West Ham breeze past bottom of the table Norwich City

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Jarrod Bowen scored both goals in what was eventually a comfortable win for West Ham.

The hosts had 62% of the possession and their goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski was rarely threatened. However, there was a palpable scowl on Hammers’ manager David Moyes’ face at full-time. Despite their dominance, they did not secure the points until the 83rd minute when VAR ruled Bowen to be just onside as the forward scored his second of the evening and handed West Ham a 2-0 win over Norwich City.

The first half was not dissimilar and it took 43 minutes for the London side to open the scoring after having the lion’s share of possession. A better side than Norwich would have punished them for such slovenliness, and with Leeds facing the Hammers at the London Stadium this weekend, they may be able to take advantage if West Ham play similarly.

From a Norwich viewpoint, there was even less to be happy about.

Republic of Ireland international Adam Idah showed flashes of brilliance in beating the full-back, but apart from that, the Canaries were absent and showed no nuance or creative spark.

Even when trailing, they often struggled to get possession behind West Ham’s back eight.

Tomáš Souček was unavailable and perhaps the lack of depth was more evident because of that. However, Michael Antonio is a Premier League quality striker and Jarrod Bowen, as suggested by his manager Moyes, should be playing for the England national team.

Most of the West Ham players acquitted themselves decently but that level of quality will not hold on to the fourth place they now occupy.

Bowen scored the opener but much of the credit must go to Vladimír Coufal, who chased down and retrieved an overhit cross on the right-hand side and then delivered a cross of his own into the forward. Norwich were just not good enough at the basics and they surrendered possession far too easily.

Everton, Watford and Crystal Palace are the Canaries’ next three league opponents and there will be plenty of opportunities for points which is a huge necessity.

Hammers fans will keep their eyes peeled for any transfer activity as they hope to add more depth to their playing squad which could see them pip Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to fourth place and a place in the Champions League.

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