Brighton made an emphatic return to winning ways as they beat Norwich 4-0 to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The Seagulls had failed to win any of their previous eight games, six of which ended in draws, but it was a different story at Carrow Road as they hammered their Championship hosts.
Two late first-half goals from Georginio Rutter gave the Premier League outfit a comfortable victory before Julio Enciso and substitute Solly March scored after the break to underline the difference between the two sides.
Julio Enciso celebrates his goal for Brighton
Norwich got off to a decent start and almost took the lead on 15 minutes when Amanqua Forson, the man behind last week’s dramatic win over Coventry, hit a free kick from 25 yards.
But the Premier League visitors gradually asserted their control and Rutter had two goals down before putting his side ahead for good eight minutes before the break.
With the striker lurking at the back, his fellow Dutchman Joel Veltman produced a perfect cross from the right, which George Long headed home from close range.
Enciso celebrates after scoring Brighton’s third goal at Norwich
Rutter doubled his and Brighton’s lead in the final minute of the opening period, with a little help from home defender Calum Doyle.
Yankuba Minte created the chance with a quick break down the center and a neat pass, and although Rutter’s shot looked on target, it required a great deflection from Doyle to beat the keeper.
Brighton scored the crucial third goal of the game just before the hour mark to take complete control.
Rutter celebrates after putting Brighton ahead in the first half at Norwich
A slip by half-time substitute Brad Hills allowed Enciso to gain possession and break into the area before beating Long at a tight angle and the ball went wide of the far post.
March then produced a moment of magic to make it 4-0 on 74 minutes, curling the ball home in spectacular style after fellow substitute Brian Gruda was picked out from the right.
Replays showed March could have scored from an offside position, but with no VAR action, the goal stood.
In a long-lost game, the Canaries brought back key forward Josh Sargent in the latter stages after a long injury absence, but it was their only bright spot on a gloomy afternoon.
Rutter doubles Brighton’s lead at Norwich
