Saturday 6 August 2016 19:03, UK
Norwich boss Alex Neil lavished praise on Jacob Murphy as his spectacular strike capped a dream debut and helped his side thrash Blackburn Rovers 4-1 in the Sky Bet Championship.
The game was done and dusted in the first 25 minutes as Murphy's ferocious 25-yard strike set the tone in the 12th minute. This was followed by a clinical Wes Hoolahan finish and a Cameron Jerome tap-in to give Norwich the perfect reintroduction to the English Football League.
Steven Naismith added a fourth early in the second half and although Anthony Stokes headed a consolation on his Blackburn debut, it could not dampen what was an emphatic statement of intent from Neil's side.
And the Norwich manager hailed 21-year-old Murphy not only for his goal, but for his attitude as the Canaries notched a third successive triumph over Rovers.
He said: "It's fantastic and he's earned his start. I played him against Hannover last week. I took him off because I had to solidify the middle of the pitch.
"I spoke to him throughout the week and said I'm not now fixing Hannover, and I'm preparing to beat Blackburn. He's responded great and it's a fantastic strike.
"He's got the pace to terrify defenders, as he showed with his goal, he's got something in his locker where he can win a game with his quality."
Neil was wary of watching eyes judging his side as well as the other sides relegated from the Premier League and he was pleased with the message his team has sent to the rest of the division after moving to the top at this early stage.
"We wanted to play in a manner which people are going to sit up and take notice of us and know that we mean business this season, and I think we did all that which was really pleasing," he said.
Blackburn shipped four on the opening game for the first time in 1990, which represents a torrid start to Owen Coyle's reign at the helm at Ewood Park.
The Blackburn boss admitted the visitors were "ruthless" but was disappointed that they were allowed to play under little pressure.
He said: "I don't think it's one (result) that we wanted or envisaged or anticipated. I thought we started the first 10 minutes very well, on the front foot, and for all intents and purposes, I thought we looked fine in the game.
"And then the lad scores a wonder goal. I'm not sure he'll score too many goals as good as that in his career, but that's the quality Norwich City have.
"They've been clinical and ruthless and punished us for every mistake we've made. Having said that, it's important that in those areas where the Hoolahans and Naismiths are popping the ball off, that we get pressure on the ball and get that tackle in.
"With all due respect, with the first three goals and even the fourth one, I'd suggest we never (put the pressure on). We allowed them time to play and when good players pass and move at pace, it causes anybody problems."
