Norwich City's first home game of 2026 ended in defeat, as Stoke City claimed a 2-0 win at Carrow Road in the Sky Bet Championship.
Philippe Clement made three changes to the side that were 2-1 winners away to Queens Park Rangers on New Year's Day, as Harry Darling, Lucien Mahovo and Jovon Makama all started.
The game's first chance fell to the away side inside the first two minutes as Divin Mubama's effort was deflected out for a corner by Darling.
Kellen Fisher was behind Norwich's first chance, latching onto Josh Sargent's pass, but the full-back fired off-target.
Makama got up highest to meet a cross from Matěj Jurásek, but the header was saved by Tommy Simkin in the Stoke goal.
Jurásek then had the ball in the back of the net, firing home from Mahovo's cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
In the second half, Sorba Thomas nearly caught out the Norwich defence as he latched onto a ball forward, but his lifted effort was wide of the post.
Bosun Lawal was next to threaten for Stoke, as his side-footed effort went over the crossbar.
Stoke would take the lead 15 minutes from time, as Sam Gallagher tapped in from a Thomas cross.
Seven minutes later, Stoke doubled their lead. Thomas was found by Million Manhoef, who tapped in beyond Vladan Kovačević.
The Canaries are in Emirates FA Cup action next weekend, hosting Walsall at Carrow Road.
Norwich City: Kovačević; Fisher (Stacey 89), McConville, Darling, Mahovo (Chrisene 59), McLean, Mattsson, Wright (Marcondes 68), Jurásek (Schwartau 59), Makama, Sargent (Kivstgaarden 89).
Unused subs: Grimshaw, Medić, Springett, Slimane.
Bookings: Fisher (85)
Stoke City: Simkin; Talovierov, Phillips, Wilmot, Lawal; Pearson (Nzonzi 89), Rigo (Seko 60); Junho, Thomas, Cisse (Manhoef 60); Mubama (Gallagher h-t).
Unused subs: Bonham, Dixon, Griffin, Kelly, Nzonzi, Fawunmi.
Goals: Gallagher (75), Thomas (82)
Bookings: Lawal (25), Pearson (72)
HT: 0-0
FT: 0-2
Venue: Carrow Road
Referee: Farai Hallam
Attendance: 25,656