By Arindam Rej BBC Sport

Grant Holt scored two headers as injury-hit Newcastle slumped to their third defeat in four top-flight games.

Norwich led when Wes Hoolahan's effort was diverted in by Danny Simpson, but Demba Ba steered in an equaliser.

The home team scored twice early in the second half from headers by Holt and Steve Morison.

Newcastle's Dan Gosling was sent off for a foul on Russell Martin but Ba fired in to cut the deficit, before Holt nodded in the clincher.

There was some poor defending on show from both sides, with Newcastle's makeshift back four - without the injured Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini - left exposed. But Norwich were worthy winners and moved into the top half of the table.

Norwich deserved Newcastle win - Lambert

Gosling was his team's main villain though, having been brought back into a depleted midfield, as he made the mistake that led to Norwich going 3-1 up, before being sent off soon after.

Referee Martin Atkinson was also in the spotlight for two key decisions in the first half. After Norwich were harshly denied a spot-kick when Davide Santon appeared to handle a Kyle Naughton cross, the Canaries went 1-0 up from a corner that was hotly disputed by Newcastle.

Ultimately, though, the visitors only had themselves to blame for their defensive errors as they conceded three goals from set-pieces and were unsettled by the physicality of Holt and Morison.

Newcastle's back four - which has been so settled this season - was unrecognisable. Santon was drafted in at left-back and Ryan Taylor switched to right-back. James Perch and Danny Simpson were paired together in the centre.

Norwich soon began imposing themselves on that patched-up defence with Holt having their best early chance, only to see it blocked by Simpson.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Norwich scored four goals in a Premier League match for the first time since a 4-4 home draw with Middlesbrough in January 2005
  • Steve Morison has scored five goals in Norwich's last six Premier League matches

Newcastle were relieved again when Norwich had their penalty claim for handball denied. But the visitors were looking sharp on the break and home keeper John Ruddy had to tip wide a deflected strike from Yohan Cabaye.

Norwich eventually earned a deserved lead after they were awarded a controversial corner, when Tim Krul was adjudged to have carried the ball out after catching it.

From that corner, Andrew Crofts' first effort was blocked and, in the scramble that followed, Hoolahan's touch forced Simpson to divert the ball into his own net.

Ba promptly equalised after Cabaye's beautiful chip over the top. The Newcastle striker timed his run perfectly then, when one-on-one with Ruddy, guided the ball in neatly for his 10th Premier League goal in as many games.

Soon after the break, Ba came close to a second as his shot from close range at a tight angle - following Shola Ameobi's cross - skimmed the bar.

Pardew bemoans injury-hit Newcastle

A neat short-corner routine caught Newcastle out though. Holt's first header from point-blank range was saved low down by Krul, but the Newcastle goalkeeper had no chance as Holt headed in - with the help of the bar - at the second attempt.

A second Norwich goal in four minutes arrived after some dire Newcastle defending. Gosling gave the ball away with a sloppy back-pass, allowing Crofts to curl in a cross that the unmarked Morison powered in with a firm, 12-yard header.

Gosling's plight worsened when he was soon shown a red card for a foul on Martin.

But Norwich's afternoon suddenly became less comfortable as Zak Whitbread gave away possession close to the halfway line, allowing Ameobi to thread forward a pass for Ba, who finished from 18 yards.

The win was finally safe for Paul Lambert's battlers as Holt connected, on the edge of the six-yard box, from Bradley Johnson's delivery.

Norwich manager Paul Lambert: "I thought we played very well and we deserved to win. Grant Holt is as important as he was two years ago when I joined.

"Grant and Steve Morison were excellent. I'm delighted with everyone's contribution.

"It was a penalty [in the first half]. Davide Santon did everything but catch it, but the linesman, for some reason, never saw it."

