Both Brentford and Watford’s win handed Norwich City a lift at Carrow Road ahead of hosting Liverpool on Saturday evening. The Reds have dominated this fixture over the years and the tradition did not alter despite a promising first half from the Canaries. Jurgen Klopp’s juggernaut clinched a commanding 3-0 win to kickstart the campaign.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their comprehensive win against Norwich City.
Alisson Becker: 8
Made one routine save to deny Teemu Pukki at the first post. His distribution was key in attacking transitions and a stellar array of saves in the closing minutes exhibited his excellence between the sticks.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 8
Did not allow Milot Rashica to cause enough menace from the flank. Impressed with his usual overlapping runs and crosses down the right. Played a significant role in Diogo Jota’s first-half goal.
Joel Matip: 8.5
Returned after a long injury layoff and delivered a composed display from the heart of the backline. Was in the right place at the right time as his timely blocks and interceptions refrained the hosts from causing enough menace in the Liverpool half.
Virgil van Dijk: 8
A massive boost for the Reds as the Dutchman’s presence in deep defence restored the calmness. Made things look easy as always, also linked up well with the front trio thanks to his trademark long balls time and again.
Kostas Tsimikas: 6.5
Had a bright start with marauding runs and crosses from the left-hand flank. Needs to work on his defensive attributes and try to avoid silly passing mistakes in the defensive third.
James Milner: 7.5
Started ahead of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara. Has slowed down a bit being in his mid-thirties, but the work rate, tactical fouls and intelligent link-ups depicted his importance in Liverpool midfield.
Naby Keita: 7.5
A make or break season for the midfielder and he did justice to his reputation by pressing, passing and exhibiting fluidity in the middle of the park. Made way for Harvey Elliott late in the match.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 6
Nothing exceptional from the Englishman as he should have done a lot better after such an impressive pre-season. His shooting was underwhelming and the final deliveries lacked accuracy leading to wastefulness in the attacking third. Was withdrawn for Fabinho around the hour mark.
Mohamed Salah: 9
Excelled once again in the opening gameweek as he not only assisted Jota and Firmino but also fired in with a stunning strike to put the game to bed with around 20 minutes remaining. The fifth consecutive season for the Egyptian where he found the net in gameweek 1.
Sadio Mane: 7.5
Had an attempt denied by Tim Krul in Norwich goal. Looked sharp while linking upfront as his dribbling and take on often opened up space in the Canaries backline.
Diogo Jota: 8
Looked sharp with the ball at his feet and did his job expertly by breaking the deadlock midway through the first half. Received plaudits while making way for Roberto Firmino around the hour mark.
Liverpool Substitutes Vs Norwich City
Fabinho: 7.5
Smart move from Klopp as his arrival helped the Reds regain possession in the centre of the pitch.
Roberto Firmino: 7.5
Found the net minutes after his introduction following a smart link-up play with Salah and Mane on the counter.
Harvey Elliott: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
