English Premier League
Result: Liverpool 4-1 Norwich City
Date: 09 August 2019
Venue: Anfield
Liverpool got their Premier League campaign off to a flying start after thrashing newly promoted Norwich City 4-1 at Anfield on Friday evening.
Jurgen Klopp did not tamper with the side that started in the FA Community Shield loss on penalties against Manchester City. Influential forward Sadio Mane, who only returned to training in midweek was named on the bench. The Reds had a dream start as they took the lead in the seventh minute after defender Grant Hanley sliced a clearance into the back of his own net, following a cross in the area by Divock Origi. Mohamed Salah doubled the lead for the hosts in the 19th minute with a composed finish inside the box, after he was setup by Roberto Firmino following a quick attack. Liverpool were on top of their game as Virgil van Dijk easily bagged a third for the European champions in the 28th minute after nodding home a cross from Salah. The European champions were cruising towards the end of the half but they were forced into a substitution six minutes before the break, as goalkeeper Alisson slipped trying launch a ball forward and damaged his calf. New signing Adrian came on in his place. Shortly thereafter, Origi grabbed a fourth for the hosts just before the break, as he got on the end of Trent Alexander-Arnold's cross to send a towering header past Tim Krul. Klopp's army were on the front foot immediately after the break and Firmino should have netted a fifth goal four minutes into the second stanza after a cross at the far post landed at his feet, but the Brazilian could not squeeze the shot in from close range. The Canaries put on a much improved showing in the second half, which resulted in the visitors pulling a goal back in the 64th minute thanks to Teemu Pukki, who slotted into the bottom corner after he was sent through by Emiliano Buendia. The Reds continued to push for more goals, with Alexander-Arnold going closest with a free-kicjk that was saved by Krul but in the end, 4-1 was how the encounter ended at Anfield.