Lineup, Bookings (6) & Substitutions (6)

Norwich City

  • 01 Ruddy
  • 02 R Martin
  • 06 Whitbread (Barnett - 83' )
  • 23 Tierney
  • 25 Naughton
  • 07 Crofts Booked
  • 11 Surman (Johnson - 76' )
  • 14 Hoolahan Booked (Jackson - 84' )
  • 15 Fox Booked
  • 05 Morison
  • 09 Holt

Substitutes

  • 13 Rudd
  • 20 Barnett
  • 04 Johnson
  • 12 Pilkington
  • 17 Bennett
  • 10 Jackson
  • 21 Wilbraham

Newcastle United

  • 26 Krul
  • 03 Santon (Ferguson - 90' )
  • 05 Simpson
  • 14 Perch
  • 16 R Taylor
  • 04 Cabaye
  • 15 Gosling Dismissed after an earlier booking
  • 18 Gutierrez
  • 25 Obertan (Sa Ameobi - 80' )
  • 19 Ba
  • 23 Sh Ameobi Booked (Smith - 90' )

Substitutes

  • 35 Elliot
  • 31 Ferguson
  • 10 Ben Arfa
  • 17 Smith
  • 11 Lovenkrands
  • 20 Best
  • 28 Sa Ameobi
Ref: Atkinson
Att: 26,816

Match Stats

Shots

13 11

On target

11 8

Corners

7 2

Fouls

9 8

Live Text Commentary

93:21 Full time

Full Time The referee brings the game to a close.

90:00 +2:21

Free kick taken left-footed by David Fox (Norwich) from right channel, resulting in open play.

90:00 +2:21 Substitution

Substitution Newcastle substitution: Davide Santon replaced by Shane Ferguson (tactical).

90:00 +2:09

Foul by James Perch (Newcastle) on Steve Morison (Norwich).

90:00 +1:17

Defending throw-in by Kyle Naughton (Norwich).

90:00 +0:50

Attacking throw-in by Alan Smith (Newcastle).

90:00 +0:11

Free kick taken right-footed by Kyle Naughton (Norwich) from right channel, passed.

90:00 +0:11 Substitution

Substitution Newcastle substitution: Shola Ameobi replaced by Alan Smith (tactical).

89:53

Foul by Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle) on Andrew Crofts (Norwich).

89:30

Shot by Sammy Ameobi (Newcastle) left-footed from right channel (30 yards), blocked by Bradley Johnson (Norwich).

88:01

Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle). Cross by Sammy Ameobi (Newcastle), clearance by John Ruddy (Norwich).

87:54

Cross by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle), clearance by Russell Martin (Norwich).

87:30

Cross by Sammy Ameobi (Newcastle), clearance by Leon Barnett (Norwich).

86:53

Defending throw-in by Davide Santon (Newcastle).

86:04

Attacking throw-in by Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle).

84:55

Foul by Grant Holt (Norwich) on Ryan Taylor (Newcastle). Free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul (Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.

84:06

Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle).

83:51 Substitution

Substitution Norwich substitution: Wesley Hoolahan replaced by Simeon Jackson (tactical).

83:29

Defending throw-in by Marc Tierney (Norwich).

82:43 Substitution

Substitution Norwich substitution: Zak Whitbread replaced by Leon Barnett (tactical).

81:46

Assist (cross) by Bradley Johnson (Norwich) from left channel.

81:46 Goal scored

Goal - Grant Holt - Norwich 4 - 2 Newcastle headed goal by Grant Holt (Norwich) (top-right of goal) from centre of penalty area (6 yards).Norwich 4-2 Newcastle.

81:29

Foul by James Perch (Newcastle) on Wesley Hoolahan (Norwich). Free kick taken left-footed by Bradley Johnson (Norwich) from left channel,

80:45

Foul by Grant Holt (Norwich) on James Perch (Newcastle). Free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul (Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.

80:28

Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle).

79:49 Substitution

Substitution Newcastle substitution: Gabriel Obertan replaced by Sammy Ameobi (tactical).

79:28

Shot by Bradley Johnson (Norwich) left-footed from left channel (18 yards), clearance by Shola Ameobi (Newcastle).

79:00

Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by David Fox (Norwich) to far post, clearance by James Perch (Newcastle).

78:41

Shot by David Fox (Norwich) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), clearance by Danny Simpson (Newcastle).

78:14

Attacking throw-in by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle).

77:36

Cross by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle), clearance by Kyle Naughton (Norwich).

76:44

Cross by Bradley Johnson (Norwich), save (caught) by Tim Krul (Newcastle).

75:41

Attacking throw-in by Marc Tierney (Norwich).

