Norwich suffer first defeat of campaign against Rotherham

Norwich City suffered their first defeat of the 2023/24 Sky Bet Championship season to Rotherham United, losing 2-1 at the New York Stadium.

Norwich City suffered their first defeat of the 2023/24 Sky Bet Championship season to Rotherham United, losing 2-1 at the New York Stadium.

The Millers took a 2-0 lead into the half-time break thanks to goals from Dexter Limbikisa and former Canary Jordan Hugill.

A much better Norwich returned for the second half but they could only muster up one goal from Christian Fassnacht in return.

It's the first defeat in any competition for the Canaries this season after an unbeaten August in both league and cup.

The best chance of the opening quarter of an hour fell to Gabriel Sara. The Brazilian met a pull-back from Dimi Giannoulis in a good position but couldn't find the target.

Angus Gunn, making his 100th appearance for the club, would be called on soon after, getting a hand to Fred Onyedinma's effort to push it onto the woodwork and behind.

Moments later though, Limbikisa would open the scoring with a stunning half-volley from the edge of the box.

Ashley Barnes and Adam Idah would both test Viktor Johansson from distance but with no joy.

And then it got worse for David Wagner's men in the 41st minute when Hugill headed home for the Millers' second.

Barnes hit the side netting with the last kick of the half before Norwich headed down the tunnel two behind.

They got the boost they needed just five minutes into the second half when Jonathan Rowe's low ball across the goalmouth was diverted in by Fassnacht.

Norwich looked more dangerous after scoring but Rotherham enjoyed some success on the counter-attack.

Rowe was injured in the process of tracking back to dispossess Hugill just before a deflected cross from Jack Stacey almost levelled matters.

As much as Norwich tried, they failed to really test Johansson while they searched for the equaliser.

The Swedish goalkeeper claimed several crosses to relieve his back four of any pressure as the clock ticked down.

A couple of penalty shouts were waved away by the referee late on as the three points went to the hosts.

Rotherham United: Johansson, Lembikisa, Humphreys, Blackett, Bramall, Tiehi, Cafu, Rathbone (C), Onyedinma, Green (Nombe 63), Hugill (Eaves 82).

Unused subs: Phillips, Bola, Morrison, Appiah, McGuckin, Douglas.

Goals: Lembikisa (22), Hugill (41)

Bookings: Hugill (35), Rathbone (45)

Norwich City: Gunn, Stacey, Duffy, Gibson, Giannoulis (McCallum 77), McLean (C), Sara, Fassnacht (Springett 77), Rowe (Płacheta 64), Barnes, Idah (Gibbs 77).

Unused subs: Long, McCracken, Núñez, Fisher, Warner.

Goals: Fassnacht (50)

Bookings: Stacey (43)

Referee: Sam Barrott

Venue: New York Stadium

Attendance: 11,066 (2,212 away)