Jürgen Klopp congratulated Daniel Farke before kick off on ending Norwich’s three-year absence from the Premier League. He then exposed his compatriot to the chasm that exists between the peak of the Championship and the summit of European football as Liverpool began their pursuit of a first league title for 30 years with a convincing victory.
Easier assignments await the Premier League newcomers, who adhered to the principles that won them promotion but merely invited pressure and the likes of Roberto Firmino to wreak havoc in the process. Tougher tests await Liverpool too but their opening night was not without concern as Alisson was forced off in the first half with a worrying knee injury. On the surface Klopp looked more upset at the loss of a clean sheet than his invaluable goalkeeper, and Liverpool’s defending was not immediately back at its usual standard, but goals from Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Divock Origi and an own goal from Grant Hanley ensured a smooth return to the new campaign.
Written by Andy Hunter at Anfield
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/aug/09/liverpool-norwich-city-premier-league-match-report under the title “Liverpool brush aside Norwich to make an early statement of intent”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