75:41 Substitution

Substitution Norwich substitution: Andrew Surman replaced by Bradley Johnson (tactical).

74:21

Cross by Gabriel Obertan (Newcastle), save (caught) by John Ruddy (Norwich).

73:32

Shot by Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle) right-footed from left channel (35+ yards), save (caught) by John Ruddy (Norwich).

72:55

Foul by Grant Holt (Norwich) on Davide Santon (Newcastle). Free kick crossed right-footed by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle) from left channel, clearance by Andrew Surman (Norwich).

71:42

Cross by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle), clearance by Russell Martin (Norwich).

70:31

Assist (pass) by Shola Ameobi (Newcastle) from right channel.

70:31 Goal scored

Goal - Demba Ba - Norwich 3 - 2 Newcastle Goal by Demba Ba (Newcastle) left-footed (bottom-left of goal) from centre of penalty area (18 yards).Norwich 3-2 Newcastle.

69:45

Defending throw-in by Kyle Naughton (Norwich).

67:43

Defending throw-in by Kyle Naughton (Norwich).

65:10

Free kick taken right-footed by Kyle Naughton (Norwich) from own half, resulting in open play.

65:10 Dismissal

Dismissal Dan Gosling (Newcastle) dismissed for serious foul play.

64:50

Foul by Dan Gosling (Newcastle) on Russell Martin (Norwich).

62:46

Assist (cross) by Andrew Crofts (Norwich) from right channel.

62:46 Goal scored

Goal - Steve Morison - Norwich 3 - 1 Newcastle headed goal by Steve Morison (Norwich) (bottom-right of goal) from centre of penalty area (6 yards).Norwich 3-1 Newcastle.

62:42

Cross by Andrew Crofts (Norwich),

62:23

Defending throw-in by Davide Santon (Newcastle).

61:48

Foul by Demba Ba (Newcastle) on Russell Martin (Norwich). Free kick taken right-footed by John Ruddy (Norwich) from own half, passed.

61:13

Shot by Dan Gosling (Newcastle) right-footed from right channel (25 yards), save (caught) by John Ruddy (Norwich).

60:56

Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul (Newcastle).

60:47

Attacking throw-in by Steve Morison (Norwich).

58:45

Assist (cross) by Andrew Crofts (Norwich) from right wing.

58:45 Goal scored

Goal - Grant Holt - Norwich 2 - 1 Newcastle Headed goal by Grant Holt (Norwich) (top-right of goal) from centre of penalty area (6 yards).Norwich 2-1 Newcastle.

58:24

Cross by David Fox (Norwich), header by Grant Holt (Norwich) from centre of penalty area (6 yards), save (parried) by Tim Krul (Newcastle).

58:18

Cross by Kyle Naughton (Norwich), clearance by Dan Gosling (Newcastle).

57:41

Goal kick taken long by John Ruddy (Norwich).

56:55

Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Andrew Surman (Norwich) to near post, clearance by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle).

56:20

Free kick crossed right-footed by David Fox (Norwich) from right channel, clearance by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle).

56:20 Booking

Booking Dan Gosling (Newcastle) booked for unsporting behaviour.

56:06

Foul by Dan Gosling (Newcastle) on Wesley Hoolahan (Norwich).

55:55

Cross by Steve Morison (Norwich), clearance by Danny Simpson (Newcastle).

55:26

Shot by Demba Ba (Newcastle) left-footed from left channel (25 yards), save (caught) by John Ruddy (Norwich).

55:16

Cross by Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle), clearance by Grant Holt (Norwich).

54:31

Free kick crossed right-footed by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle) from left channel, clearance by Zak Whitbread (Norwich).

54:31 Booking

Booking Wesley Hoolahan (Norwich) booked for unsporting behaviour.

54:20

Foul by Andrew Crofts (Norwich) on Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle).

53:59

Shot by Gabriel Obertan (Newcastle) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), blocked by Andrew Crofts (Norwich).

53:02

Cross by Kyle Naughton (Norwich), save (caught) by Tim Krul (Newcastle).

52:18

Kyle Naughton takes a shot from 35 yards. Dan Gosling gets a block in.

52:48

Cross by Kyle Naughton (Norwich), clearance by Shola Ameobi (Newcastle).

