It was supposed to be the night Norwich City finally broke through at home. Instead, Carro Road ended in heartbreak. With 95 minutes on the clock, Filip Krastev struck a thunderous volley into the top corner — a goal so late, so cruel, it stole not just three points, but hope. The Norwich City fans, who had waited 11 home games for a win, fell silent. The final whistle blew at 1-1, and with it, any lingering belief that a turnaround was imminent.
The match, played on the 2025-26 English League Championship Regular SeasonCarrow Road, drew 24,922 fans — a rare full house for a side sitting 20th in the table. The atmosphere was electric early on, fueled by the promise of a first home victory since August. Jovon Makama, the 21-year-old striker who’s quietly become Norwich’s most reliable finisher, ended that drought in the 29th minute. A clever cutback from Marcondes found Makama unmarked at the back post. He didn’t hesitate. One touch. One shot. Goal. The stadium erupted. For 66 minutes, it looked like the breakthrough they’d been chasing.
But Oxford United, a team that’s won just three games all season, refused to fold. They’ve been the Championship’s masters of the late equalizer this year — eight of their 16 matches have ended 1-1 or 2-2. And on Tuesday, they did it again. Filip Krastev, a 23-year-old Czech midfielder signed from Slavia Prague last summer, had barely touched the ball in the second half. Then, in stoppage time, a long ball from deep found him on the edge of the box. He didn’t look up. Didn’t check his surroundings. Just swung his left foot through it. The ball curled past Max Lachowecki — Norwich’s emergency goalkeeper after a late injury to starter Angus Gunn — and nestled into the far top corner. The roar from the Oxford bench was deafening. The silence from the home crowd? Deafening in a different way.
Missed chances and managerial pressure
Norwich had chances. Kenny McLean had a half-volley blocked in the 41st minute. Max Sargent missed a sitter in the 68th after a brilliant run down the left. And then there was the penalty appeal in the 79th — Hidde ter Avest appeared to handle in the box, but referee Anthony Taylor waved it away. VAR reviewed it. No change. The frustration was palpable. Fans began chanting for manager David Wagner to be sacked. He’s been under pressure since September. After 16 games, Norwich have just two wins. Only Sheffield Wednesday, with -4 points, are worse. The goal difference of -12 is the worst in the top half of the table.
Oxford, meanwhile, are no better — but they’re better at holding on. Their 14 points from 16 games might look unimpressive, but they’ve drawn eight times. That’s more than any other team in the Championship this season. They’ve lost just eight games — five fewer than Norwich. Their manager, Carl Fletcher, has built a team that defends deep and strikes on the counter. Krastev’s goal was textbook: long ball, space, composure. No panic. No celebration. Just business.
What this means for the relegation battle
This result keeps Norwich firmly in the relegation zone. With Coventry City leading on 37 points and Middlesbrough hot on their heels at 30, the gap to safety is widening. Swansea City, in 17th with 17 points, are now just three points ahead of Norwich. The Canaries have played 16 games. They have 14 left. To survive, they’ll need at least 15 points from those games. That’s five wins. They’ve won two all season.
For Oxford, it’s a moral victory. They’ve now drawn six of their last seven away games. That’s not a fluke. That’s resilience. They’re not going anywhere near the playoffs, but they’re not getting relegated either. And in a league where one point can mean the difference between survival and disaster, every draw counts.
What’s next?
Norwich face a brutal run: away at Middlesbrough next Tuesday, then home to Stoke City — a team with a +10 goal difference and eight wins. They’ve lost their last five home games. If they don’t win at least one of those, Wagner’s tenure may end before Christmas. Oxford, meanwhile, host Birmingham City — a side in similar form — before a trip to Reading. They’ve picked up 11 points from their last eight games. They’re not winning, but they’re not losing either. That’s enough to stay alive.
Why this matters beyond the table
At Carrow Road, this wasn’t just about points. It was about identity. Norwich fans remember 2019, when they reached the Premier League. They remember 2021, when they were promoted again. Now? They’re watching a team that looks lost. The youth academy is producing talent — Makama, Stacey, Schwartau — but they’re not being guided properly. The transfer window was quiet. The budget was slashed. And now, with no wins at home, the connection between club and community is fraying.
Oxford, in contrast, are a club rebuilding from the ashes. They were nearly relegated to League Two two years ago. Now, they’re surviving. Not thriving. But surviving. And sometimes, that’s the most heroic thing of all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Norwich City fail to win despite dominating possession?
Norwich controlled 62% of possession and had 18 shots to Oxford’s 7, but only 5 were on target. Their attack lacked cutting edge — Makama’s goal was their only clear chance converted. They struggled to break down Oxford’s compact 5-4-1 shape, and their final balls were often too slow or inaccurate. The lack of a creative midfielder in the final third, after the injury to Josh Sargent, left them predictable.
How significant is Filip Krastev’s goal for Oxford United?
Krastev’s 95th-minute equalizer was Oxford’s third late goal of the season — all in stoppage time. It’s the first time they’ve earned a point after being behind since September. That’s a psychological shift. Last season, they’d have lost. This year, they’re turning draws into points. It’s the reason they’re 14th, not 22nd.
What’s the current relegation battle looking like in the Championship?
With 16 games played, Sheffield Wednesday (-4 points) sit last. Norwich (9 points) are 20th. Swansea (17 points) are just above the drop zone. Only five points separate 21st from 17th. With 14 games left, this is one of the tightest relegation battles in recent memory. Teams like Rotherham and Millwall are also hovering dangerously close.
Has David Wagner ever managed a team to survival from this position?
Yes — in 2020, Wagner led Huddersfield Town from 21st place with 18 points after 26 games to safety on the final day. But that team had a +1 goal difference. Norwich’s -12 is far worse. He also saved Schalke in 2022 from relegation, but that was in the Bundesliga. The Championship’s depth and physicality make survival harder. His track record gives fans hope — but time is running out.
Why are so many Championship games ending in draws this season?
This season, 41% of Championship matches have ended 1-1 — the highest rate since 2016. Teams are playing more defensively, with fewer goals per game (2.3 on average, down from 2.6 last season). Financial constraints mean clubs are prioritizing points over style. Oxford’s eight draws, Norwich’s three — it’s not luck. It’s strategy.
What’s the impact of Carrow Road’s atmosphere on home form?
Carrow Road used to be a fortress — Norwich won 14 home games in 2020-21. This season, they’ve lost five and drawn three. The crowd is still loud, but the energy is hollow. Fans aren’t singing — they’re waiting. The last time they celebrated a home win was August 17. That’s 11 games. When the crowd stops believing, even the best players struggle. The stadium’s roar needs a reason to return.