Blackburn 0-2 Norwich: Liam Gibbs scores first senior goal as Canaries edge closer to the play-offs

Norwich youngster Liam Gibbs scored his first senior goal after getting the nod over club legend Teemu Pukki but his side’s joy was curtailed by a serious-looking injury to skipper Grant Hanley on his 400th career appearance.

Canaries boss David Wagner put Pukki on the bench for an important clash between two play-off contenders and Gibbs took only 11 minutes to justify the decision.

The 20-year-old raced clear of the Rovers defence to hammer home Jacob Sorensen’s long pass into the top corner, leaving home players to launch a finger-pointing inquest before restarting.

Gabriel Sara added a classy second early in the second half and while Rovers still occupy the final play-off place, Norwich are now only a point behind.

There will be fears however for Hanley who has a history of knee problems and fell to the floor in his own penalty area without any challenge.

Norwich City’s Liam Gibbs (R) claimed his first senior goal in their 2-0 win against Blackburn

Gabriel Sara (bottom) scored their second just after half-time to keep their play-off hopes alive

Grant Hanley was taken from the field on a stretcher in after suffering a concerning injury 

The Scotland international was applauded by both sets of fans having started his career at Ewood Park and playing for the club for nine years. 

City hadn’t won in their previous four but their two thousand fans who had made the 440-mile round trip were in good voice even before the early breakthrough.

Max Aarons nearly gave them something else to cheer about when he nearly added a second with a decent dig from the edge of the box.

Andrew Obomamidele replaced Hanley after 42 minutes but Norwich reached half-time without goalkeeper Angus Gunn having to face a shot on target.

Blackburn were disappointing given they were unbeaten at home in 2023 and Norwich stretched their lead after 55 minutes.

Onel Hernandez led a speedy breakaway after receiving the ball by the touchline and his pass to Sara was struck first-time by the Brazilian, a left-footer that curved away from the despairing Aynsley Pears.

In the away end, the Brazilian flag matching Norwich’s green-and-yellow fluttered away with pleasure.

The goal was Gibbs’ first senior goal for Norwich, with Gibbs getting the nod over Teemu Pukki 

David Wagner’s side are now within touching distance of a play-off place one point off Rovers

Pukki, who announced last week he’ll be leaving Norwich at the end of the season, arrived to acclaim after 64 minutes with another centre-half Ben Gibson limping off and Sorensen dropping back.

The Finn hit the side netting with his best chance while Rovers staged a late rally without reward.

Gunn was finally called into action when he clawed away the ball away from Sam Gallagher could finish and then stuck out a boot to deny Tyrhys Dolan. He then dived to the left to stop Ben Brereton-Diaz.

Sam McCallum headed off the line and then Gunn slightly fortunate when Brereton-Diaz’s shot went through his legs before the ‘keeper recovered.