Sue Smith working as a Sky Sports pundit

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Sue Smith blown away by 'outstanding' unsung West Brom hero vs Norwich City

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Published on:

15 Aug 2026, 5:57 pm

Sue Smith was certainly impressed by what she saw as West Bromwich Albion kicked off their Championship season in style.

The Baggies produced something close to a perfect away display in Saturday's clash against Norwich City at Carrow Road.

After keeping things tight in the first half, Aune Heggebo scored a controversial opener for Albion 75 minutes in.

Jimmy-Jay Morgan added a second, before Mathias Kvistgaarden pulled one back right at the death as West Brom won 2-1.

It marks a perfect start to the season for James Morrison's side, with a number of players stepping up.

While Heggebo and Morgan will take much of the plaudits for their goals, Smith singled out someone else for praise.

Why West Brom have Max O'Leary to thank for Norwich win

The mood is very buoyant around The Hawthorns right now, largely thanks to the work of Morrison.

West Brom were not fancied to beat Norwich, who are expected to challenge for promotion under Philippe Clement this season.

Heggebo and Morgan had other ideas, although Albion would never have been in a position to beat Norwich if not for goalkeeper Max O'Leary..

He produced a number of fine stops to frustrate the Canaries, paving the way for the visitors to snatch all three points on the opening day.

O'Leary could not keep out Kvistgaarden's late consolation, denying him a clean sheet, but Smith was still impressed.

"O'Leary has been brilliant for West Brom," Smith said. "He's produced some absolutely outstanding saves. He gets a hand to it for the goal, but can only parry to Kvistgaarden."

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