After just 45 seconds Grant Holt powered Norwich into the lead after Bristol City's captain, Liam Fontaine went over the ball and brought Wes Hoolahan down in front of the Barclay.
Holt's power shot into the top, left corner had former England keeper, David James well beaten.
The game continued without adding to the scores not through lack of chances, but a failure to convert them. Norwich held the dominant hand as far as possession went, clearly out to send a message to the rest of the chasing pack. Norwich City are not content with second spot. As Paul Lambert stated, don't tell him about promotions, show him some silverware!
Bristol threw everything they had into the pot, in the second half, making all three substituions in one fell swoop.
Albert Adohma managed to pull Bristol back in the game, but they still bever really managed to dominate the possession battle, and you can't score if you ain't got the ball.
Full praise must go to John Ruddy, who pulled of some great saves that helped maintain the Norwich dominance. Ruddy also has an assist in the second gaol.
The clock was ticking down and Norwich City supporters started to fidget in their seats as it looked like Paul Lambert was lost for ideas. The 81st minute saw Henri Lansbury replace Simeon Jackson. Still the countdown continued.
In teh 89th minute John Ruddy kicked a long ball forward to Hoolahan who flicked the ball in to Lansbury who jinked passed one challenge in the box before putting Norwich ahead.
It was Bristol City's turn to feel the pain as Norwich pushed the blade home. They were still reeling as the knife was twisted by Andrew Surman to finish the match by 3 goals to one.
Carrow Road erupted as supporters joined in celebrations with players who all knew exactly what the win meant.
With just 9 games remaining, Norwich City turns its focus on Queens Park Rangers. Seven points? Didn't Leeds have a bigger lead over Norwich last season?