Sargent Scores Seventh in Six

Striker Notched Another Brace in Norwich's Win over Stoke

Josh Sargent continued his remarkable scoring form with a brilliant double as Norwich City secured a crucial 4-2 victory over Stoke City at Carrow Road on Saturday. The American striker's second-half brace helped the Canaries maintain their Championship play-off push, taking his tally to seven goals in his last six appearances.

After Lewis Dobbin had given Norwich a first-half lead, only for Lewis Baker to equalize before the break, Sargent took center stage with two contrasting but equally impressive finishes. His first came in the 48th minute, showing his predatory instincts to fire home after good work from Borja Sainz and Ante Crnac. However, his second goal truly showcased his growing confidence and technical ability, as he wrong-footed the Stoke defense before curling a magnificent left-footed effort into the top corner from 20 yards out.

"Quality-wise, without the scorpion kick against Watford, because that's a reaction, I think I'm probably the happiest with that one," Sargent reflected after the match. "It went exactly where I wanted to hit it, and it was a good goal. Jack Wilshere was saying in the dressing room that when I did it, he was saying, 'No, don't cut onto your left.' And he was like, 'alright, fair enough.'"

Norwich head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup praised his in-form striker, who now has 15 goal contributions in just 20 Championship appearances this season. "For what we're doing here, I think probably Josh is the best fit for us, because he can hold the ball well and he can link up with the other offensive players," Thorup said. "He has a very good timing when to arrive in the box, and then you also have his pace that we need sometimes to be able to run in behind. I'm not swapping him with anyone else."

The victory, sealed by a Junior Tchamadeu own goal before Baker's late penalty, leaves Norwich four points behind sixth-placed Blackburn Rovers ahead of their crucial clash at Ewood Park next weekend. With Sargent in this form, the Canaries' play-off hopes remain alive.