In what can potentially be the match of the season, Jurgen Klopp’s side took all three points with an Adam Lallana injury time winner just minutes after Bassong equalized for Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday. The game had many twists and turns but ended in a victory for the visitors that set off some ecstatic scenes on the touch line.
Here are 5 things we learnt as Liverpool prevailed in the 9 goals thriller:
1. Atrocious defense:
If one word could describe the defense of both sides on the night, it is atrocious. Both clubs have some weaknesses at the back but Liverpool are far from a side that should let in 4 goals against a newly promoted side. They took 3 deserved points in the end but will know that they have to improve a lot in their penalty area if they are to challenge for a top 4 spot this season.
2. Benteke is not a part of Klopp’s plans:
The Canaries have shipped more goals from crosses than any other team in the Premier League this season. It is a stat that must have tempted Klopp to use the big Belgian up front for this game especially with Adam Lallana dropped to the bench. Instead, Klopp did not use Benteke until his side took the lead late in the second half making it clear that Benteke is not really in the long term plans of the manager.
3. Firmino repaying his price?
With 5 goals and 3 assists in the last 6 matches for Liverpool, Firmino is starting to do justice to his price tag and the confidence shown in him by the manager. The Brazilian was involved in some good play and picked up a brace to give Liverpool a chance in this game. He will not play a huge role in Klopp’s plans until the end of the season if the Reds are to play in the Champions League this season.
4. Naismith can solve the Canaries’ problems:
The Norwich side that was promoted just this season are terrifyingly close to the drop zone and will need some good results quickly to stay safe this season. They have a strong squad that can beat many of the teams around them and the addition of Steven Naismith from Everton will only give Alex Neil plenty of confidence and might even give them the push needed to keep them in the top flight for another season.
5. Liverpool own Norwich City:
Liverpool have not lost to Norwich City in over 20 years but looked like they would at Carrow Road on Saturday. From 3-1 down the Reds did exceptionally well to take all three points and once again showed that Norwich City are easy opponents for them. The last few seasons, Luis Suarez owned this tie scoring 3 hatricks and Liverpool did not need him this time around to put 5 past the Canaries. It is clear now the Liverpool are a bogey team for Norwich City