Norwich City continued their remarkable resurgence under head coach Philippe Clement with a commanding 3-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup fourth round at Carrow Road on February 14, 2026. The win not only propelled the Canaries into the next stage of the competition but also extended their impressive run to eight wins from their last ten matches in all competitions—a feat that would have seemed almost unthinkable just a few months ago.
Coming into this fourth-round tie, Norwich had already dispatched League Two side Walsall with a confident display in the previous round. West Brom, meanwhile, had endured a more nerve-wracking passage, edging past Championship rivals Swansea City on penalties. Yet, the stage was set for an intriguing clash in Norfolk, especially with both squads dealing with significant injury issues and selection headaches.
Norwich’s injury list was daunting. Pelle Mattsson was ruled out with an ankle injury sustained in January against Coventry, and American striker Josh Sargent remained absent as his protracted transfer saga with MLS side Toronto dragged on. The Canaries were also without the likes of Shane Duffy, Jeffery Schlupp, and Lucien Mahovo—Mahovo sidelined for a significant period with a muscular issue. New signing Paris Maghoma, however, was deemed fit enough to make his full debut, and his impact proved to be immediate and decisive.
Other notable absentees for Norwich included Harry Amass (hamstring), who, according to head coach Clement, might return before the end of the season, and Matej Jurasek, who was out for nine to ten weeks with a foot injury but had fortunately avoided a fracture. Gabe Forsyth, Mirko Topic, and Ante Crnac were also unavailable, the latter two ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with ACL injuries. Despite these setbacks, the squad’s depth was on full display, with Elliot Myles and Forsyth returning to training and building their fitness.
West Brom arrived at Carrow Road with their own selection crisis. Key players Nat Phillips, George Campbell, Jed Wallace, Chris Mepham, and Karlan Grant were all missing, forcing new manager Eric Ramsay to turn to youth. Youngsters Harry Whitwell and Ollie Bostock were handed opportunities, while Josh Maja led the line in a team desperate for a spark under their still-winless boss.
The match itself began with Norwich on the front foot, and it was Paris Maghoma who stole the early headlines. Making his full debut, the 24-year-old midfielder dazzled with his movement and poise, gliding past defenders and orchestrating attacks. His efforts were rewarded when he scored the opening goal with a glancing header—a moment that showcased both his talent and the faith Clement had placed in him. As Paddy Davitt of Pink Un noted, "Paris Maghoma was the catalyst for a vibrant opening stanza from Norwich on his full debut."
Norwich’s starting lineup featured Grimshaw in goal; a back four of Jack Stacey, captain Ruairi McConville, Harry Darling—making his return to the side—and Kellen Fisher at left back. Sam Field and Jacob Wright anchored the midfield, with Maghoma in the number 10 role behind striker Mathias Kvistgaarden. The bench offered further options, with Anis Ben Slimane poised to make an impact.
Despite Norwich’s dominance in the opening half, the second period saw West Brom claw their way back. The Baggies’ persistence paid off in the 68th minute when Josh Maja found the net, leveling the score at 1-1 and injecting new life into the contest. It was a moment that might have spelled trouble for Norwich in previous months, but under Clement’s stewardship, this team has developed a resilience and belief that is hard to shake.
Reflecting on the shift in momentum, Clement remarked after the match that "when it went 1-1 that was a game City, three months ago, may have fallen the wrong side." He credited the team’s improved fitness, mental strength, and the ability to dig deep even when not at their best. The Belgian coach’s tactical acumen was evident as he turned to his bench, with Anis Ben Slimane making a telling contribution by providing two late assists that swung the game decisively in Norwich’s favor.
Ruairi McConville, who captained the side, continued his personal renaissance. The Northern Irish center back, polished in the Brighton academy, has become a symbol of the Canaries’ turnaround. Having only made his first league start of the season on November 1, McConville has since started every match, earning the trust of his head coach and the admiration of supporters. Clement was quick to downplay the significance of the captain’s armband, but his decision to entrust McConville with leadership duties spoke volumes.
Norwich’s ability to cope with adversity and maintain their upward trajectory has not gone unnoticed. Clement was recently shortlisted for the Championship manager-of-the-month for January, recognition of the remarkable transformation he has overseen. Although the award ultimately went to Middlesbrough’s Kim Hellberg, the Canaries’ boss remains focused on collective achievement rather than individual accolades. "For him, pleasure comes with a job well done and the satisfaction of seeing the fruits of his labour measured in success," Davitt observed.
The victory over West Brom also highlighted the depth and versatility of Norwich’s squad. Even with a lengthy injury list, Clement was able to call upon players like Slimane, whose late contributions sealed the win. The mood around Carrow Road has shifted dramatically since the dark days that led to Liam Manning’s departure. The club’s ambitious vision, set out by Mark Attanasio and Norfolk Holdings, is now within reach, and the belief among players and fans alike is palpable.
For West Brom, the defeat was another setback in what has been a difficult period under Eric Ramsay. The Baggies have struggled for consistency and are still searching for their first win under their new manager. The reliance on inexperienced players and the absence of key personnel made their task all the more challenging against a Norwich side brimming with confidence.
With the FA Cup fifth round beckoning and momentum firmly on their side, Norwich City’s supporters have every reason to dream. The blend of youth, experience, and tactical discipline instilled by Clement has transformed the Canaries into one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Championship and beyond. As the season enters its decisive phase, all eyes will be on Carrow Road to see just how far this rejuvenated Norwich side can go.
Norwich’s journey continues, and with each passing week, the prospect of further cup glory and a push for Premier League promotion grows ever more tantalizing. Under Clement’s guidance, the Canaries are soaring once again.