Burnley 2-1 Norwich City: Hannibal Mejbri stars as Clarets sink City

By Mark Walker

BURNLEY 2

Mejbri 14, Anthony 24

NORWICH CITY 1

Stacey 76

Hannibal Mejbri was applauded by Burnley manager Scott Parker after his first goal for the club set them on their way to victory over Norwich City.

Jaidon Anthony doubled the lead and Mejbri then hit a post, before Canaries sub Jack Stacey made it a nervy finish after pulling a goal back 14 minutes from time.

The win extended the Clarets’ Championship unbeaten run to 29 matches.

Parker was quick to highlight man-of-the-match Mejbri’s contribution at Turf Moor.

Passionate

Parker said: “He’s not been around it for a few weeks, but he’s an infectious boy.

“What you see on the pitch is an infectious lad, who’s passionate about what he does.

“I brought him back in tonight because I thought his energy could give us what we needed and he ticked that box certainly.

“I thought he could be a threat for us; I was pleased he scored.

“Overall, he was superb, a real driver for what we did tonight.”

The win also extended Burnley’s unbeaten home run to 21 games and Parker paid tribute to the Clarets’ fans.

He added: “I thought the stadium was absolutely superb.

“It’s probably the best it’s been since I’ve been here.

“Even when Norwich scored, I felt a real positive energy coming from the stadium.

“Our attitude after they scored was superb and a large part of that was down to the stadium, to be honest with you.”

TAKE THE ACCLAIM: Jaidon Anthony celebrates scoring Burnley’s second and, inset, boss Scott Parker salutes the fans
PICTURES: Alamy

Match action

Burnley dominated early possession and their patient probing paid off when Mejbri stole in behind the visitors’ defence to put the hosts ahead.

The Tunisia midfielder darted on to Josh Cullen’s inch-perfect free-kick into the box and kept his composure to steer a low finish beyond Angus Gunn.

Norwich wasted the chance of an immediate response as the unmarked Kellen Fisher headed straight at James Trafford from six yards out.

The Clarets’ second goal came via a big deflection, but it was no less than they deserved.

Anthony’s shot from outside the box struck Norwich captain Shane Duffy on the back and wrong-footed Gunn in the 24th minute.

The visitors passed up another clear chance before half-time.

Borja Sainz raced clear into the area and, with just Trafford to beat, lifted his effort over the goalkeeper and wide.

Mejbri then went close to putting Burnley 3-0 up with a curling effort from the edge of the box which clipped the outside of a post.

Second half

Norwich were vastly improved after the restart and enjoyed their best spell of possession before Mejbri was denied a second goal again – after his brilliant turn in the box – by Duffy’s last-gasp block.

Stacey, a replacement for Emiliano Marcondes, hauled the Canaries back in it in the 76th minute.

Kenny McLean headed a corner goalwards and Stacey was first to react, turning the ball in from close.

City continued to press, but were denied further scoring chances.

Star Man – Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley)

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