Welcome back to football after a lengthy break. A new day, a new season, a new team, a new opponent and a good win. Football is back and Liverpool are back, and they are back with a commanding win. The first game at the carrow road stadium was more or less expected to provide Liverpool a win as it has been so since lately. Liverpool have always scored plenty, however it was a different unit all together. Virgil is back, Matip is back and a lot of names the fans wanted so badly on the field last season were back. Milner got a surprising nod as the skipper and commencing his resilient 20th season in the English top flight, undoubtedly the finest free transfer. Norwich are back into the premier league finishing as champions of League 1 and it was game on. Norwich started well, threatening to get into the box several times during the first 10 minutes with Liverpool reading the game. Liverpool started the night with a slightly changed front 3 where Firmino made way for the classy Diogo Jota. It took only 26 minutes for the Portugese to break the dead lock with a fine finish from a pass produced by Mo Salah. Once the goal was scored Norwich were regularly looking for counter attacks but Liverpool were so composed and playing the famous high line, made no mistake which kept Norwich waiting. The awaited addition to the team Kostas Tsimikas took the injured Robertson’s place at the left back and made an excellent outing. Tsimikas rightfully received a rating of 8 from pundits as he was constantly threatening the Norwich defense and had a few shots on target too. Almost assisted the first real chance of the game which was blocked. Tsimikas has got a golden opportunity to grab his position in the team. A player to watch this season.
The second half began with the same consistency however it is concerning to note that the Midfield combination of Milner, Keita and Ox is not what you would want to see every game. With Gini out, there was nothing really coming from the Midfield. Probably because it consisted of 2 Injury prone players and a Veteran. Klopp has to consider changing his midfield for better results against tougher teams. A game is won in the midfield and lets hope Thiago and Fabinho will take regular center stage with the likes of Harvey Elliot too.
The second goal was a perfect buildup but lucky. A poor shot by Mane and a poor clearance followed by an excellent pass by Salah, completed by Firmino. Firmino scored an excellent brace at his last pre-season game against Osasuna and he is showing convincing signs of recovered form. Mo Salah was the biggest threat in the team and kept running into the box constantly. Having scored in the first game of every season he has been part of, a goal with Norwich would have taken him into the history books and it did. The Egyptian king breaking records after records after records at Liverpool. What a player and what a signing. Salah was involved in all three games. With every involvement it was expected that he would score one himself. The third was a world class finish with his left foot. He was out of the bunch when the corner was taken and was lurking at the edge of the box. The ball just came to him to get shot. A nice touch and an excellent finish summed up the scoring spree.
This was a commanding display by Liverpool and what is note worthy is, Liverpool were clear title contenders the last time they started the season with Norwich. “So you are saying we have a chance”. If Liverpool kept the consistency and avoid injuries to vital players, this could be the season we lift the trophy, again.
How did Liverpool F.C perform today 