Norwich City advance in Carabao Cup after 2-1 win at Watford

Norwich City keeper Daniel Grimshaw praised the team’s response after a 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Watford, while acknowledging a blemish in defense.

Grimshaw Reflects After Norwich City's 2-1 Win Against Watford

Norwich City earned a 2-1 victory over Watford to secure a place in the Carabao Cup second round. Goals from Josh Sargent and Marcelino Nunez gave the Canaries a dominant first half and the early momentum they wanted on debut for many teammates. The win also marks a first victory of the season after Saturday’s league loss to Millwall, a fact Grimshaw highlighted as a positive sign of the squad’s direction.

The match served as an early test for Norwich under a new manager and a squad that is still integrating. The first-half control suggests a clear game plan, while Watford’s adjustments after the break forced Norwich to manage the game more carefully. Grimshaw’s near-post concession exposes defensive fragilities that must be addressed, but his acknowledgement of the lapse alongside the team’s commitment to learning signals a growth phase rather than a collapse. Cup fixtures like this can help the fringe players push for minutes, while giving the core group a chance to build chemistry ahead of tougher league fixtures.

Highlights

The real test will be whether this momentum can be translated into consistent league performances.