Decisive figure's free-kick steers Norwich City past Preston | OneFootball

Kenny McLean whipped a free-kick into the top right in the 39th minute to set Norwich City on their way to a 2-0 win over Preston North End. The midfielder's dead-ball quality shifted control.

Before the breakthrough he was already dictating, sliding Ben Chrisene in for a driven effort and later finding Mathias Kvistgaarden for another opening as he kept the Canaries moving through midfield.

From a central set piece he then took responsibility, bending a left-footer over the wall into the top right. His assurance on the ball helped steady Norwich after the restart as Preston chased.

McLean finished with 64 passes, 52 completed, 12 successful final third passes and two key passes. He also won two tackles and regained possession five times, a blend that underlined how he linked phases and protected territory.

Against Preston's back five, his range on set pieces and switches kept Preston pinned, ensuring the Canaries controlled the key moments without being exposed in transition.

The Canaries visit Southampton next. Preston host Stoke City.