Norwich 0-1 West Brom: Baggies hang on after Rondon goal

Salomon Rondon gave West Brom their first consecutive victory since September 2014 following a 1-0 win over Norwich City at Carrow Road.

The club's record signing rose to powerfully head the visitors into the lead a minute after the restart when James McClean expertly found the Venezuelan with a left-footed cross.  

The Baggies survived a barrage of corners and a late surge on their goal to claim all three points in a result that lifts then to eighth but leaves Norwich hovering above the relegation zone in 16th place.  

Alex Neil's side - who have now suffered three straight defeats - started the brighter and were happy for West Brom to hit long passes towards top scorer Saido Berahino and Rondon.

Nathan Redmond and Matty Jarvis enjoyed early possession with the later terrorising the Baggies' right-hand flank.    

The former West Ham winger created the home side's best chance before the interval when his right-footed cross evaded the head of Dieumerci Mbokani but found its way into the path of strike partner Redmond.

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However, the outstretched 21-year-old was unable to control his volley and the chance went begging.

Chris Brunt, who was booked for a second half foul on Wes Hoolahan, had already tested John Ruddy in the Norwich goal with a fierce sixth-minute drive from the left hand corner of the penalty area.

The England keeper was at full tilt to keep the effort out and later smothered another effort from the Northern Ireland midfielder after it took an awkward deflection.

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A sliding Rondon was unable to get on the end of a Craig Dawson cross soon after and found himself in the net instead of the ball.

Dawson then managed to spurn a two-yard header over the bar from a McClean corner when it seemed certain the defender would give the away side a half-time lead.  

West Brom did strike moments after the restart but Norwich responded well and set about immediately in their pursuit of an equaliser. Jarvis continued to cause West Brom problems down the left but deliveries often lacked quality.

Alex Neil threw on Cameron Jerome for the ineffectual Hoolahan but despite a tally of 13 corners, West Brom were able to hang on for the first successive Premier League win in over a year.

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Paul Merson's Soccer Saturday verdict

"If Norwich come 17th that's a great season in my opinion. They started very well; for about 15 minutes they pinned West Brom into their own half but didn't score at that time. I was impressed by West Brom. They've got some experienced players in Fletcher and Evans from Manchester United, who have got that winning mentality.

"Norwich didn't really create enough chances and that's probably lack of confidence."

Player ratings

Norwich: Ruddy (7), Martin (6), Bennett (6), Bassong (6), Brady (6), Redmond (7), Howson (6) Tettey (5), Jarvis (7), Hoolahan (4), Mbokani (5).

Subs used: Jerome (3).

West Brom: Myhill (6), Dawson (6),  McAuley (7), Evans (7), Brunt (7), Sessegnon (7), Fletcher (6), Yacob (6), McClean (8), Rondon (7), Berahino (7).

Subs used: Lambert (3), Gardner (3).

Man of the match: James McClean