Dean Smith guided Norwich City to a second clean sheet along with three points in this afternoon’s Premier League fixture against Burnley.
“I thought it was really competitive today and we started to show some of the qualities that we needed and have probably been missing over the last few games.
“It was good for Pierre to get his first Premier League goal – I’ve been on to him because with the technique that he’s got he should be scoring more. It was a great finish, and I thought the first goal was always going to be important in this game.”
Smith’s starting eleven were almost unchanged, with only Billy Gilmour making way for Kieran Dowell.
“Kenny McLean was outstanding today: he epitomised what we wanted within the team, he broke things up, he won second balls, he competed really well, showed his quality on the ball when he needed to as well.”
Today’s result means City close the gap on Burnley to just three points, who are four behind Everton after their win against Manchester United yesterday.
“Burnley have got players that can hurt you on the ball - they play good football at times and give you problems. We defended all facets of the game today and the pleasing thing is it’s two clean sheets on the spin.”
Talking about the second goal, Smith said, “It was a great ball from Mathias and a great touch from Teemu. As soon as he’s in there you fancy him to score. I’m pleased for him because the goalkeeper made some good saves off him. If you feed him, he’ll score.”
In his final reflections of the game, Dean Smith made it clear that the team would not get ahead of themselves after today’s result.
“We’re still fighting and I think today was important for not just ourselves, but our supporters as well. It’s still a mountain but we’ve got a few rungs up it now.
“We’ll keep our feet on the floor – its only one game and one win and we’ll look forward to next week’s game.”
Norwich City face Manchester United next at Old Trafford on Saturday, April 16.