Relieved Darren Moore praises West Brom's resilience after first win of the season
A relieved Darren Moore has praised his Albion team for overcoming tough conditions to get their first win of the season under their belt.
The Baggies came from 1-0 down at Carrow Road to edge a seven-goal thriller thanks to a Jay Rodriguez brace and goals from Harvey Barnes and Hal Robson-Kanu.
It means the Baggies have bounced back from the disappointment of an opening day defeat to Bolton with four points from two away games in five days.
Although Moore was disappointed with the defending that allowed Norwich to get back into the game twice, he was pleased with an improved second-half performance that yielded three goals.
"It’s our third game in a week and we’ve wanted to try and win all three," he said. "The win has come and I’m delighted with it.
"Make no mistake I’m very happy with the three points on the back of a difficult week.
"The opening game, a game on Tuesday, the transfer window closing on Thursday, the long journey down to Norwich and playing in the conditions we had today.
"This was Norwich’s first home game of the season so they were rested in the week.
"There was a full house here so we had to manage the conditions, the crowd and a very good football team that were lying in wait.
"With all those trappings you’ve got to look back on it as very solid three points."
Norwich took the lead through Jordan Rhodes before Rodriguez equalised from the spot-kick.
The Canaries had the best of the first half and they won their own penalty before half-time when Chris Brunt fouled Onel Hernandez, but it was saved by man of the match Sam Johnstone.
"I felt the game defining moment was the penalty save from Sam," said Moore. "He made it look easy but it was a great save.
"If we’d have come out for the second half a goal down it would have been a real tough mountain to climb.
"But we regrouped, reshaped and got a tune out of the boys second half. They really took the game to Norwich."
Rodriguez added a second three minutes after the break with a long-range effort that Tim Krul should have saved before Barnes whipped home Albion's third following good work by Matt Phillips.
Teemu Pukki's deflected shot reduced the arrears before Hal Robson-Kanu made it 4-2.
"We scored a couple of really good goals," said Moore. "It showed real prowess from the front line we’ve got here.
"Dwight (Gayle) was a constant threat. He won us the penalty. When you look at those combinations we carry a goal threat.
"There won’t be many teams that come and score four goals this season."
However, the Baggies let Norwich back into the game twice, and when Grant Hanley's header made it 4-3 it set up a grandstand finish.
"This team is in a clear transition," said Moore. "As well as goal scoring prowess it’s about getting it right at the other end, being more solid and resolute.
"I’ll look back on the game because a lot of it could have been to do with fatigue.
"The weather conditions were very hot and we’ve come off the back of a real tough game in the week at Forest.
"To come here and score four is very pleasing but I will look at the other side of it as well."
Left-back Kieran Gibbs was forced off at half-time with a knock, and was replaced by summer signing Conor Townsend.
The young full-back looked sharp on debut, and Moore was pleased with his performance.
"He slotted into a very difficult game," said Moore. "He provided us with fresh legs his use of the ball was very good and he can certainly be proud of his performance and his contribution to the team.
"He’s a good player who we head-hunted and I’m so glad to have him. Himself and Gibs are excellent full-backs we have on the left-hand side."
