Norwich City 0 West Brom 1:FOR NORWICH perhaps the most troubling thing about this result was just how well they played. They dominated for large spells, held sway in midfield throughout, yet came away without reward. The Canaries remain without a win in the Premier League after Peter Odemwingie's early goal secured the points.

Time is very much on Paul Lambert’s side but a combination of aesthetic approach play, a cutting edge that needs sharpening and defensive lapses – all in evidence here – is an uncomfortable one.

Defeats in such circumstances mean players and managers escape the crosshairs of the fans. The referee, Mark Halsey, was the target for the home terraces on this occasion, after awarding a soft penalty late on as Steve Morison tangled with Steven Reid, but turning down several half-shouts for Norwich spot-kicks and missing an injury-time elbow flung by Gabriel Tamas into the jaw of James Vaughan that replays showed should probably have brought a red card and a penalty. It left the City substitute bloodied and much of Carrow Road baying for more.

Lambert spoke to Halsey after the game and chose his words carefully post-match. “He’s away to see the plastic surgeon, so it’s a bad one. It’s just gone right through the lip and the cut can’t be stitched up so he’s gone to see the specialist.”

While City were not given their chance, Odemwingie missed his, with the 20-year-old Declan Rudd, deputising in the Norwich goal for John Ruddy (himself suspended after a dubious penalty-award dismissal at Stamford Bridge), making a fine save.

It made no difference in the end, to either Halsey’s popularity or the result. Odemwingie, on his first start of the season, had already done enough. Nicky Shorey’s hopeful ball over the top caught out Ritchie De Laet, whose header dropped short of Rudd, allowing Odemwingie to steal in and poke Albion ahead.

Two minutes and seven seconds had elapsed. “You can’t give teams a goal start,” said Lambert. “You end up chasing your tail.”

Guardian Service