Daniel Farke has admitted that Norwich City had to dig deep to earn their 1-0 win over Ipswich Town, but feels that his side were "deserved" winners in the end.
The Canaries were made to soak up a lot of pressure in the opening 45 minutes at Portman Road as their East Anglian rivals created - and squandered - a number of opportunities.
A sucker-punch was then provided by James Maddison, who slotted home a right-footed effort on the hour to extend Norwich's unbeaten run in this fixture to nine matches.
Farke hailed Maddison's "special" match-winning moment, while also praising his players for showing the character to take back control of the match and earn all three points.
Asked if Ipswich created the better chances, he told reporters: "I think so. It was a complicated game because in the first half Ipswich played long balls, with a good surrounding for the second balls and they had many players on the pitch who are able to score. It's so difficult and complicated to play them and you have to accept that in such a game.
"In the first half we were a little bit too nervous in our own possession so we tried to copy them in their style a little bit more. I want my guys to be more brave and control the game in the second half and they did. Also, they had to defend [and in many situations] we were pretty concentrated.
"I think we deserved this win especially because of the second half and I'm happy for the fans that we were able to give them this present. It was something special. It was a really great goal. A good attack, a good assist and he was cool in the finishing situation and full of quality. I'm happy for James and the whole team."
Norwich, who are now sixth in the Championship table, take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening in an EFL Cup fourth-round tie.
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