Liverpool’s front three celebrate after Diogo Jota (left) scores
(REUTERS)
Newly promoted Norwich City welcome Liverpool to Carrow Road in the Premier League this afternoon.
The fixture represents a baptism of fire for the Canaries after their previous campaign in the top-flight ended in a rather dismal relegation, with their attacking philosophy picked apart by higher quality teams. They have lost their star player in Emiliano Buendia, who scored 15 goals and added 16 assists last season, however, they have significantly bolstered their squad with the signings of Milot Rashica, Josh Sargent and Billy Gilmour among others. Daniel Farke insists his side are a better outfit than the one that last competed in the Premier League, even if many predict they will be relegated once again. “We will not be too addicted to the table,” he said. “We know if we finish in position 17, we will get lots of praise, everyone will celebrate and probably have a ‘not relegated’ parade through the city. We are still the underdog, but we are better prepared now as a group of players.”
Liverpool, meanwhile, are aiming to bounce back from a torrid campaign last year and mount a title challenge. A late rally did at least see Jurgen Klopp’s side squeeze into the Champions League places, and that enabled the Reds to complete the signing of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig, with the centre-back in line to make his debut. Follow all the action live below:
Norwich 0-1 Liverpool
58 mins: Liverpool are the first side to turn to their bench. The Brazilian duo of Fabinho and Firmino are about to come on.
Jamie Braidwood14 August 2021 18:48
Norwich 0-1 Liverpool
56 mins: That’s better from Norwich. They break forward before working the ball out wide to Giannoulis, whose corner is cleared out for a corner by Matip.
Jamie Braidwood14 August 2021 18:47
Norwich 0-1 Liverpool
54 mins: Norwich try to play out from the back but Liverpool and Alexander-Arnold press them back into their own corner. It’s been a very dominant opening 10 minutes of the second half from Liverpool, but that all-important second goal evades them.
Jamie Braidwood14 August 2021 18:45
Norwich 0-1 Liverpool
51 mins: Jota picks up the ball on the edge of the Liverpool run before carrying it all the way to the other end of the pitch. The forward beats three challenges, including a nutmeg on Hanley, before he is brought down by Cantwell – who is booked.
Alexander-Arnold curls the free kick wide of goal.
Jamie Braidwood14 August 2021 18:42
Norwich 0-1 Liverpool
48 mins: Liverpool have started this half brightly and it takes a good challenge from Grant Hanley to stop Jota, who was dancing through tackles in the Norwich box.
Mane then tries to slip in Salah but Norwich are able to clear.
Jamie Braidwood14 August 2021 18:40
Norwich 0-1 Liverpool
48 mins: Close! Great play from Keita, who finds Alexander-Arnold with a chipped ball to the byline. The full-back’s cross is typically dangerous and finds its way through to Mane at the far post, but his shot is blocked by Aarons before it can trouble Krul, who was scrambling.
Jamie Braidwood14 August 2021 18:39
Norwich 0-1 Liverpool
46 mins: Max Aarons sets off down the right and it takes both Sadio Mane and Kostas Tsimikas to stop him. Tsimikas clearance ends up staying in play after bouncing off the corner flag, and it ends up in Norwich winning a corner. Alisson collects before sending the ball downfield.
Jamie Braidwood14 August 2021 18:37
Norwich 0-1 Liverpool
45 mins: We’re back underway at Carrow Road!
No changes at the break for either side.
Jamie Braidwood14 August 2021 18:33
Half time: Norwich 0-1 Liverpool
Norwich had more possession and passes than Liverpool in that opening period, and Daniel Farke’s side did look confident on the ball at times.
They found joy when playing balls around the sides of Liverpool’s defence and Kostas Tsimikas did not look too convincing defensively, despite a solid showing going forwards.
Jamie Braidwood14 August 2021 18:32
Half time: Norwich 0-1 Liverpool
Liverpool’s new front three? Roberto Firmino is on the bench for the Reds, but you can’t argue with Jota’s scoring record since joining Liverpool from Wolves. He’s now reached 10 Premier League goals in just 20 appearances for the club.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Jamie Braidwood14 August 2021 18:26
