Liverpool began their quest for a first premier league title with a comprehensive victory over Norwich as goals from Grant Hanley (Og), Mo Salah, Virgil Van Dijk and Divock Origi ensured the Reds start the new season in style against the Canaries who got a consolation through Teemu Pukki.
Jurgen Klopp named the same team that started against Manchester City in the community shield on Sunday which means Sadio Mane had to settle for a place on the bench.
Norwich came to Anfield with the hope of keeping Liverpool at bay for most parts of the match, but their resilience only lasted seven minutes as Klopp’s men took the lead through a Grant Hanley own goal.
https://twitter.com/officalgoals/status/1159904615544086528
The Scottish international’s attempt to clear Divock Origi’s cross could only find the back of his net. Despite the early setback, the Canaries had the chance to level immediately through Marco Stiepermann who was set up by Pukki, but the German could not hit the target.
It was an opportunity Norwich will rue as Liverpool doubled their lead minutes later. The Reds second came through Mo Salah who finished perfectly into the bottom corner following a Firmino assist.
https://twitter.com/enjoygoalstv3/status/1159908854546780160
Nevertheless, that did not stop Norwich from trying to find a way back into the came and they got close once again as Pukki tried to lift a ball past Alisson, but the Brazilian international was up to the task.
However, it will be game over minutes later as Liverpool made it three through Virgil Van Dijke who powered a header into the back of the net from a Mo Salah corner.
https://twitter.com/enjoygoalstv3/status/1159909799569625088
But the Reds celebrations will, however, suffer a huge blow as Alisson went down injured and was replaced by Adrian who was signed this week as a back up to the former Roma man following the departure of Mignolet.
I will give up a hamstring for you @Alissonbecker pic.twitter.com/9EMgN3hlFt
— LFC Fans Corner (@LFCFansCorner) August 9, 2019
The injury to the Brazilian did not dampen the team’s spirit, however, as Divock Origi headed in from a Trent Alexander Arnold perfect delivery to extend Liverpool’s lead.
https://twitter.com/enjoygoalstv3/status/1159913407690235904
5 – Trent Alexander-Arnold is the first player to register an assist in five consecutive Premier League appearances since Mesut Özil in 2015, and is one of only eight players to do so in Premier League history. Pinpoint. pic.twitter.com/1l6ui3Kp3g
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 9, 2019
That was the last real piece of action of the half as Liverpool went into the break with a commanding lead. The second half started with Liverpool on the front foot and they almost added a fifth through Jordan Henderson, but his effort could only hit the bar while Firmino could not follow up.
But despite Liverpool’s dominance in the second half, it was Norwich who got the goal through Pukki. The Finnish striker got a consolation for Daniel Farke’s man after he got on the end of a perfect through ball to finish past Adrian in Liverpool goal.
The game was played at a slower pace from that moment on with both teams not creating any real chance leaving Liverpool to run out as comfortable winners, sending a statement of intent in the process.
