A FEW OBSERVATIONS FROM THE GAME TODAY. NORWICH 0-3 LIVERPOOL

Liverpool kicked off their season with a trip to Carrow Road to take on newly promoted Norwich City. A very competitive first half saw the Reds go in at the break 1-0 up courtesy a Diogo Jota strike. The second half saw Jurgen Klopp’s side run away with it as further goals from Firmino and Salah sealed a comfortable 3-0 victory. Read on for our player ratings.

Alisson – 9

Made a solid stop near post from Pukki first half. Then made a miraculous triple save late in the game from a set piece. First, a spread out to block Gibson’s effort, then an arm to block the follow up, before springing up to palm the ball away from Idah. His distribution was excellent as well. Played some long balls down the channel to set us away. Didn’t dally when the ball was passed back to him.

Alexander-Arnold – 8.5

Started well, created several openings, with one leading to the opening goal. He was enjoying so much space as Rashica was failing to track him back. Played well through out and defended with determination at the backpost from crosses coming from the other wing. Took some dangerous set pieces, including whipping one free kick just wide.

Matip – 8.5

Cruised through for the most part. Doesn’t look like he needs a run of games to get back to his best, he’s already at his best. Trademark incisive passing on show. He’s responded to the competition for places with a strong showing on opening day. It’ll take some effort to take the shirt off him. Hopefully he stays fit as he’s one of the best centre backs around.

Van Dijk – 8

He also cruised through the game. At halftime, he had the slowest average speed of anyone on the pitch. Almost like he played in second gear. He has the ability to do that, which is why it is important he keeps getting games to get back to his absolute best. There were a few times he let Pukki run in behind him but he was bailed out. Late on you could see he didn’t want to get dragged out wide by Idah, it’s normal. Even this version of Virgil is imperious.

Tsimikas – 7.5

Started the game like a house on fire. Nutmegged Cantwell and breezed past him before whipping a teasing cross to Jota at the backpost. A vital clearance by Gibson denied him the assist. Took some dangerous set pieces. Defended well at the back post when a succession of crosses came in from the other flank, clearing with his right foot each time. Second half he tired and started having a few lapses of concentration. Milner and Virgil kept him on his toes. This is his full PL debut so you can understand why the intensity can get to him. Encouraging performance.

Milner – 8

Started slow. Gave the ball away and had to foul Cantwell to halt a counter so got booked. He stepped it up after that as he started showcasing his passing range. It was his clipped ball to Trent that set us on our way for the opener. Played really well second half too when Fabinho came on and he had to move to the left to protect Tsimikas and the returning Van Dijk. He’s been playing PL football since 2002, he’s not showing any signs of slowing down. Terrific.

Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6

He spoke in pre-season at his frustration at not getting enough game time last season. Then he impressed in pre-season and got his chance in the first game but has failed to take it. Really disappointing. Didn’t impose himself on the game at all. It passed him by. Had the chance to slip Salah through before he was subbed but underhit it. A few pop shots from cleared corners were all he could muster. He’s not helped his cause with that performance.

Keita – 8

He didn’t disappoint, he was solid throughout. Tigerish in the press and inventive on the ball. His left footed cross saw Jota’s header tipped over by Krul early on. He was reliable throughout. He’s started seasons before in the past. The hope is that he stays fit this time around.

Salah – 9.5

Man of the match. So sharp, so dangerous, so full of running. And very unselfish as well. Didn’t know much about the assist for Jota’s goal but for Firmino’s goal, he laid it on a plate. Took his goal with typical aplomb, curling home after a cleared corner fell to him. That exquisite first touch created the chance for him to shoot. Almost laid one for Sadio late on when you’d have expected him to shoot. Purring. First player in history to score on five consecutive opening days. King.

Jota – 8

He’s a goalscorer. Doesn’t mess about in and around the box. Outside it, his touch can be loose and heavy and his interplay can be imprecise. His finishing however, is lethal. After Salah’s touch fell to him he didn’t even think about it, first time effort, bang, 1-0. Went on a mazy run from his own half past a couple of players before being brought down just as he was about to play in Salah. Will keep giving Klopp a question to answer with his selection if he stays fit.

Mané – 8

Played very wide first 60, presumably to pin back Max Aarons who’s one of their creative outlets. Skinned Pukki on the left wing and clipped a cross to Salah who’s volley went just past the post. Was a handful. Looks much better than last season. Involved in Firmino’s goal as he took the Brazilian’s pass, skipped past his man and saw his shot cannon off a defender into Salah’s path. Didn’t score or assist but was vital to the win. Always tracked back to help out Tsimikas.

Substitutes

Fabinho – 8

Looks so comfortable in his role. Doesn’t break a sweat. Just sees danger and deals with it. Has a good passing range too. We were immediately solidified when he came on. A spine of steel he gives us.

Firmino – 8.5

The Brazilian scored barely two minutes after coming on. Started the move himself from his own half, then broke his neck to get in the box to finish it off in a proper number nine position. He’s another who looks so much better than last season. Long may it continue. His touch and link up with Mane and Salah is legendary.

Elliott – N/A

Rewarded for a strong pre-season with a few minutes late on. Got a huge cheer from the fans. Looked to combine with Salah down the right. One dangerous cross was cut out. Big season ahead for him.

Jurgen Klopp

Didn’t risk Thiago and Henderson as they didn’t have much of a pre-season. Still was able to name a strong side. Made an early double sub just when it felt like Norwich had weathered the storm and their hotel crowd were urging them on to try and get the equaliser. The change was just what the doctor ordered too. Ox wasn’t adding much whilst Jota himself had shortened pre-season as well. Always helps when your sub scores almost instantly! Rewarded Elliott with a few minutes as well.