West Brom player ratings v Norwich as Swift shines and Wallace torments

West Brom secured a Boxing Day victory over ten-man Norwich City at The Hawthorns, breaking their recent run of losses. Brandon Thomas-Asante’s second-half goal proved decisive in a match where Albion’s dominance wasn’t fully reflected in the scoreline, reminiscent of their previous encounter against Middlesbrough.

The game took a turn in Albion’s favor well before Norwich’s Borja Sainz received a red card in the first half. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Albion was clearly the superior team in the opening period. John Swift, the only change made by Carlos Corberan from the Middlesbrough game, orchestrated plays behind lone striker Brandon Thomas-Asante. Swift’s involvement included a well-executed volley off a Jed Wallace setup that hit the post and a missed opportunity in the penalty area created by his captain.

Although Norwich had to defend for significant stretches, they managed to pose threats, with Sainz forcing a smart save from Alex Palmer. Sainz also narrowly missed an acrobatic attempt after a long throw-in into the penalty area found its way to him.

Sainz’s dismissal, a consequence of complaining about an Albion foul during Norwich’s move, tilted the odds further in Albion’s favor. The second half saw Albion taking the lead within five minutes as Diangana outjumped Jack Stacey, redirecting Wallace’s cross to Thomas-Asante, who calmly applied the finishing touch.

While Albion came close to securing a more comfortable win, including Swift’s cheeky lob attempt and Diangana’s narrowly missed effort, Norwich had a notable chance. Substitute Hwang’s low header forced an excellent save from Palmer, ultimately preserving the victory. The win brings Albion within three points of teams higher up the table as they prepare to face Leeds on Friday.

West Bromwich Albion player ratings

Palmer 8*

Decent save to keep out Sainz prior to his red card, but looked beaten when the Spaniard hooked another shot just wide. A bystander largely in the second half but some save to deny Hwang. That’s the sign of a good keeper, who had nothing to do otherwise.

Furlong 7

Assisted Wallace down the right hand side throughout. Aerial presence in both boxes with his spring. Spent plenty of time as you’d imagine in the Norwich half, particularly in the second half and tried his best to tee up a second when winning an aerial ball from a corner.

Bartley 7

Started attacks, had the beating of the physical and athletic Idah. Taken off as Corberan looked to deal with the Norwich pace on the break.

Kipre 8

On this basis Saturday was a blip. Kipre was much more like his usual self throughout, winning free kicks, making passes to break the Norwich press, especially in the first half. A key figure at the back when Norwich eventually had a go, and in the absence of Bartley in the closing stages.

Townsend 6

Plenty of energy down the left hand side and played a hand in many attacks, although the important final delivery didn’t often find its intended target. Better here than on Saturday when he struggled.

Yokuslu 8

Marshalled his team, combined well with Mowatt in the middle. Won some big headers with Norwich aerially strong. Vintage Yokuslu in the middle, who comfortably got the better of his opposing numbers.

Mowatt 8

In the same way Slaven Bilic used to rely on Romaine Sawyers to subtly run things from deep, so Corberan has Mowatt to depend upon. Often subtly just runs the show with his passes and combinations with the likes of Yokuslu and Swift – what an important and quality triangle Albion boast in the middle of the pitch.

Swift 8

How Albion have missed him at this level. This was the first time Swift has looked like Swift since his injury at Blues. Ran the show in the hole behind Asante and should’ve scored a couple in the first half alone. Cheeky effort in the second before getting a standing ovation.

Wallace 8*

Brilliant energy and an end product from Wallace from the right. Gave Sam McCallum a torrid time and combined beautifully with Swift throughout. Continued to supply from the right in the second period, including the build up to the opener. A classic Wallace display.

Diangana 6

Looked more at it than his run-out against Middlesbrough. Drew the first yellow card from Sainz on the run, having done well to regain possession following his initial loss of the ball. Could’ve doubled the lead but flashed a shot wide. Not at his electric best but an improvement.

Thomas-Asante 7

Quiet opening 45, bar his one snapshot which Gunn held. In the right place at the right time to turn in the opening goal of this game, his eighth of the season.

Substitutes

Ajayi (for Bartley 61) 6

Brought on to negate the potential pace on the break of Hwang and co. Did his job, bar one poor pass which might’ve encouraged Norwich on.

Fellows (for Swift 75)

Molumby (for Diangana 86)

Chalobah (for Mowatt 86)

Sarmiento (for Wallace 86)

Substitutes not used: Griffiths, Taylor, Pieters, Reach

Norwich City starting XI: Gunn; Stacey (Hernandez 81), Sainz, Barnes (Batth 45), Idah (Hwang 61), McCallum, Sara (Placheta 81), McLean, Duffy, Nunez, Rowe (Hanley 45)

Substitutes not used: Long, Gibbs, Fassnacht, Fisher

GOALS

Albion – Asante 50; Norwich –