2nd Half Analysis
In the second half, Liverpool again scored an early goal, this time on the counter-attack. As Andrew Surman misplaced his pass, Joe Allen was able to win the ball and feed Raheem Sterling. Poor discipline from Russell Martin meant Sterling was able to evade his challenge. Luis Suarez then ran into the left channel, where Martin previously was, and Sterling smartly ran at Barnett to draw his attention before laying the ball off to Suarez. On the second attempt Suarez’s cut back found a Liverpool shirt, with Nuri Şahin again scoring.
Liverpool made it four, with Suarez getting his hat trick ten minutes later. Norwich’s back four was a shambles and caught way too narrow, allowing Suarez to drift into space to receive the ball and curl it into the far corner under minimal pressure.
Norwich Consolation Goals
Norwich pulled one back within five minutes after Reina threw out for Allen, only for Martin to nick in front and combine with Snodgrass. His resulting shot was too hot to handle for Reina (who probably felt he should have punched it away) and Morison finished from close range.
Liverpool continued to create chances and Gerrard was able to restore Liverpool’s four-goal advantage. Again the Norwich back four was caught out, this time Garrido.
Raheem Sterling made a smart dash in behind, only to check his run outwards. Garrido was now about 4 metres behind the rest of the Norwich back line, and when Gerrard fizzed in a pass to Sterling’s feet, Garrido kept Sterling onside and then was beaten.
Gerrard burst through midfield and eventually scored after a deflected shot off Sterling’s cut back.
Norwich again scored a consolation goal, this time through Grant Holt. An intelligent run into the space from substitute Wes Hoolahan drew debutant Wisdom into midfield. Grant Holt then exploited this space and was first to the pass (from Howson), beating the covering Skrtel before neatly finishing.
Conclusion
It was a goal fest at Carrow Road, with a dominate Liverpool leaving with all three points.
Liverpool was scintillating with their ball possession and movement, with Norwich being caught out again and again. A superb performance from Luis Suarez was the story of the day, however Liverpool still go without a clean sheet.
