West Brom debrief: Unsatisfied James Morrison, midfield call and Max O’Leary’s heroics | OneFootball

As reported by ExpressAndStar.com, James Morrison celebrated hard but lamented his side’s basics after a dramatic opener at Carrow Road. The head coach fist-pumped the away end yet admitted he barely recognised his team.

Norwich dominated the first half, pinning Albion back as errors on the ball mounted. Only sharp goalkeeping and defiant defending kept it level.

After the break Max O’Leary denied Kellen Fisher at 0-0, then the visitors struck late in a 2-1 win. A controversial Aune Heggebo handball preceded Jimmy-Jay Morgan’s fine second, before the hosts replied when Mathias Kvistgaarden finished a rebound from Jacob Wright’s effort.

O’Leary was outstanding, making seven saves, including an early stop from Kenny McLean. His long clearance launched the move for Morgan’s winner.

Preparation was rocked on the eve of kick-off by captain Alex Mowatt’s sale to Derby, having been due to start with the armband. Morrison instead paired new signing Felix Horn Myhre with Ousmane Diakite, preferring him to Jayson Molumby.

Horn Myhre endured a stern baptism in possession but impressed without the ball, winning challenges and producing a brave goal-saving header. Morrison felt he certainly knew about the Championship afterwards.

Second-half changes altered the flow as Molumby brought bite and drive. Debutant Rabby Nzingoula, 20 and signed from Strasbourg, replaced Harry Whitwell on the right and flashed searing pace with a silky turn in a lively cameo.

Given debate around his summer contract, this was a statement start for O’Leary. Albion, though, will seek cleaner control with the ball.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”