Weary Norwich slump to defeat against Sheffield United

Norwich boss Daniel Farke accepted his team had been “tired in the head” as they lost 2-1 at home against Sky Bet Championship play-off hopefuls Sheffield United.

The Canaries took Premier League champions Chelsea all the way to extra-time and penalties in their FA Cup third-round replay at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

However, on their return to league duty Norwich found themselves trailing after just six minutes when James Wilson, on his full Blades debut, put the visitors ahead following a corner.

United doubled their lead in the 68th minute when Clayton Donaldson capitalised on an under-hit pass back from midfielder Alex Tettey to score past goalkeeper Angus Gunn.

Norwich produced a swift reply and reduced the deficit within two minutes as captain Ivo Pinto headed in James Maddison’s cross.

Farke’s men could not conjure an equaliser though, as their four-match unbeaten Championship run came to an end.

“I’m pretty disappointed with the result,” the German coach said afterwards.

“We knew it would be a tough game after Chelsea, but we wanted at least to get a draw to continue our unbeaten run, so we’re sad about this result.

“I think we were tired in the head today, and we made some mistakes in our pressing and in our decision-making.

“We know if we’d won we’d be back in the play-off mix, and you go in so motivated, but we have to accept the loss.”

Farke has seen some departures already in the transfer window, including key midfielder Alex Pritchard to Huddersfield.

The Norwich boss is hoping for some fresh additions at Carrow Road shortly.

“We are a bit thin in the squad offensively, but it is what it is, and I try to bring the best out of them in this game,” Farke said, quoted on the club’s official website.

“I don’t complain about the situation, but I hope we can strengthen the squad in the next days, especially in the offence.

“We’ve sold some players and have created space, so we have the opportunity to bring some new lads in so I’m confident we can bring in two or three new players.”

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder praised the efforts of his men to see the match out for three points which keeps them in sixth place.

“It was up to us to get about them. I thought we dominated and dictated the game in the first half,” Wilder said on his club’s website.

“Their goal is a disappointment for us, and all of a sudden it was game on.

“They have some good offensive players at the top of the pitch, so for us to see the game out was great.”