Norwich City 2-1 Southampton: Makama double gives Canaries vital win

Makama broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half. Leading the line in the absence of leading scorer Josh Sargent, who was concussed in midweek, the summer arrival from Lincoln City timed his run perfectly to turn in Jacob Wright’s precise near-post cross.

Southampton struck back in spectacular fashion in the 57th minute through Ryan Manning, who thumped home a left-footed shot from 30 yards after winning a challenge with Makama.

But four minutes later Makama, the man of the match, pounced again inside the six-yard box after Wright had looped in a cross from the left and Harry Darling had won the header in the penalty area.

Southampton had every right to feel aggrieved with the final touch clearly coming off the striker’s hand. But Norwich were the dominant force and had the ball in the net again in the 67th minute through Emiliano Marcondes after a driving run by Makama only for the goal to be chalked off for a push.

Southampton had started the brighter with Leo Scienza hitting the bar with a free-kick inside two minutes.

They were awarded a penalty in the 27th minute when Darling, back from suspension, slid in on Sienza.

However, Norwich goalkeeper Vladan Kovacevic threw himself to his left to save from Armstrong. It was Southampton’s fourth penalty miss of the last five they have been awarded in league games.