Norwich City on verge of Premier League return after 7-0 win

London, April 6, 2021 (AFP) - Championship leaders Norwich moved within touching distance of promotion to the Premier League as Teemu Pukki's hat-trick inspired a 7-0 thrashing of Huddersfield on Tuesday.

Daniel Farke's side need just five points from their remaining six games to be certain of an immediate return to the top-flight following last season's relegation.

The Canaries could go up as early as Saturday if they win at Derby and other results go their way.

Norwich scored five first-half goals at Carrow Road, with Pukki netting twice, and Emi Buendia, Todd Cantwell and Kieran Dowell also on target.

Finland striker Pukki went on to complete his treble with a second-half penalty before substitute Jordan Hugill completed the rout.

Norwich's biggest win of the season lifted them eight points clear of second-placed Watford and 17 ahead of third-placed Brentford.

The teams who finish first and second in the Championship are promoted automatically, with the next four clubs going into the play-offs.

Brentford's faltering promotion push suffered another setback as Birmingham boosted their survival hopes with a 0-0 draw in west London.

Thomas Frank's side squandered a string of clear-cut chances, with poor finishing and some fine saves from Neil Etheridge putting a big dent in their bid for a top two finish.

Brentford are nine points behind Watford with a game in hand, while Birmingham moved seven points clear of the relegation zone.