Luton swept aside by Championship leaders Norwich
Luton Town were beaten 3-0 by Championship leaders Norwich City as they were unable to prevent the Canaries from picking up a 7th straight win.
The Hatters arrived in Norfolk after back-to-back wins over Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, and having beaten Norwich earlier in the season at Kenilworth Road in both the league and Carabao Cup.
But it would be defeat for Luton on their trip east, as two first half goals by Teemu Pukki and a late strike by Todd Cantwell ensured the high flying home side had 3 more points towards their push back to the Premier League, with the home side now 10 points clear of 2nd place Brentford.
Luton, by contrast, end Saturday’s action 14th in the Championship table, with Nathan Jones’ side holding a 12 point lead on the relegation zone and sitting 13 points off the play-offs.
The home side did almost take the lead early on at Carrow Road, when Tom Ince’s cross-shot found James Collins, who got a touch that saw the ball hit the post.
But instead it was the high-flying home side who struck first as Cantwell released Pukki, and the Finnish striker thrashed a strike past Simon Sluga into the top corner.
Luton could’ve equalised after Luke Berry had a header saved by Tim Krul. But the home side who created more opportunities, as Pukki saw a drive saved by Sluga.
Norwich’s second goal would come shortly before half-time, as Pukki grabbed his second by racing onto Emi Buendia’s deflected shot and turning the ball in.
Pukki would then have a backheeled try denied by Sluga before the break, while after the break, the home side still had pressure, with Grant Hanley and Cantwell unable to fire strikes on target.
Norwich’s third would come with just under 20 minutes remaining, when Cantwell cut inside before a thump at goal went into the goal with a slight deflection on the way through.
The game duly fizzled out after that, with Luton unable to score a consolation.