The game was laboured for long periods and appeared to be heading for a 0-0 draw before a moment of magic from Maloney earned space for Jordi Gomez to feed Arouna Kone a half chance. The Ivorian did the rest with a thumping finish past Lee Camp at his near post.
The goal and clean sheet have seen the Latics rise out of the bottom three ahead of Aston Villa's game with Everton today and bring Sunderland, Norwich, Stoke, and Southampton all within touching distance.
Roberto Martinez was delighted with his team's victory, speaking after the game he said: “It’s probably the most satisfying win of the season; claiming back-to-back wins at home for the first time, picking up three points after an international break and claiming our first ever league win over Norwich.
“Norwich work extremely hard to stop you having any time or quality on the ball, and that was the first time we were able to find Jordi in space with time to pick a pass and when he gets that opportunity his vision is up there with the best in the Premier League.
“It was a special ball he played through after Shaun Maloney’s good work, and then the finish from Arouna was clinical and full of quality, well worthy of three points."
Next up for the Latcs is the trip to face Q.P.R. who are now seven points behind Roberto Martinez's team.