Norwich City strengthened their Championship campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Coventry City, as Anis Ben Slimane’s early second-half equaliser proved pivotal on matchday 29.
Locked in a tight contest that swung on fine margins, the Canaries drew renewed belief from their Tunisian midfielder moments after the interval, turning the momentum of a match that had threatened to drift away from them.
His goal laid the foundation for a result that delivered three valuable points in a demanding stage of the season.
Coventry arrived with the confidence of a side capable of controlling spells of the game, and the opening exchanges reflected that balance.
The visitors asked early questions of Norwich’s defensive shape, while the hosts struggled to establish rhythm in possession during a cagey first half.
With neither side willing to concede ground, chances were limited and the contest remained finely poised at the break.
The tone changed immediately after the restart.
Just seconds into the second half, Ben Slimane struck in the 46th minute to bring Norwich level at 1-1, rewarding the home side’s renewed urgency.
The midfielder’s timing and composure in front of goal gave the Canaries the ideal platform from which to press on.
Beyond the goal, Ben Slimane’s influence was felt throughout the midfield.
Energetic in his pressing and precise in his distribution, the 24-year-old drove Norwich forward and helped dictate the tempo as the match opened up.
His display underlined his growing importance within the squad and his ability to deliver at decisive moments.
Norwich capitalised on that momentum to edge ahead later in the contest, managing the closing stages with greater assurance to see out a narrow victory.
The result reflected both their resilience and their capacity to respond under pressure against a Coventry side that remained competitive until the final whistle.
For Ben Slimane, the performance marked another step in a season that continues to highlight his steady rise.
The Tunisian international has become an increasingly influential figure at Carrow Road, and his consistency suggests a player with ambitions extending beyond the domestic campaign.
With major international tournaments on the horizon, including the World Cup, his form offers encouragement for both club and country.
As the Championship season enters a critical phase, Norwich will take confidence from a win shaped by midfield authority and timely execution.
Coventry, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a contest decided by a brief lapse after the interval, as fine margins once again proved decisive in England’s second tier.
