Mane, Salah and Diaz were all on the scoresheet as Liverpool came back from a goal behind to rinse Norwich.
Liverpool started out the half brightly, as they immediately put the Canaries under pressure. In fact, The Reds had 15 shots, with 4 on target but they couldn’t put the finishing touches. Konstantinos Tsimikas came the closest but missed from four yards from an accurate Mo Salah cross.
After half-time, Liverpool were sloppy in defence and in the midfield. Norwich then made them pay as Milot Rashica’s effort went past Alisson through a deflection. Even though the goal was fortunate, the run to it really wasn’t. The goal came about when Liverpool were holding a high line and Norwich sent runners in behind. Joel Matip couldn’t tackle Josh Sargent and he made an easy pass to Rashica, who scored.
But still, Liverpool didn’t wake up, Norwich looked to turn the screw. However, Klopp made two changes as he brought on Thiago & Origi for Oxlade Chamberlain & Naby Keita. The effect was immediate, as Thiago provided midfield control while Origi occupied Norwich’s defence.
The opening goal came about when Henderson smartly switched to Tsimikas who looped the ball in. Sadio Mane scored from an overhead kick from that ball. Liverpool had gnawed their way to 1-1.
After the equalizer, Liverpool looked much more assured and in control. But Norwich still found runners in behind Liverpool’s defensive line however, Alisson was present to collect each time. Speaking of Alisson, the Wunder-Keeper launched a ball which Salah latched on, and scored the most farcical goal of this season.
But Liverpool still needed the assurance of a two-goal cushion. Which was promptly provided by Luis Diaz‘s maiden goal for Liverpool. He collected a through-ball from Jordan Henderson (the skipper had quite a game) and chipped the Norwich goalkeeper.
Liverpool with another Jekyll and Hyde performance but we take it and move on.
What’s next for Liverpool
Liverpool will face Bielsa’s Leeds on Wednesday at Anfield and Liverpool would look to close the gap to Manchester City.
The Reds would then face Chelsea at Wembley in the League Cup final on Sunday. It would be a monumental clash and Liverpool would like to add some silverware. However, it won’t be easy. As Thomas Tuchel hasn’t lost a final with Chelsea.
