The Reds were back in Premier League action on Saturday afternoon, hoping to continue their eight game-winning run. They hosted bottom-placed Norwich City who is desperate for a win to take them out of the danger zone. It was a game of one half, as all four goals would be scored in the second half. These came courtesy of Milot Rashica (48’) who put the Canaries ahead after the break before Sadio Mané (64′), Mohammed Salah (67′) and Luis Diaz (81′) claimed the victory for the home side. Read on for our full Liverpool FC 3-1 Norwich City match report.
Otherwise, you can watch the full match highlights by clicking here.
Image source: Times of India
Liverpool FC 3-1 Norwich City
Premier League, Saturday 19th February
Anfield
Jurgen Klopp made seven changes to the line-up that won at the San Siro in their midweek Champions League clash against Inter Milan. This included Joe Gomez offering Trent Alexander-Arnold a rare break from the action. Fabinho, Andy Robertson, Thiago, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota also watched from the sidelines.
The opening half was filled with intent as the Norwich City found themselves tested but it would be to no avail. The best chance fell to Tsimikas after Salah’s skilful run into the box, lifting the ball over for the Greek fullback to send it over the bar from five yards out.
Before the Reds’ goal, Norwich City managed the occasional chance themselves with their best chance coming from Teemu Pukki. Unfortunately for the Canaries, the Finish forward sent the ball wide after being through on goal.
HT: 0-0
Image source: LFC Globe
Liverpool FC 3-1 Norwich City
Second Half
As the second half got underway, Norwich City applied pressure on the home side by going a goal ahead in a dramatic fashion. A Rashica shot from out-wide deflected off Joel Matip’s flew past Alisson and into the back of the net.
Klopp responded by bringing on Divock Origi and Thiago for Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, switching to a 4-2-3-1 formation. The new set-up instantly through Norwich City off course. Shortly after, Tsimikas would assist the first goal, receiving the ball from Henderson, heading on to Mané who impressively makes it 1-1 with an overhead kick.
At this point, Liverpool FC had found their mojo. Shortly after, a stunning Alisson kick found the feet of Salah. The Egyptian forward kept the ball down, turning Gunn before slotting the second and his 150th in a Liverpool FC shirt. An incredible milestone in emphatic style. 2-1.
The third and final goal came from the Reds’ newest acquisition. Luis Diaz found the ball from a cutting pass through the middle of the park before chipping the ball over Gunn. A rendition of the famous Luis Suarez anthem rang out from the Kop, appropriately ‘Diaz’ replacing Suarez in the tune. A sign of things to come? We certainly hope so.
Final Words
Thank you for reading our Liverpool FC 3-1 Norwich City match report. The last time Norwich City won at Anfield, goalkeeper Gunn’s father stood between the sticks for the Norfolk club. Riding the wave of high confidence from the AFCON competition, Mané got the goal-scoring going in heroic style. This set the pace for the rest of the game.
Jordan Henderson was instrumental in the win, directly impacting two goals and registering a 97% passing rate. He gets our vote for MOTM.
Liverpool FC faces Leeds United on Wednesday night (23rd) in the Premier League.
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