52:18

Shot by Kyle Naughton (Norwich) volleyed right-footed from right channel (35 yards), blocked by Dan Gosling (Newcastle).

51:55

Attacking throw-in by Marc Tierney (Norwich).

50:52

Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul (Newcastle).

50:46

Cross by Andrew Surman (Norwich), resulting in ball out of play.

50:16

Goal kick taken long by John Ruddy (Norwich).

49:23

Foul by Kyle Naughton (Norwich) on Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle). Free kick crossed right-footed by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle) from left channel, resulting in ball out of play.

47:58

Defending throw-in by Davide Santon (Newcastle).

47:38

Defending throw-in by Davide Santon (Newcastle).

47:26

Cross by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle), clearance by Kyle Naughton (Norwich).

46:52

Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon (Newcastle).

46:40

Goal kick taken long by John Ruddy (Norwich).

46:14

Cross by Shola Ameobi (Newcastle), shot by Demba Ba (Newcastle) volleyed right-footed from right side of penalty area (6 yards), over the bar.

45:29

Defending throw-in by Davide Santon (Newcastle).

45:19

Defending throw-in by Davide Santon (Newcastle).

45:01

The match restarts for the second half.

45:00 +1:37 Half time

Half Time The referee blows for half time.

45:00 +1:24

Attacking throw-in by Marc Tierney (Norwich).

45:00 +0:12

Assist (pass) by Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle) from right channel.

45:00 +0:12 Goal scored

Goal - Demba Ba - Norwich 1 - 1 Newcastle Goal by Demba Ba (Newcastle) right-footed (bottom-right of goal) from centre of penalty area (6 yards).Norwich 1-1 Newcastle.

43:33

Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle) to centre, clearance by Steve Morison (Norwich).

42:56

Cross by Wesley Hoolahan (Norwich), clearance by Danny Simpson (Newcastle).

42:00

Foul by Shola Ameobi (Newcastle) on Marc Tierney (Norwich). Free kick taken right-footed by John Ruddy (Norwich) from own half, passed.

41:05

Attacking throw-in by Marc Tierney (Norwich).

39:18 Booking

Booking Shola Ameobi (Newcastle) booked for unsporting behaviour.

38:16

Assist (header) by Andrew Crofts (Norwich) from centre of penalty area.

38:16 Goal scored

Goal - Wesley Hoolahan - Norwich 1 - 0 Newcastle Goal by Wesley Hoolahan (Norwich) right-footed (low centre of goal) from centre of penalty area (6 yards).Norwich 1-0 Newcastle.

38:01

Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Andrew Surman (Norwich) to centre, weak header by Andrew Crofts (Norwich) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle).

37:43

Cross by Marc Tierney (Norwich), resulting in ball out of play.

37:10

Defending throw-in by Kyle Naughton (Norwich).

36:28

Cross by Marc Tierney (Norwich), clearance by Davide Santon (Newcastle).

35:59

Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by David Fox (Norwich) to centre, clearance by James Perch (Newcastle).

35:52

Cross by Andrew Surman (Norwich), clearance by Danny Simpson (Newcastle).

35:45

Cross by Grant Holt (Norwich), clearance by James Perch (Newcastle).

34:55

Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle) to near post, clearance by Andrew Surman (Norwich).

34:29

Shot by Dan Gosling (Newcastle) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), save (parried) by John Ruddy (Norwich).

33:38

Free kick crossed right-footed by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle) from right channel, clearance by Kyle Naughton (Norwich).

33:38 Booking

Booking David Fox (Norwich) booked for unsporting behaviour.

33:27

Foul by David Fox (Norwich) on Dan Gosling (Newcastle).

33:04

Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle).

32:51

Cross by Grant Holt (Norwich), resulting in open play.

32:34

Cross by Marc Tierney (Norwich), clearance by Dan Gosling (Newcastle).

32:00

Attacking throw-in by Kyle Naughton (Norwich).

31:41

Attacking throw-in by Kyle Naughton (Norwich).

31:36

Cross by Steve Morison (Norwich), clearance by Davide Santon (Newcastle).

31:17

Attacking throw-in by Marc Tierney (Norwich).

30:36

Goal kick taken long by John Ruddy (Norwich).

