Goalkeeper Tim Krul admired Norwich City’s Swansea journey, as they took a difficult first half and turned it into their 21st victory of a startling Championship campaign.

The Swans posed more than a few questions of Daniel Farke’s second-tier leaders at Carrow Road on Friday night, in a compelling first half.

But it was Emi Buendia’s stunning strike on 54 minutes that settled the contest, along with a more controlled offering from the hosts after the interval.

“For sure it was three points to be proud of,” smiled Krul. “I think we showed a different side in the second half, in how we were able to see a difficult game out and I’m really pleased with that.

“Of course it wasn’t our best performance but you have to be honest, they were on the top level in the first half. They played some great possession and I think we were maybe a bit naïve, where we kept just chasing them.

“We changed that at half-time and just had to sometimes sit in, and we managed that – then a bit of magic from Emi made a difference.

“Listen, Swansea nine months ago were still in the Premier League. Do not forget that. I know the fans turn up and we’ve given them so much joy over the last few months, a lot of goals, but it’s not always going to be like that and Hull (on Wednesday) will be a similar game I think.

“They’ve got some great players there and it’s not going to be easy, but it’s an exciting game to look forward to.”

MORE: Norwich City 1-0 Swansea – How the Championship clash unfolded

Norwich Evening News: Daniel James was a livewire for Swansea City and Norwich City full-back Max Aarons at Carrow Road. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus ImagesDaniel James was a livewire for Swansea City and Norwich City full-back Max Aarons at Carrow Road. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images (Image: Paul Chesterton)

Krul was among those to have some awkward moments – including twice being charged down by Swansea’s lightning-fast forward Daniel James, as City tried to impose their usual patient game.

“He’s quick, isn’t he? He’s quicker than I like, to be honest,” joked Krul. “But of course, for me I have to then switch on and get over that because ideally I would not like to put myself in a position like that.

“But I got away with it and over a whole season you get moments like that. It’s 36 games in now and I’m pleased with how it’s going. The boys trust us and you can see that togetherness.

“You know the boys are putting their bodies on the line and I’m really impressed with them.

“That is the quality you need in these kind of games. We all knew Friday night, great opportunity – we’re not going to get carried away but we did put some pressure on our competition and we did our job.

“It’s definitely been a bit too exciting for me at times this season, so it’s nice to walk away with a clean sheet and then show that resilience and togetherness.

“Most important is it’s three points and this wasn’t our game, but we still did really well.”

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