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Hannibal Mejbri put the home side ahead in the 14th minute, neatly collecting a lobbed pass over the back of Norwich's defence from Josh Cullen before finishing past Angus Gunn in the Canaries' goal.

Norwich could have equalised almost immediately after going behind, but Kellen Fisher could only direct his header straight at James Trafford in Burnley's goal after being picked out perfectly by a cross from Kenny McLean on the left wing.

If Burnley's first goal was a result of incisive atacking play, its second was more a case of good fortune after Jaidon Anthony's strike from the edge of the penalty area took a wicked deflection off the backside of Shane Duffy to wrongfoot Gunn completely.

Norwich did get on the scoresheet in the second half to make for a slightly nervous finish as Burnley conceded only its sixth goal at home this season when Jack Stacey stole in to poke home with 14 minutes remaining from a corner routine.

But it was not enough time for the Canaries to fashion another clearcut chance, and Burnley comfortably saw out time to claim the win and move clear at the top with 88 points, three ahead of second-placed Leeds United, which has 85 points before its game against Preston North End.

Two points further back on 83 is Sheffield United in third place, which faces the long trip to Plymouth Argyle with a win vital if it is to stay in touch with the top two automatic promotion places, knowing it faces Burnley one more time this season in what will be a huge clash on 22 April.

Burnley boss Scott Parker is urging calm as the race for automatic promotion draws to another thrilling conclusion in the league. 

"Overall, I am delighted with the group," he said. "We set about it first half, and had an incredible first half. Every phase of our game, from the attacking front, looked a real threat.

"Defensively, in terms of our positioning, meant we really suffocated Norwich. In the second half, we dropped our energy, mostly due to the business of the schedule.

"Once a goal goes in, it becomes a nervy time. But we are disappointed about the goal. We've been superb defensively, but I thought our reaction, and the stadium's reaction, was really positive.

"This is about staying very level, very focused, not getting involved in the emotions of this time of year. My message is to stay calm, there are four games left, let's keep chalking them off."