The spotlights of Anfield were were lit as the Reds qualified for the FA Cup quarter finals. For what seems like the tenth time this season (in actuality, it is the fourth) Liverpool faced Norwich City, this time, in the fifth round of the FA Cup. Takumi Minamino, ‘Mr Cup Competition’ himself scored twice in the first-half (27′, 39′) and Norwich City came back to score a late consolation (Rupp, 76′) as the home side advanced to the next stage. The fixture is due to be announced on Thursday (3rd) evening. Read on for our full Liverpool 1-2 Norwich City match report.
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Image source: Epidaily
Liverpool 2-1 Norwich City Match Report
FA Cup Fifth Round, Wednesday 3rd March
Venue: Anfield
It was a a significantly different lineup to the Carabao Cup winning side as ten changes were made. These included the likes of Alisson Becker replacing Kelleher after his cup heroics on Sunday and of course Takumi Minamino being restored to the first XI. These would prove to be vital changes as the game progressed.
Although the match started positively with both sides looking to flex their attacking muscle, Curtis Jones put in the first convincing attempt on goal. A well-taken curved shot looked to spook the away side but ultimately failed to go in.. The traveling Norwich fans breathe a sigh of relief, meanwhile, I almost spill my pint from prematurely celebrating.The match continues at 0-0.
Later, Kostas Tsimikas crosses the ball to Divock Origi inside the box and remarkably he is unchallenged by any defender. Unselfishly, he lays the ball onto Minamino to score the first (27′). Although the Liverpool fans will be celebrating, the Norwich City faithful will be asking big questions as Origi was gifted so much time and freedom in the box, 1-0.
shortly after, Tsimikas and Minamino would feature again for the next goal. In taking a corner from the left, the Greek international initially has his cross headed away by Ben Gibson, only to find the seemingly mercurial feet of Minamino who blasts home for his second goal (39′), 2-0. If there is one person Norwich City fans hate, it is surely Minamino. The Japan international has a goal tally of four against the Canaries in cup competitions in 2021/22.
HT: 2-0
Image source” Assam Press
Second Half
Now finding themselves 2-0 down from their uncharacteristically ‘non-defensive’ game plan, Norwich City have no choice but to go on the offensive against a side possessing superiority in every facet of the game. Substitute Josh Sargent showed the most intent, shooting just wide. Soon after, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would replicate the first half attempt by his young compatriot, sadly his shot found the post.
Norwich City eventually clawed back some dignity by cancelling out a clean sheet for Liverpool. Unchallenged and with space between the lines, Joshua Sergent finds Lukas Rupp who scores impressively from twenty yards out (76′). Norwich looked to apply more pressure on the Reds, thankfully Alisson was there to defuse any threat as Liverpool saw the game out.
Final Words
Thank you for reading our Liverpool 1-2 Norwich City match report. When this fixture was first drawn, Liverpool and Takumi Minamino must have been rubbing their hands with delight. The Japan international apparently turns into 2014 Luis Suarez incarnate and punishes the Norfolk-based side upon every encounter.
Although Norwich spoiled the fun slightly by cancelling out Liverpool’s potential clean sheet, it is something of a hollow victory. While the Reds go on to the quarter finals, the Canaries go back to a relegation battle. The draw for Liverpool’s quarter final fixture will commence on Thursday 3rd March.
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