By Jemma Tappenden
April 7 2014
West Bromwich Albion claimed 3 vital points this weekend against fellow Premier League strugglers Norwich City. The victory – only Albion’s 3rd away win of the season, could prove to be a massive turning point in their survival hopes. The 3 points lifted West Brom to level points with Norwich, although the Baggies currently sit in 16th – a place higher than the Canaries and with a game in hand.
Both sides remain five points clear of the drop zone, but Fulham’s unexpected victory at Villa put extra strain on all sides currently fighting the relegation battle.
Albion were by no means favourites to win this fixture. Aside from events off the field last week; a well-publicised dressing room bust up between team mates James Morrison and Saido Berahino, Albion had won away from the Hawthorns just twice this season before this fixture. In addition, Norwich had not lost at home in the league since December.
Nonetheless, just 16 minutes in West Brom took a deserved from a fantastic Amalfitano shot. By the interval there was little dispute that hard grafting Albion were worthy of their 1-0 lead. Norwich were greatly improved in the second half, but despite a range of changes could not find a way to breach Albion’s defence.
The three points are vital to Albion’ survival hopes, who still have to face Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City in their final run in. But Baggies fans will probably be thanking their luck stars they do not have Norwich City’s run in, who face fellow strugglers Fulham next weekend, followed by Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.
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