West Bromwich Albion began their Championship campaign with a surprise 2-1 victory at Norwich City after late goals from Aune Heggebo and Jimmy-Jay Morgan turned a dominant home performance into defeat.
The Baggies spent much of the match under pressure at Carrow Road, but defended resolutely before making the most of their limited opportunities. Heggebo’s opening goal on 75 minutes was particularly contentious, with the ball appearing to strike the striker’s hand as it crossed the line.
Norwich substitute Mathias Kvistgaarden pulled one back in the 90th minute, but the late effort could not prevent Albion from claiming all three points. The hosts will be left to reflect on how they failed to win a match in which they created the majority of the chances.
Norwich made the stronger start and almost took the lead after only four minutes. Kenny McLean exchanged a quick pass with Anis Ben Slimane on the right and found himself with a clear view of goal, but West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Max O’Leary produced an excellent save to deny the Norwich captain.
That was the closest either side came to scoring during a first half controlled largely by the Canaries. Kellen Fisher tested O’Leary with a shot from the edge of the penalty area, although the effort was dealt with comfortably.
Norwich also threatened from a cross on the left, but Callum Styles made an important last-gasp clearance to remove the danger. West Bromwich Albion defended effectively but offered little in the final third. Their best opportunity before the interval fell to Heggebo, who pulled his effort well wide in the 25th minute.
The hosts resumed on the front foot after the break. Nat Phillips blocked a goal-bound attempt from Ben Slimane and diverted the ball into the side-netting.
The West Bromwich Albion defender was required again soon afterwards, producing another important intervention on the hour. Paris Maghoma created space brilliantly on the edge of the box before setting up Andre Brooks, but Phillips threw his body in the way of what appeared to be a certain goal.
Norwich’s pressure continued to build. Mohamed Toure worked his way through from the left and struck the post, before O’Leary kept out a flick from Fisher, who had arrived unmarked at the far post.
Despite the relentless pressure, it was West Bromwich Albion who broke the deadlock with their first clear opportunity of the match. Styles found Morgan in the inside-left channel, and Morgan sent a low ball across the area. Heggebo bundled it over the line, while Norwich’s players appealed for offside.
The goal was allowed to stand, although replays appeared to show the ball making contact with Heggebo’s arm before it crossed the line.
Norwich goalkeeper Vladan Kovacevic then made a fine save to deny Isaac Price from distance, with the hosts attempting to respond immediately. Eight minutes later, however, Albion doubled their advantage.
After Styles produced another important block at the other end, West Bromwich Albion launched a quick counter-attack. Morgan was given space to run down the left and showed composure as he moved into the penalty area before driving a low finish into the net in the 87th minute.
Norwich still had time to mount one final challenge. O’Leary made an outstanding reflex save to keep out Jacob Wright’s effort as the game entered added time, but Kvistgaarden reacted quickest to the rebound and headed home.
The late goal gave Norwich brief hope, yet West Bromwich Albion held on to secure an unlikely opening-day win after surviving long spells of pressure from the hosts.
