Southampton overhauled by Norwich City in 2-1 Premier League defeat

Southampton lost 2-1 at relegation threatened Norwich City as the Canaries new boss Dean Smith started his reign at Carrow Road with a win on Saturday.

Smith, who was sacked following Aston Villa’s defeat on November 5, took over Norwich last Monday.

Che Adams put Southampton on the front foot, turning in striker-partner Adam Armstrong’s pass on four minutes to make it 1-0.

But Teemu Pukki struck back just three minutes later against a flat defence to draw Norwich level with a header that beat Alex McCarthy at his near post.

Milot Rashica, meanwhile, provided a second half spark for Norwich and came close to pushing the hosts in front, but saw his attempt easily saved.

Saints rarely threatened the goal after half-time, but Armstrong was left with his hands on his head after seeing a half-chance collected by Nrowich goalkeeper Tim Krul.

Norwich would take a 2-1 lead through Grant Hanley in the 79th minute when Hanley rose above James Ward-Prowse and Lyanco to meet Billy Gilmour’s corner-kick.

Southampton saw their four match unbeaten, which included crucial back-to-back wins come to an end with the defeat.

Norwich still sit in the bottom three of table with eight points from 12 games, but have now won back-to-back matches.

Norwich City (4-3-3): Krul; Aarons, Hanley, Gibson, Williams; Gilmour (Rupp 86), Normann, McLean; Rashica (Tzolis 90), Pukki, Cantwell (Sargent 46)

Unused subs: Gunn (GK), Placheta, Lees-Melou, Giannoulis, Idah, Omobamidele

Goals: Pukki (7), Hanley (79)

Bookings: Williams (64), Krul (90+3), Normann (90+4)

Southampton (4-4-2): McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Salisu, Bednarek, Livramento; Elyounoussi (Broja 52), Romeu (Lyanco 73), Ward-Prowse, Diallo; Adams (Walcott 62), Armstrong

Unused subs: Forster (GK), Long, Perraud, Smallbone, Tella, Valery

Goals: Adams (4)

Bookings: Bednarek (64), Walker-Peters (71)