Canaries show leaves Lambert chirpy
Paul Lambert
Norwich manager Paul Lambert rated their 2-0 win over Bolton as one of the best performances he has seen since taking over at Carrow Road three years ago.
The Canaries dominated Saturday's game from start to finish and could have been 3-0 up at half-time had it not been for the Bolton crossbar and some good saves from Trotters stopper Adam Bogdan.
He said: "In my time, which is nearly three seasons now, that's as good as it's been because of the circumstances and the desire they showed. They were brilliant."
The hosts finally took the lead in the 70th minute when Andrew Surman volleyed home at the second attempt after David Wheater blocked his original attempt.
A few nervy moments followed before Anthony Pilkington wrapped up the win five minutes from time after Bogdan spilled Russell Martin's shot directly in to the winger's path.
What pleased Lambert most was the fact his team completed the victory with full-backs Kyle Naughton and Russell Martin in the centre of defence after losing Daniel Ayala and Zak Whitbread to injury in the first half.
He added: "They were fantastic. It's a blow when you lose your two centre-backs. I can't remember that happening to me before.
"The two lads who went off are big, big players and Bolton are a big side. Kyle Naughton is knee-high to a grasshopper.
"It showed the desire of the lads to not get beaten.
"We deserved to win the game. I thought we were dominant, and we might have got another couple of goals."
Press Association
