Josh Maja's Goal Propels West Bromwich Albion to Victory Over Norwich City
Josh Maja scored his first goal in nine months, helping West Bromwich Albion secure a place in the Championship's top six and condemning Norwich City to their fourth consecutive home league defeat.
The Albion striker, making only his third start of the season, netted in the 20th minute, guiding Ryan Mason's side back to winning ways after three matches without a victory.
Norwich's defeat leaves Liam Manning's team with just two wins from their first eight Championship games, placing them two points above the relegation zone in 19th position.
Norwich had opportunities to level the match, with Emiliano Marcondes coming close in the first half and Harry Darling's header narrowly missing the target around the hour mark. However, Baggies goalkeeper Josh Griffiths made several crucial second-half saves to deny the hosts.
Despite late pressure from Norwich, Albion managed to hold on for their third away victory of the season.
The match came to life after a subdued start when Maja, returning to the starting lineup in place of Aune Heggebo, linked up with Sammy Iling-Junior on the right flank. The on-loan winger evaded his marker and delivered a low cross that was not fully cleared. Isaac Price reacted quickly, sending in a low cross from the right that Maja converted at the far post.
Norwich's best chance in the first half came during injury time when Marcondes' header deflected, requiring a routine save from Griffiths.
After the break, the Canaries pushed for an equalizer. A poor challenge by Jayson Molumby on Josh Sargent gave Marcondes a chance from 20 yards, but his free-kick was parried away by Griffiths.
Matej Jurasek's set-piece found the unmarked Darling, whose header had Griffiths at full stretch but went just wide.
Griffiths made an even more impressive save in the 83rd minute when Jovon Makama connected with a cross, only to be denied by a superb stop. The hosts came close again from the resulting corner, but Chris Mepham cleared the ball off the line amidst a crowded penalty area.
The Albion keeper delivered another remarkable save in the 89th minute, blocking Ante Crnac's close-range effort at the far post, leaving the Norwich player stunned.
West Bromwich Albion nearly secured the points with a second goal in stoppage time as substitute Heggebo stretched to send a low cross from Price just wide.
Norwich manager Liam Manning expressed his frustration to BBC Radio Norfolk:
"It's hugely frustrating to lose; it's a tough one to take because I thought the performance was good. We showed bravery, quality, and purpose. We created opportunities but just didn’t take them. It's clear that we need to start winning games. If we perform like that, create chances, and restrict the opposition, we can improve. Tonight's performance was much better, but the result wasn’t what we wanted."
West Bromwich Albion manager Ryan Mason spoke to BBC Radio WM:
"It was an amazing effort to keep a clean sheet on the road, which isn’t easy. We had to endure some pressure. Josh [Griffiths] had some crucial moments at the end, and there was a real sense of togetherness and fighting spirit to see out the game. Performance-wise, Norwich probably played better and created more chances, but we had to ride our luck and have key players step up to maintain our clean sheet, which is part of football."