Norwich 1-2 Middlesbrough: Rob Edwards Championship verdict.

Middlesbrough tested manager Rob Edwards before securing a 2-1 away win over Norwich City to maintain their perfect start in the Championship.

Finn Azaz and Tommy Conway sealed the victory for the Teessiders by capitalising on the hosts’ sloppy turnover work.

However, Canaries captain Josh Sargent’s fourth goal in four games set up a tense finale at Carrow Road. “It shouldn’t have gotten so uncomfortable.

Again, credit to them, as we were probably a little wasteful in front of goal,” Edwards said. “We should be ruthless and score, but it makes us nervous. I understand the boys’ point of view.

“I’ve been out there before, and once the pressure is off, they can go ahead and throw everything at it. We gave them oxygen and belief, and the fans believed it inside the stadium, and they gained traction.

We should not have allowed it to happen. “It’s difficult to come here because they’re good.

Liam (Manning) is good. I think you could tell early on in the game that it was close. You could tell both teams had some good players, and it was interesting because we were almost doing the same thing to each other at times.

“They then gained control because we were a little sloppy with the ball and needed to make some adjustments. We were able to get our pressing right, and obviously, achieving the goals we did was fantastic.

A high press regain can be as beneficial as having an incredible number 10 who is supplying you with through balls. “We talked at halftime about not giving them oxygen or any kind of belief.

Typical football, we did not capitalise on the opportunity to go 3-0, which would have effectively ended the game. Sargent’s a really good player; he gets in and scores, which just re-ignited everything and made the game very random.

“Boro and Stoke are now the only Championship teams with maximum points. “I am pleased with the spirit. I believe they are fully committed to the work ethic and everything we hope to build here,” said Edwards.

“We have a connection with the supporters, which makes me happy, but I am also aware that this is only the beginning. That’s all there is to it, and football can be unpredictable. “Let us not get carried away.”

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