Norwich secured a comfortable victory over relegation-threatened Stoke at the bet365 Stadium, enhancing their prospects for a Championship play-off spot.
Kenny McLean and Borja Sainz combined to set up Josh Sargent for his eighth goal in his last nine appearances, giving Norwich the lead. The duo repeated their partnership four minutes later, assisting Gabriel Sara for his 10th league goal of the season. Ashley Barnes added a third goal for Norwich on the hour mark.
Norwich remains in sixth place in the table, three points ahead of seventh-placed Hull, while Stoke sits just two points clear of the relegation places in 19th, with eight games remaining.
Norwich dominated the game from the start and could have scored early through Sainz and Barnes. Stoke’s Ki-Jana almost scored a stunning solo goal, running from his own half and beating two defenders before hitting the post.
Norwich took the lead in the 24th minute as McLean passed to Sainz, who then set up Sargent for an easy finish. Sargent almost scored again shortly after, but Stoke goalkeeper Daniel Iversen made a great save. Norwich doubled their lead moments later as Sainz set up Sara for his 10th goal of the season.
Stoke missed a chance to reduce the deficit when Josh Laurent headed over from close range before half-time. Barnes sealed the win for Norwich in the second half, scoring from McLean’s blocked shot.
Iversen made several saves to deny Norwich further goals, including a curling shot from Sara and another effort from Sargent.
Stoke boss Steven Schumacher told BBC Radio Stoke: “I thought Norwich were the better team in every department, more aggressive with the ball and played with more quality.
“We were off it, way below the standards that we played at the last week and got the result out of it that we deserved.
“It was too easy for them to play. We were a bit too deep as a team and didn’t get close enough – it took us 78 minutes to win a tackle.
“If you can’t do the basics well enough you’re not going to win games.”
Norwich boss David Wagner told BBC Radio Norfolk: “I think it was another very good away performance.
“We put the game to bed at the latest in the second half; very focused, very sharp defensively, counter-press was top class and offensively we scored some wonderful goals and had chances for more.
“The players are in a very good mood, very confident at the minute, and they really enjoy to play football together and I think it was a totally deserved result.”