All good things have to come to an end at some time. And Norwich City’s splendid 10 game unbeaten run in the Premier League was ended on Saturday as they lost 2-1 to West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.

The Canaries made one change to the team which beat Wigan at Carrow Road one week ago. Steve Morison started up front in place of Grant Holt, whose injured hamstring had not recovered in time for him to play a part in the match. Norwich started confidently and controlled the early exchanges. They took the lead in the 23rd minute when Snodgrass won a free kick after being bundled over by Odemwingie, took the kick himself, and curled the ball into the top right hand corner of the net. 1-0 to Norwich. Were we the new Arsenal? The Invincibles? Unfortunately not. Former Ipswich favourite Gareth McCauley had a shot cleared off the line and then Albion equalised with a corner that should not have been given. With only two minutes remaining in the first half, there was a clash of heads between Tettey and James Morrison. It was clear that the latter headed the ball over the line. However the referee gave a corner, and when it came over, Bunn could only push the ball up onto the bar. Gera reacted first and bundled home the equaliser. It was the Baggies’ first goal in more than 350 minutes of playing time. City protested that Bunn had been impeded, but to no avail. The goal stood.

So all square at the interval. Both sides strove for the winner in the second half. Russell Martin replaced Whittaker after 55 minutes, and Turner headed wide from a Snodgrass cross. Howson replaced Hoolahan after 77 minutes. But with only eight minutes remaining Lukaku, the Throstles’ giant striker on loan from Chelsea, broke Canary hearts. He outmuscled Garrido to Popov’s cross and headed home from eight yards out. City threw on Jackson for Tettey in an attempt to force an equaliser, but despite a late City rally it never came and the Canaries’ proud 10 match unbeaten run was at an end. Frank Skinner and Adrian Chiles left the ground with big smiles on their faces.

Norwich City Football Club have just announced that they have reached a settlement with Paul Lambert over their conflicting claims and counter claims resulting from his departure from the club last summer, and that neither side will be pursuing legal action. Truly it is the season of goodwill to all men.

The Capital Canaries wish everyone connected with Norwich City a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!