The Premier League finally came back. Anfield Road saw the first game of the season, between Liverpool and Norwich City. The Reds have been more than convincing and defeated the rival with 4-1.
Everything was already over in the first 45 minutes when the reigning European champions gained a four-goal advantage. Their fantastic attack once again showcased what their abilities are.
But Liverpool’s colossal win doesn’t mean that Norwich played bad. It was a bit different. The Canaries had chances of their own, and they were the one who threatened first. Unfortunately for them, after missing a nice opportunity to take the lead, the punishment came in a cruel form.
Grant Hanley wanted to clear away the danger in front of his goal, but the ball finished in Norwich’s net. A few minutes later, Firmino and Salah doubled the lead, with the Brazilian assisting to his teammate. Just before the stopwatch reached a half an hour landmark, Virgil Van Dijk made it 3-0. This time, it was Salah who recorded an assist.
In the 42nd minute, Divock Origi put his name on the scoresheet. Alexander-Arnold made a nice cross, and the Belgian international easily beat the Canaries’ goalkeeper Tim Krul.
“We’re disappointed. We were greedy, we wanted to be the first team in two-and-a-half years to win here,” said after the match Norwich’s manager Daniel Farke.
Truth to be told, the newbie from the Championship did enter the game without any respect towards the Reds. They were trying to score regardless of the fact that Liverpool probably has the best attack in the world. The guests were severely punished, but in the end, the reward for their bravery came.
It was Teemu Pukki who scored for the guests in the 64th minute. Previously, Liverpool had three huge chances after the break to totally demolish its rivals.
“At the start of the second half we could have scored a fifth or sixth goal, then Norwich scored. After that, we were never in danger but had to work hard to keep the score what it was,” Jurgen Klopp explained the second part of the match.
In general, Liverpool played very well and was at the required level. As for Norwich, if they manage to improve the finishing, they might avoid the relegation.
What ruined the night for the Reds was Alisson’s injury. The Brazilian goalkeeper slipped in front of his goal and injured his calf. After the match, Klopp was a bit disturbed because of that, as he knows the value and importance of this guy to the team.
Alisson was by far the best goalkeeper in the world last season, and his contribution to all of the Liverpool’s successes is enormous.
Up next, the Reds head for Istanbul, where they meet with Chelsea. It is the UEFA Super Cup between the two English clubs and the title holders of the European competitions. L’Pool is the Champions League winner, while the Blues curently hold the Europa League title.
The match is scheduled for this Wednesday, at the Vodafone Arena.
