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The Verdict: If that's for starters then buckle in for West Brom ride Read Lewis Cox’s Albion analysis of an opening day to remember. If that is what is served up for starters then we could be in for a ride this season. James Morrison’s Albion tenure promises fireworks and unrelenting drama and it certainly delivered at Carrow Road on matchday one of a minimum of 46 in the Championship. A day that for the most part appeared to feature a visiting side batten down the hatches for a point ended in sheer jubilation as the Baggies delivered a couple of sucker punches - quite literally in the case of Aune Heggebo - to flatten Norwich and start the league season in some style. A late show delivered Heggebo’s controversial opener, punched in from close range and somehow allowed to stand, before a moment of brilliance from new star Jimmy-Jay Morgan. What a find the 20-year-old looks. Norwich finally found a way through as the clock ticked 90 minutes, but it was the only blot on a magnificent copybook for Albion’s defence and goalkeeper Max O’Leary. This was a Canaries side fancied by most to be right among the promotion contenders this season. Boss Philippe Clement is impressive and his squad is stronger and deeper than that of Morrison’s as things stand. Not that Albion’s head coach was deterred by that. It says everything about Morrison and his expectations and standards that, even after a memorable backs-against-the-wall smash-and-grab he was left only partially satisfied and telling us how he wanted much more. But the double-handed fist-pumps above his head in front of the away end at full-time told the story of an emotional boss proud at how his troops had started their campaign. In typically bold yet understated style, Morrison called on his Albion side to continue where they left off for pre-season, in taking the game to the opposition. That is one thing in friendlies against sides from League Two, but doing so against one of the Championship big boys is another test entirely. And in a disjointed and nervy first period the visitors could not settle or find their passing game. Albion, let’s not forget, could hardly have had worse preparation for the league curtain-raiser. Prospective club captain Alex Mowatt - about to be confirmed as the squad’s leader for the new season - was snaffled by rivals Derby County on the eve of the Norfolk clash. The bid came, relatively speaking despite interest, from nowhere. Morrison did not expect it. Mowatt was set to start, with the armband. All of Albion’s preparation was done, for this clash and for the season ahead. Pre-season featured Mowatt excelling - and then he was gone. New recruit Felix Horn Myhre was given the nod over Jayson Molumby to take Mowatt’s place in a deeper role in a central midfield two than he is used to in Norway. It was a tough league bow for Horn Myhre, but his work without the ball was diligent and tireless. There was one aerial clearance in his own six-yard box that saved a goal, as well as others. His work with the ball will wait for another day. Morrison surely needs a Mowatt-esque replacement in the transfer window? Speaking of bad preparation, Heggebo was laid low by a sickness bus as the Baggies headed east on Friday after what the head coach described as a “dodgy chicken wrap”. Albion, like the poultry, threatened to be undercooked. The defence wobbled. Nat Phillips and new skipper George Campbell were, at times, turned easily by big Mo Toure in the first half as Norwich buzzed. But fast-forward an hour and the duo were hailed as heroes. Phillips in particular was immense with one of his best displays for the club. Both were man mountains with countless goal-saving blocks. O’Leary was so impressive between the sticks. His save from Kenny McLean early on was huge and from Toure and Kellen Fisher in particular at 0-0 were critical. Let’s be clear, Albion owed plenty to luck. Heggebo’s punched opener should never have stood. They say these things even themselves out. How the officials missed it from Morgan’s cross I’m not sure. But Albion care not. Morgan’s brilliant second on 87 minutes for clear daylight, however, was quite excellent. That is five in pre-season, two in the EFL Cup and one on his Championship debut for the youngster. What a star he looks as the away end belted his name. This was an opening-day success to live long in the memory and it owed much to heart, spirit and a defensive resilience that will really satisfy Morrison. He will know better has to and will come - but what a platform to build from for starters. Buckle in for the ride, folks.