West Bromwich Albion have been branded boring by their own supporters, yet with 14 points from 10 matches and a comfortable position in the top half of the table, manager Tony Pulis is not about to start having sleepless nights about scoring only eight goals.

It is the lowest tally in the Premier League, even Sunderland will have more if they get the better of Newcastle this afternoon. The key to Albion’s elevated status is clean sheets, particularly away from home, where they have achieved three of their four wins so far, all by a 1-0 scoreline.

Actually, Albion were worth more on this occasion. A header from Salomon Rondon two minutes into the second half was enough to see off Norwich, who have lost their last three and are five without a win, but there could easily have been more.

Chris Brunt drew two fine saves from John Ruddy from distance, Rondon sent another header over the bar and defender Craig Dawson missed the best chance of the match, unmarked from a corner, when his header bounced in front of Ruddy’s goal and ballooned over the top.

Rondon, a club-record £12 million signing from Zenit St Petersburg in August, has only two goals so far but each has been worth three points.

Pulis thinks the best is yet to come from the Venezuelan. “With the international breaks and all the flying he has had to do, he has not had the time to rest and pick up his performances,” Pulis said. “But we think there are a lot more goals to come.”

Norwich had chances but could not break down Albion, who have not conceded a goal in six of their 10 matches so far.

Norwich: (4-4-1-1) Ruddy; Martin, Bennett, Bassong, Brady; Redmond, Tettey, Howson, Jarvis; Hoolahan (Jerome, 78); Mbokani.

West Bromwich Albion: (4-4-2) Myhill; Dawson, McAuley, Evans, Brunt; Sessegnon, Fletcher, Yacob, McClean; Rondon (Lambert, 74), Berahino (Gardner, 88).

Referee: Kevin Friend

Man of the match: Brunt (West Bromwich)

Match rating: 7/10