Jordan James’ dramatic late header secured a crucial comeback victory for Leicester City and reduced the pressure on manager Marti Cifuentes.
City had appeared destined to become the first visiting team to lose at Carrow Road when Mathias Kvistgaarden struck on the hour mark for the struggling Canaries.
But substitute Bobby De Cordova-Reid equalised before James powered in an injury-time header to complete the turnaround.
Cifuentes and Norwich boss Liam Manning entered the fixture as bookmakers’ favourites to be the next managers dismissed, but the City boss has bought himself some breathing space with the club’s first win in six outings.
Considering the two sides’ recent form, it was hardly shocking that the opening minutes were cautious, with neither side able to produce any meaningful attacking sequences.
Norwich eventually created the first opportunity, with Kenny McLean’s teasing cross causing chaos in the box that Asmir Begovic, on his full City debut, had to deal with.
City’s most dominant spell came midway through the half when they controlled proceedings for about 10 minutes, going close twice — Jordan Ayew volleying into the turf and over, before Patson Daka headed wide.
However, when City take control and push forward, they often leave themselves open to counter-attacks. Indeed, on one such break, Canaries winger Jovon Makama burst past Ricardo Pereira and forced Begovic into a fine low stop.
During a spell of scrappy football leading up to half-time, Ben Nelson landed awkwardly after winning a header and had to be stretchered off — a setback for the centre-back on just his second league start of the campaign.
There was time for one more chance before the interval, with Abdul Fatawu cutting inside and testing Vladan Kovacevic, who parried away. It wasn’t enough to prevent a scattering of boos from the away fans at the whistle.
The boos grew louder when Norwich took the lead 15 minutes into the second half. Jannik Vestergaard’s misplaced pass failed to find Ayew, handing Kvistgaarden the chance to shoot from distance.
Although his first effort was blocked, the rebound fell kindly, and Begovic couldn’t recover quickly enough to stop the Dane from finding the bottom corner.
City almost responded instantly. Ricardo’s pass was flicked on by Fatawu to James, but one-on-one, he fired his shot straight at Kovacevic.
Cifuentes was forced to make substitutions to ignite a fightback, and they paid off. De Cordova-Reid not only scored the leveller but also began the move, sending Fatawu racing down the right flank.
When the cross was deflected, Daka reacted first to nod the ball down for the Jamaican, who controlled it on his chest before slotting home.
City could have sealed the win earlier when De Cordova-Reid slipped Fatawu through one-on-one, but he blazed his effort over.
He didn’t let his head drop, though, and produced a perfect cross deep into stoppage time, with James charging into the box to thunder his header into the net.
Player Ratings
Asmir Begovic: Questions remain over the goal and whether he reacted too slowly to stop Kvistgaarden’s strike. Otherwise, he impressed — saving well during a frantic first-half scramble and denying Makama and Schwartau with sharp low stops. 6
Caleb Okoli: Looked far more settled when shifted into central defence. Won duels, read the game well, and distributed solidly. 7
Jannik Vestergaard: Initially struggled to contain Sargent but adjusted his positioning well. Made one superb tackle on the American but was at fault for the Norwich goal. 5
Ben Nelson: Looked composed again — never a bad thing for a young defender. Unfortunately, a worrying ankle injury could sideline him for a while. 5
Ricardo Pereira: Endured a tough opening, unable to handle Makama’s pace and power. Improved slightly after moving to right-back but still careless in possession. 4
Harry Winks: Decent for much of the match, though not quite as calm as usual. Grew stronger as City pushed late on, helping control tempo. 6
Oliver Skipp: One of his better displays — combative, tidy on the ball, and assertive in challenges. 6
Jordan James: Supported Fatawu well in the first half with dangerous crosses. Later made decisive runs into the box, missing one big chance before redeeming himself with a superb last-gasp header. 8
Abdul Fatawu: Should have scored earlier but kept his composure. Delivered quality crosses throughout, with the final one being a beauty. 7
Patson Daka: Worked tirelessly, pressing hard and troubling Kovacevic. Linked play well and cleverly set up the first goal. 7
Jordan Ayew: Found better positions but often slowed attacks or misplaced passes. 4
Luke Thomas: Hesitant at first but became more forward-thinking as the match progressed. Defensively sound in the closing moments. 6
Bobby De Cordova-Reid: Game-changer. In barely 20 minutes on the pitch, he scored a really important goal, set up a huge chance, and then played a part in the winner. You can’t ask for much more than that from an attacking sub. 9
Stephy Mavididi: Offered more directness than Ayew but wasn’t central to the key moments (both goals scored). 5
Wout Faes: Did his job aerially. N/A