Categories: EPLNews

Liverpool Start New Season In Style To Go Top

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

This post was last modified on August 9, 2019 9:57 pm

Joba Ogunwale

Oluwajoba Ogunwale has many years of experience as a sports content writer. The most recent of these was at Opera News, after which he took up the role of Editor-in-Chief at Soccernet.

Share
Published by
Joba Ogunwale

Recent Posts

Why I started Boniface vs Hoffenheim after three-month injury layoff – Xabi Alonso

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has explained his quick decision to start Victor Boniface in… Read More

3 minutes ago

Galatasaray blasts officiating as Super Eagles star’s red card sparks Fenerbahçe comeback

Super Lig giants, Galatasaray, have strongly condemned Turkish football authorities after a controversial penalty decision… Read More

1 hour ago

“It’s impossible”- Patrik Schick on competition with Victor Boniface for Bayer Leverkusen’s top hitman job

Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick has admitted that he is comfortable with the competition with… Read More

6 hours ago

“Impotent Amorim” – Ex-Super Eagles captain reacts to Manchester United’s loss to Crystal Palace

Former Super Eagles midfielder Sunday Oliseh has blasted Manchester United players for their poor defending… Read More

7 hours ago

Everything Chidera Ejuke said about Akor Adams on Sevilla debut

Super Eagles forward Chidera Ejuke has expressed elation at Akor Adams getting his Sevilla debut… Read More

15 hours ago