West Brom came out on top in a seven-goal thriller at Carrow Road. Albion beat Norwich 4-3 in a game that saw two first-half penalties and four goals in a 17 minute spell in the second half. The Baggies bounce back from their opening day defeat to earn four points from two difficult away games.
West Brom Beat Norwich
Norwich dominated the first half with West Brom failing to register a shot on target until 20 minutes into the game. Slow starts becoming something of a trend for West Brom under Darren Moore this season. Albion buckled under the early pressure and went behind through Jordan Rhodes as the Baggies struggled at the back. They’ve now gone behind in all three of their games this season.
Jay Rodriguez then leveled from the spot after on-loan Newcastle striker Dwight Gayle was felled by Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul. West Brom showing the resilience that salvaged a point at Forest despite being second best in that game too. But that joy was almost short lived as Norwich were almost immediately awarded a penalty of their own. Albion captain Chris Brunt fouling Onel Hernandez as the Norwich striker tried turning in the area. Jordan Rhodes’ poor penalty saved by Sam Johnstone and the teams stayed level into the break.
Second Half Improvement
West Brom were much improved in the second half and were soon ahead through Jay Rodriguez’s long-range effort. Followed by a wonderfully worked goal, Harvey Barnes tucking Matt Phillips’ cutback into the corner.
Norwich threatened a comeback with a goal from midfielder Pukki. Only for Albion substitute Hal Robson-Kanu to put the game beyond reach of Daniel Farke’s side despite Grant Hanley making it a nervy finish with Norwich’s third.
Albion were helped by a terrible performance by Canaries’ goalkeeper Tim Krul but will be pleased with their first win of the campaign. Moore’s side is still a work in progress, particularly defensively. But there are plenty of positives to be taken away from Carrow Road. Albion’s response to once again going behind was good and the partnership between Gayle and Rodriguez means that there are plenty of goals in this team.
Keeping Rodriguez
Keeping Jay Rodriguez at the Hawthorns this summer will be massively important for West Brom’s season. The striker was the subject of interest from his boyhood club Burnley but a deal between the clubs couldn’t be reached.
That decision not to sell could be the key to Albion’s season although Rodriguez was keen on the move. West Brom boss Darren Moore was quick to heap praise on his goalscorer as Rodriguez gets down to business. Regardless of his disappointment at not getting a move back to the Premier League.
”We’re pleased to have him at West Brom,” said Moore. “He showed his prowess today and that will do him the world of good. We’re delighted to have him here.”
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