Norwich log vital win over Bournemouth in battle of strugglers

Soccer Football - Premier League - Norwich City v AFC Bournemouth - Carrow Road, Norwich, Britain - January 18, 2020 Norwich City's Teemu Pukki celebrates scoring their first goal from the penalty spot with teammates REUTERS/Chris Radburn

Pitchside monitors were used for the first time in the Premier League as Norwich City earned a crucial 1-0 win in their fight for survival over Bournemouth at Carrow Road on Saturday, in a match where both sides had a man sent off.

Steve Cook's blatant handball in the penalty area as he attempted to block Ondrej Duda's strike earned the Bournemouth captain a red card with just 31 minutes on the clock.

Teemu Pukki dispatched the penalty down the middle, easing the home crowd's nerves.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Norwich City v AFC Bournemouth - Carrow Road, Norwich, Britain - January 18, 2020 Bournemouth's Philip Billing in action with Norwich City's Emiliano Buendia REUTERS/Chris Radburn

Bournemouth pressed for an equaliser after the break and they got a boost as Ben Godfrey was sent off with 14 minutes left after referee Paul Tierney was advised by VAR to have another look at Godfrey's tackle on Callum Wilson.

After the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, the body that manages elite referees, issued guidance for referees to use the screens this week, Tierney took a second look and brandished the red card, having initially shown a yellow.

The home side held on nonetheless for the win, moving them to within three points of Bournemouth in 19th place, with Eddie Howe's men now three points from safety after a 10th defeat in their last 12 league games.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Norwich City v AFC Bournemouth - Carrow Road, Norwich, Britain - January 18, 2020 Bournemouth's Diego Rico looks dejected at the end of the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

"There is no magic wand," Howe said. "It is a case of sticking together and working hard.

"We are in that moment where anything that can go wrong will. We know how big this next one is."

Billed as the ultimate six-pointer down at the bottom as 19th- and 20th-placed teams faced off, the hosts were given a pre-match boost with top goalscorer Pukki fit to start for the first time since New Year’s Day.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Norwich City v AFC Bournemouth - Carrow Road, Norwich, Britain - January 18, 2020 Norwich City's Alexander Tettey in action with Bournemouth's Philip Billing Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

Coming into the match in such woeful form, Bournemouth looked short of confidence and struggled to create any openings of note before Cook used his arm to make the block that ended his afternoon.

Pukki slotted home from the spot as Norwich looked in command going into the break with that numerical advantage.

Wilson missed a glorious chance to equalise midway through the second half but could not connect with Ryan Fraser’s low cross, before the visitors were given their technology-assisted lifeline.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Norwich City v AFC Bournemouth - Carrow Road, Norwich, Britain - January 18, 2020 Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe looks dejected at the end of the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

Godfrey looked to have got away with a scything tackle on Wilson, but Tierney changed his mind after heading to the monitor.

Evening up the numbers was not enough to inspire the visitors, however, as a nervy Norwich held on.

"The win was important for the team and for confidence," Pukki said. "There is a big road ahead but we are ready to fight."

Soccer Football - Premier League - Norwich City v AFC Bournemouth - Carrow Road, Norwich, Britain - January 18, 2020 Norwich City's Ondrej Duda in action with Bournemouth's Jefferson Lerma Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

(Reporting by Peter Hall; Editing by Hugh Lawson)

Soccer Football - Premier League - Norwich City v AFC Bournemouth - Carrow Road, Norwich, Britain - January 18, 2020 Bournemouth's Adam Smith in action with Norwich City's Sam Byram Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

Soccer Football - Premier League - Norwich City v AFC Bournemouth - Carrow Road, Norwich, Britain - January 18, 2020 Norwich City owner Delia Smith waves a flag before the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

Soccer Football - Premier League - Norwich City v AFC Bournemouth - Carrow Road, Norwich, Britain - January 18, 2020 Norwich City's Teemu Pukki scores their first goal from the penalty spot Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

Soccer Football - Premier League - Norwich City v AFC Bournemouth - Carrow Road, Norwich, Britain - January 18, 2020 Norwich City's Teemu Pukki celebrates scoring their first goal from the penalty spot REUTERS/Chris Radburn

Soccer Football - Premier League - Norwich City v AFC Bournemouth - Carrow Road, Norwich, Britain - January 18, 2020 Norwich City's Teemu Pukki scores their first goal from the penalty spot REUTERS/Chris Radburn

Soccer Football - Premier League - Norwich City v AFC Bournemouth - Carrow Road, Norwich, Britain - January 18, 2020 Norwich City's Emiliano Buendia in action with Bournemouth's Philip Billing REUTERS/Chris Radburn