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West Ham moved up to fourth in the Premier League as they inflicted a sixth consecutive defeat on bottom club Norwich at London Stadium.

David Moyes’ side were far from at their best but they still created enough openings to put the game beyond the visitors well before Bowen registered his second by turning in Arthur Masuaku’s cross in the 83rd minute.

Bowen also twice hit the woodwork and Michail Antonio blazed over from close range after brilliantly turning Norwich captain Grant Hanley.

On a disappointing evening for the visitors, Adam Idah went close to levelling with the score at 1-0, but saw his drive pushed on to the post by home goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.

Bar that attempt, however, Dean Smith’s side offered little in attack and have now failed to score a top-flight goal for 540 minutes.

Bowen underlines England credentials

After half an hour of this contest there was little to choose between either side, with the pre-match pyrotechnics arguably offering more excitement than the attacking play on show.

However, the Hammers clicked into gear shortly after, with Moyes barking out instructions and urging his players to provide more intensity.

Bowen’s first disallowed goal of the evening only served as a warning to Norwich, who quickly fell behind in the 42nd minute when he rose above Ben Gibson to direct a header into the bottom left corner.

The former Hull forward has been a revelation since arriving at the club just under two years ago in a £20m deal and produced the kind of performance that is only likely to underline his credentials as a prospective England player.

As someone who can create and score, he has been directly involved in an impressive 16 goals in all competitions this term – the most by an English player.

The only complaint that could be levelled at Bowen against Norwich was that he didn’t add to his two-goal tally, clipping an effort on to the bar and firing against the right-hand post when well placed.

Norwich’s dismal run continues

Only six sides in Premier League history have accumulated fewer points than Norwich after 20 games.

And if their dismal run continues for much longer their hopes of survival look forlorn even if they are still currently within touching distance of fellow strugglers Watford, Newcastle and Burnley.

Smith’s side were neat and tidy in possession but produced just three shots on target, with Idah’s the only one of any note.

Aside from Teemu Pukki, who has scored five times this season, only three other players have registered a top-flight goal.

Unless the Canaries can add some firepower to support their Finland international frontman it is difficult to envisage them pulling off a great escape in their remaining 18 fixtures.

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