Jonny Howson sums up Norwich City’s renaissance with another stunner to shock Manchester City

You don't have to think very hard to find a character that can sum up Norwich City's free-flowing end to their ultimately successful Premier League campaign.

Jonny Howson's stunning fourth goal against West Bromwich Albion last Sunday was the stand-out candidate for City's goals of the season – and with only a trip to Manchester City remaining, who had conceded only 12 goals at home all season, you wouldn't have been harshly judged for thinking it could also be the last of the season.

However, not only did Chris Hughton's men produce a brilliant performance to join only Manchester United as Etihad Premier League winners since December 2010 – or 48 top-flight outings – but Jonny Howson scored a truly brilliant individual goal even Lionel Messi would've been proud to score.

'I think this week's was better because last week, even though it was a good goal it's one of those where… I'm not saying I expect to do what I did last weekend all the time, but I find it harder to do that today again than the one last week,' said Howson, who found it hard to lose the smile from his face as soon as he finished his 65th minute masterpiece – only his second goal of the season and third for the club since joining in January 2012.

'I think I got the ball in the middle of the pitch, square across to me. My first thought was I could drive forward. I knew their two centre midfielders were wide apart and I knew I could drive at the back two, and it just seemed to open up.

'I had a touch, had another touch and I kept thinking they're going to take it off me – and the next thing you know you're through on goal and I was just thinking to get a good contact on the ball and try to get it back across the keeper, and the next thing you know it's in the net.

'So on a personal note it's nice to be on the scoresheet, but even more so it's another win for the lads and a good end to the season.

'I'd say this has been the highlight of my time at club. For me as a player it's something I enjoy doing, to get forward and chip in with a few goals. On the season as a whole, it's maybe something I could've done a little bit more but hopefully now I can carry this on to the start of next season.'

Howson added: 'Obviously whenever you win a game, not just today, it is always a great feeling. You feel better about yourself and everyone at home feels better. I think before the game it was just a case of do the right thing but most of all, go out and enjoy it – and we did that today. I think we have had that little bit of freedom.'