The match exploded into life within the opening minute when Josh Sargent ghosted in at the far post to meet Matej Jurásek's pinpoint cross, nodding home from point-blank range. The American striker's clinical finish stunned the home crowd and set the tone for a nervy afternoon for Queens Park Rangers.
The hosts huffed and puffed throughout, but their attacking efforts lacked precision. Steve Cook came agonizingly close in the 90th minute, his header from a dangerous position sailing just wide when it seemed easier to score.
As the clock ticked into the sixth minute of added time, Norwich broke QPR hearts. Mathias Kvistgaarden led a devastating counter-attack, threading a perfect pass to Jovon Makama, who coolly slotted his right-footed effort into the bottom-right corner. The away end erupted while home players collapsed in despair. Mbengue's spectacular response moments later briefly reignited hope, but the referee's whistle blew almost immediately after the restart.
The teams shared possession almost equally at 51.7%-48.3%, but Norwich proved far more clinical when it mattered. Vladan Kovačević in the Norwich goal was rarely troubled, making just one save compared to Paul Nardi's three stops at the other end. The wasteful finishing from Queens Park Rangers told the story—despite 10 attempts, they managed just two on target, while Norwich converted two of their five efforts on goal.
The turning point arrived in the 72nd minute when Norwich manager Johannes Hoff Thorup made a double substitution, withdrawing Jurásek and Sargent for Jack Stacey and Tony Springett. The fresh legs proved decisive, with the visitors better equipped to withstand QPR's late siege and launch the counter that produced Makama's winner.
Isaac Hayden and Nicolas Madsen battled tirelessly in midfield for the hosts, while Kenny McLean and Pelle Mattsson controlled proceedings for the visitors in a physical encounter that saw both sides commit 10 fouls. Ben Chrisene and Kellen Fisher stood firm in Norwich's backline, repeatedly thwarting Richard Kone and Paul Smyth's advances.
The dramatic finale saw three yellow cards brandished—Jack Stacey and Vladan Kovačević for Norwich—plus nine minutes of stoppage time that felt like an eternity for both sets of supporters. Rhys Norrington-Davies fired wide from distance in the 88th minute as QPR desperately searched for an equalizer that would eventually arrive too late to matter.
Looking ahead, Queens Park Rangers will travel to face Burnley on January 18, while Norwich City host Swansea City on the same date as both sides continue their Championship campaigns.