30:28

Cross by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle), resulting in ball out of play.

30:16

Cross by Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle), clearance by Zak Whitbread (Norwich).

28:42

Foul by Russell Martin (Norwich) on Demba Ba (Newcastle). Free kick crossed right-footed by Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle) from own half, save (caught) by John Ruddy (Norwich).

28:29

Cross by Steve Morison (Norwich), clearance by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle).

27:48

Defending throw-in by Kyle Naughton (Norwich).

27:15

Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon (Newcastle).

27:01

Cross by Kyle Naughton (Norwich), clearance by Davide Santon (Newcastle).

26:18

Defending throw-in by Marc Tierney (Norwich).

24:59

Cross by Marc Tierney (Norwich), clearance by Danny Simpson (Newcastle).

24:47

Cross by Steve Morison (Norwich), clearance by Davide Santon (Newcastle).

23:36

Goal kick taken long by John Ruddy (Norwich).

23:15

Cross by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle), shot by Dan Gosling (Newcastle) volleyed right-footed from centre of penalty area (18 yards), missed left.

21:40

Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon (Newcastle).

21:02

Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul (Newcastle).

20:00

Cross by Andrew Crofts (Norwich), clearance by James Perch (Newcastle).

19:32

Defending throw-in by Kyle Naughton (Norwich).

19:16

Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul (Newcastle).

18:47

Cross by Kyle Naughton (Norwich), shot by David Fox (Norwich) volleyed right-footed from left channel (25 yards), missed right.

18:41

Cross by Marc Tierney (Norwich), resulting in open play.

18:31

Attacking throw-in by Marc Tierney (Norwich).

18:21

Cross by Marc Tierney (Norwich), clearance by Gabriel Obertan (Newcastle).

18:02

Shot by Grant Holt (Norwich) curled right-footed from right side of penalty area (6 yards), blocked by Danny Simpson (Newcastle).

17:02

Cross by Kyle Naughton (Norwich), header by Steve Morison (Norwich) from left side of penalty area (6 yards), save (caught) by Tim Krul (Newcastle).

16:14

Goal kick taken long by John Ruddy (Norwich).

16:00

Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon (Newcastle).

14:50

Free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul (Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.

14:50 Booking

Booking Andrew Crofts (Norwich) booked for unsporting behaviour.

14:18

Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Andrew Surman (Norwich) to centre, foul by Andrew Crofts (Norwich) on Shola Ameobi (Newcastle).

12:48

Cross by Kyle Naughton (Norwich), foul by Shola Ameobi (Newcastle) on Grant Holt (Norwich). Free kick curled right-footed by David Fox (Norwich) from left channel (20 yards), clearance by Demba Ba (Newcastle).

12:02

Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Andrew Surman (Norwich) to far post, clearance by James Perch (Newcastle).

11:37

Attacking throw-in by Marc Tierney (Norwich).

11:09

Cross by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle), clearance by Russell Martin (Norwich).

10:00

Foul by Grant Holt (Norwich) on Ryan Taylor (Newcastle). Free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul (Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.

9:44

Shot by Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle) curled right-footed from right channel (20 yards), comfortable save (caught) by John Ruddy (Norwich).

9:34

Cross by Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle), clearance by John Ruddy (Norwich).

8:49

Defending throw-in by Kyle Naughton (Norwich).

8:41

Cross by Davide Santon (Newcastle), clearance by Andrew Crofts (Norwich).

8:27

Cross by Marc Tierney (Norwich), clearance by Danny Simpson (Newcastle).

8:00

Attacking throw-in by Marc Tierney (Norwich).

7:36

Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle).

7:23

Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor (Newcastle).

6:31

Defending throw-in by Davide Santon (Newcastle).

6:10

Defending throw-in by Davide Santon (Newcastle).

5:29

Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon (Newcastle).

4:58

Grant Holt (Norwich) caught offside. Free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul (Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.

4:15

Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon (Newcastle).

2:40

Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul (Newcastle).

1:28

Cross by Marc Tierney (Norwich), clearance by James Perch (Newcastle).

1:23

Attacking throw-in by Wesley Hoolahan (Norwich).

0:22

Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul (Newcastle).

0:05

Attacking throw-in by Marc Tierney (Norwich).

0:00

The match gets underway.

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