Norwich City boss makes Hull City claim after Canaries defeat

Norwich City boss Dean Smith felt Shota Arveladze's men were fortunate to escape with three huge points at the MKM Stadium on Saturday afternoon, after beating the Canaries 2-1.

Despite being under heavy bombardment in the opening 10 minutes, Hull City recovered and worked their way into the game eventually taking the lead when Oscar Estupinan picked the pocket of goalkeeper Tim Krul to poke in his first, before lashing in his second early in the second half.

Norwich found a way back into the game 18 minutes from time when Marcelino Nunez crashed a fine free-kick into Matt Ingram's net, but the Canaries could not add to that strike, with City holding firm and making it seven points from nine at the start of the Championship campaign.

Smith, though, admitted his frustration at his side's profligacy in front of goal, coupled with their defensive errors to see them remain winless this term.

“We dominated the game and gave away a calamitous (first) goal," he said. “It was certainly an eventful afternoon. For the last 20 minutes we were probably playing attack versus defence, but we were punished by giving away a stupid goal.

“We’re giving ourselves tough things to come back from with silly mistakes, but I don’t think after three games there’s any cause to panic.

“We should have won the game in the first 20 minutes – the chances we created and the players who they fell to. The currency is goals. We’ve got enough (goals) in our squad, but sometimes you get some strange results at this time of the season.”

City showed plenty of spirit, but Norwich ought to have taken an early lead following an all-action start. Yet they were up against an inspired nemesis in goalkeeper Matt Ingram, who pulled off an outstanding double save to