Brighton and Hove Albion 2 Norwich City 0
Albion beat Norwich by two goals but could have won by a hatful.
Norwich looked nervous and vulnerable in defence as Aaron Connolly got the better of Ben Godfrey but dragged his shot wide.
Steve Alzate then strode through the Canaries defence only for his shot to cannon back off Norwich keeper Tim Krul’s outstretched leg.
Soon after, Alzate’s dipping volley flew wide of the post with Krul stranded.
It was then the turn of Maupay to beat Godfrey but his pass to Connolly was charged down and cleared.
In a rare attack Onel Hernandez hit the bar for Norwich, who were trying to get Teemu Pukki into the match but Lewis Dunk was always alert to this.
Dunk’s partner Adam Webster was stretchered off just before half time and replaced by Shane Duffy.
Before the break Maupay, Conolly and Davy Propper all failed to convert in a goal-mouth scramble.
It was the second half where Albion took the game by the scruff of the neck.
After Leondro Trossard replace Pascal Gross, Albion had more pace and quite soon after coming on Trossard converted Montoya’s cross at the far post to put Albion in front.
The Seagulls now looked a potent attacking force. With Dan Burn getting forward, Maupay saw a stinging shot punched away by Krul.
Alzate weaved his way goal-wards only to see his shot charged down.
Albion were now fully in command. Maupay sent a snap shot sail over.
In the end it was substitute Duffy who slid in to convert a delightful Trossard cross to seal it for Albion
Before the end Alzate took too long to get into a shooting position after beating several defenders and even substitute and cult hero Ezequiel Schelotto had a curling effort on goal.
Albion move up to an impressive eighth in the Premier League and take on Manchester United, two places below them in tenth, next week, at Old Trafford.
What about that then!
