. You’ve got to able to defend man v man.

“But our season isn’t defined against the likes of Burnley and Norwich. It’s what happens next that counts.”

Norwich City boss David Wagner told BBC Radio Norfolk:

“The guys played very good football in the second half. We were calm and defended well. But the first half was not good. Even though we went 3-0 up, I was anything but satisfied.

“We didn’t control the ball. We didn’t control the game. It looked like in boxing when you don’t use your fists for defending. Every hit was like a hit in the face.

“Even at 3-0 up, we looked nervous. But at half-time we showed them some clips of how they could have done better and, from then on, it was an enjoyable afternoon.”

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