Liverpool 4-1 Norwich City: 3 Talking Points as Reds get their season underway in style

Liverpool FC v Norwich City - Premier League
Liverpool FC v Norwich City - Premier League

As Liverpool and Norwich City locked horns to get the 2019/20 edition of the Premier League underway, the Reds weathered an initial storm from the newly promoted side to register a comprehensive 4-1 victory.

The scoreline was harsh on the Canaries as Daniel Farke's side gave a good account of themselves and looked the part in the top-flight.

The reigning European Champions virtually sealed the game with a devastating showing in the first half as Norwich came to terms with the harsh realities of the Premier League.

Grant Hanley deflected the ball in to his own net for the opening goal of the game and the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Divock Origi got on the score sheet to cap off a comprehensive victory.

Alisson Becker's injury was one of the defining moments of the first half, as the Brazilian shot-stopper was replaced by new signing Adrian with a suspected calf strain.

Although the 27-year-old's injury dampened spirits initially, Liverpool had reasons to celebrate as they registered a resounding opening day victory.

Teemu Pukki, fresh from spearheading his side to the Championship title with 29 goals, made his mark in the Premier League with a well taken goal in the second half.

As two teams with contrasting ambitions faced off to get the season underway, let's look at some of the talking points from the game.

#1 Alisson's injury puts Liverpool in a spot of bother

Liverpool FC v Norwich City - Premier League
Liverpool FC v Norwich City - Premier League

Alisson Becker went down clutching his calf in the closing stages of the first-half and was substituted shortly afterwards with a suspected calf strain.

The 27-year-old was one of Liverpool's standout players last season and his injury puts them in a spot of bother, as they prepare to take on Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup next week.

Former West Ham goalkeeper Adrian, who was drafted in as a replacement for the outgoing Simon Mignolet, made his debut for the Reds as he replaced Alisson for the remainder of the game.

#2 Divock Origi shines in Mane's absence

Liverpool FC v Norwich City - Premier League
Liverpool FC v Norwich City - Premier League

Sadio Mane was reserved to a role on the bench owing to the lack of match fitness and Divock Origi was chosen to deputize for him on the left-wing.

The Belgian, fresh from his heroics in the Champions League last season, produced a lively display and spurred Liverpool on to a comfortable victory.

The 24-year-old was chosen to spearhead the attack alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino and the Liverpool trio wreaked havoc in the first half against a hapless Norwich side.

Origi's cross was deflected into his own net by Norwich skipper Grant Hanley and Liverpool capitalized on the early goal to build a resounding lead going into the break.

The forward also got his name on to the score-sheet as he got on the end of a brilliant delivery from Trent Alexander-Arnold, capping off a wonderful performance.

Origi will look to capitalize on his early-season momentum and make useful contributions this season, much like he did so last time around as Liverpool are involved in as many as six competitions between now and the end of the season.

#3 Norwich City get a timely reminder of the harsh realities of the Premier League

Liverpool FC v Norwich City - Premier League
Liverpool FC v Norwich City - Premier League

Daniel Farke has rejuvenated Norwich City and restored them to the pinnacle of English football but the Canaries had to come to terms with the ruthless reality of the Premier League.

The newly promoted side looked bright in the opening exchanges and took the game to the European Champions, proving that they more than belong in the top-flight.

Despite creating a host of early chances, the Canaries were dealt with a sucker-punch as they went behind courtesy of an own goal.

Norwich could have thrown a spanner into Liverpool works early on in the game but they were made to pay for their missed opportunities.

Although the 4-1 scoreline paints a grim picture, Daniel Farke's men can take heart from their performance as they went toe to toe with Liverpool in the opening exchanges.

Teemu Pukki's well taken goal was a sign that they looked the part in the Premier League and Norwich can build on their spirited performance if they take on board the shortcoming from their opening day encounter.

Quick Links

Edited by Sai Teja
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications