Norwich City: 5 Observations from West Brom Win

Norwich City went to West Brom on Saturday and came away with all three points. The Canaries battled hard to come away with a 2-1 win, which was their third away success in the Premier League this season.

Every game we learn a little a bit more about our team and Saturday was no exception. So with that in mind, I have complied this slideshow with key observations.

Norwich City Won the Game Despite Perceived Pressure from the Baggies

Following the game on Saturday I could be forgiven for thinking that Norwich were being put under some significant pressure. The commentators seemed keen to make the point that West Brom were on top, and seemed to have some kind of love affair with James Morrison.

Yes, the home side did have their moments and dominated possession in the first half. However, isn't that exactly what you would expect from the home side?

Norwich fulfilled their role perfectly by hitting West Brom on the break. When they created a clear-cut chance they finished clinically, unlike the home side.

In summary, the Canaries were clinical and the Baggies were wasteful. Post match, it was pointed out that we were lucky. My memory must be playing tricks on me, because I seem to remember that it was West Brom that required a penalty to get back into the game.

This was another tactical maneuver mastermind by Lambert, and he has proved that it is quite possible to win a game of football even when the opposition creates some pressure. Let's have some respect, shall we! 

Andrew Surman Is Fast Becoming a Key Player

Most Norwich City supporters were somewhat perplexed when Lambert brought Surman back onto the Norwich City team, especially with more natural wide players in the shape of Eliott Bennett and Anthony Pilkington.

However, there is something about the technique and quality on the ball that the former Wolves midfielder has. In recent games, Andrew Surman has added goals to his game and the opener against West Brom on Saturday was certainly vital.

Paul Lambert is finding a way of getting the very best out of him at the moment, and he looks every bit the Premier League footballer. The Wolves may be regretting the decision to sell him to Norwich now.

Ayala Could Have Seen Red

So the Canaries conceded another penalty this season, but there can be little complaint about this one. In truth, the referee did Norwich City a favour by reaching for the yellow rather than red card on Saturday.

The central defensive partnership between Ayala and Whitbread has looked promising, and it should be noted that Norwich have now only conceded one goal in each of their last four games.

That first clean sheet is clearly only just around the corner. Personally, I hope that he sticks with the current partnership. However, Ayala needs to learn from this mistake and not go lunging in for future games. 

Ruddy Is Showing Consistency

Everton may have decided that Ruddy wasn't good enough for the Premier League, but Norwich City fans will disagree. The Canaries shot stopper has already proved on a number of occasions that he is more than good enough.

When West Brom broke through the Norwich City defence, John Ruddy was there to deny them. It took a penalty to beat him and he looks to be able to play exceedingly well against the majority of Premier League opponents.  

A Striker from the Bench Is Bound to Make an Impact

On Saturday, Steve Morison started the match alongside Simeon Jackson. However, Paul Lambert is very lucky with the impact his forwards are making. Grant Holt's impact came from the bench, but it worked a treat as his teasing cross was finished by Morison.

No one really knows which two of the three strikers, Steve Morison, Grant Holt or Simeon Jackson, will start the next game, but they all managed to make an impact. More times than not, the striker that doesn't start comes off the bench to score or set up the winner.

This must be a nightmare for the opposition before the match. It is certainly working for Norwich City and long may that continue.

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