Phillipe Clement made one change to the side that were 3-1 winners over Queens Park Rangers the previous weekend, with Tony Springett coming in to make his first appearance since December 2023.

The game's first attempt came within 20 seconds, as Emiliano Marcondes put an effort over Nathan Baxter's crossbar.

Just after the 10-minute mark, Norwich were ahead. Oscar Schwartau's superb ball into the box was met by the head of Josh Sargent who guided the ball beyond Baxter.

After a few half-chances at either end, Watford levelled just after the half-hour mark. Mattie Pollock's initial header was pushed away by Vladan Kovačević, before Luca Kjerrumgaard headed in from the rebound.

But the Canaries would go into half-time ahead. Sargent forced Baxter into a smart stop, before Marcondes shipped a ball into the back post where it was fired in by Schwartau.

The start of the second half took a while to spark into life, but on the hour mark, Kjerrumgaard headed in for Watford's equaliser.

Moments after coming on as a sub, Jovon Makama got beyond Marc Bola and nearly found Sargent with a ball across goal. A Watford defender managed to get back to prevent the danger, however.

Makama then had a golden opportunity of his own, but his effort was wide of the post.

Jacob Wright was next to threaten, as his side-footed effort was deflected for a corner.

But despite Norwich's chances, it would be Watford who took the lead. Tom Ince fired beyond Kovačević after being found by Bola's cross.

The Canaries are in midweek action next, as they travel to face Sheffield United on Tuesday night (December 9).

Watford: Baxter; Ngakia, Keben (Alleyne h-t), Pollock, Bola, Chakvetadze (Ince 37), Louza, Kayembe, Maamma (Sissoko 86), Kjerrumgaard (Semedo 76), Doumbia (Kyprianou 86).

Unused subs: Marriott, Morris, Mendy, Abankwah.

Goals: Kjerrumgaard (33, 60), Ince (78)

Bookings: Chakvetadze (23)

Norwich City: Kovačević; Fisher, McConville, Darling, Springett (Medić 53), McLean, Mattsson, Forson (Makama 61), Marcondes (Wright 61), Schwartau (Kvistgaarden 86), Sargent.

Unused subs: Grimshaw, Adelusi, Slimane, Jurásek, Mundle-Smith.

Goals: Sargent (11), Schwartau (45)

Bookings: Darling (8), Kovačević (54)

HT: 1-2

FT: 3-2

Venue: Vicarage Road

Referee: Tom Nield

Attendance: 18,871