Norwich City clinch promotion back to Premier League

Norwich City have officially been promoted back to the Premier League, after results elsewhere in the Championship left them with an unassailable lead at the top of the table.

Swansea City knew they had to beat Wycombe Wanderers to keep the pressure on the Canaries, but they could only manage a 2-2 draw with the relegation-threatened side, leaving them 14 points between the leaders with four games to play.

Pukki has been key to Norwich's success this season | Stephen Pond/Getty Images

And that result meant that Norwich's promotion back to the Premier League was guaranteed prior to their late kick-off against Bournemouth, sending Daniel Farke's men back to the promised land at the first time of asking.

Norwich have been the standout team in the second tier this campaign, racking up 90 points in 41 matches, scoring 65 goals and conceding only 28 in the process.

They were able to hold onto the majority of their stars following relegation from the Premier League last year, and the likes of Teemu Pukki, Todd Cantwell and Emi Buendia have been pivotal to their instant return.

The decision to stick with Farke has proven to be a masterstroke too, and the players have bounced back from last season's disappointment to blitz to success.

Norwich City are back in the big time | Stephen Pond/Getty Images

The Canaries have lost only five times this year, and have often looked a class above their opponents. They sit eight points clear of Watford in second place, and could all but seal the title by the end of play on Saturday.

There will be a carnival atmosphere at Carrow Road for the clash with Bournemouth, who have endured many more difficulties in their first season back in the Championship. The Cherries are still in the midst of a playoff battle, and were forced to change coach during the campaign.

Norwich supporters will be able to enjoy Saturday's battle, safe in the knowledge that they will be back in the Premier League next season.



Source : 90min