Bristol City out of Carabao Cup after underwhelming Norwich defeat

Bristol City were comfortably knocked out of the Carabao Cup as they went down 1-0 losers to in-form Norwich City at Ashton Gate.

An uninspiring first half from both sides saw the match remain goalless at the break. Norwich began the second period on the front foot and netted the all-important goal before the 50-minute mark when Przemyslaw Placheta’s swivelled on a ball in the box and fired low into the back of the net.

The result means that Nigel Pearson’s side have lost their last two home games, and are winless in three matches.

The hosts were eager to follow up their positive display at Hull City and began on the front foot.

Mark Sykes progressed deep into Canaries territory and picked out Anis Mehmeti. The winger cut inside and fired an effort towards goal, but Andrew Omobamidele headed behind.

It didn’t take long for David Wagner’s side to impose themselves on the match either. Placheta’s cross found Adam Idah, who poked wide from close range.

The Robins then began to get a foothold of possession but struggled to create inroads against the in-form visitors.

Idah came close to opening the scoring before the 30-minute mark when his downward header was tipped brilliantly onto the crossbar and behind by Max O’Leary.

Plancheta saw his effort blocked behind before Gabriel Sara’s strike rippled the side netting, as the visitors looked likely to break the deadlock.

But the Robins struck back before halftime. George Tanner’s perfectly weighted pass found Nahki Wells, who fired a venomous effort across goal.

George Long reacted well to push away and make sure Wagner’s side went into the break level.

Just one minute into the second period, the Canaries came inches away from going ahead. Harry Cornick’s tackle inadvertently fell to Idah, who found Tony Springett, the no.42 neatly flicked the ball onto Liam Gibbs whose effort crashed down off the crossbar.

Moments later, Norwich took the lead. Placheta received the ball with his back to goal in the area and swiftly turned to strike towards the target. His effort fizzed into the left-hand corner of the helpless O’Leary’s goal.

The Robins’ response was positive, and they could have been level before the hour mark. Tanner played the ball down the wing to Harry Cornick, who found Mehmeti in the middle. The Albanian tried to control the ball under pressure but couldn’t get his shot away.

And he was nearly made to pay, as Norwich immediately broke up the field with Gibbs, whose eventual effort was saved comfortably by O’Leary.

The hosts made a string of changes to try and force a way back into the tie, and it was youngster Ephraim Yeboah who looked the most likely to turn the tide.

Yeboah fired a dangerous cross into the six-yard area before almost sliding Sam Bell through on goal.

As Pearson’s side pushed for a leveller, they left spaces in behind. Placheta was unleashed down the left flank and fired a ball across goal. Fortunately for the hosts, Kal Naismith was on hand to clear away.

The Robins searched for an equalising goal as the clock ticked on but didn’t create any chances of note.