Amidst severe weather, Liverpool left it late but overcame Norwich City regardless for a 0-1 win at Carrow Road on Saturday.
After a winter-break recharge, the Reds started brightly despite the tempest-like conditions, using the wind to whatever advantage they could in the first half.
Despite dominating possession and pulling the Canaries across the pitch, they could not punish the home side in the final phase.
While Liverpool looked fresh and dangerous, the conditions and two weeks without a match made precision problematic. Despite no shortage of chances, Jurgen Klopp’s side just lacked the cutting edge to break the deadlock.
The second half started similarly, with the Reds trying to impose themselves on the match but unable to unlock the league’s leakiest defence.
However, after the hour mark, Klopp began making changes he had previewed in his pre-match interview.
Sadio Mane and Fabinho entered the game and the league leaders shifted gears immediately. Mane surged forward with urgency and menace. Fabinho allowed the Reds to play 10 yards further forward, penning Norwich in with pressure that required everyone get behind the ball.
Then, with 12 minutes left, Mane managed to get between two defenders, hook an overhead pass out of the air, and drive the ball home for the game-winner.
It was exactly the kind of sublime effort the match was screaming out for.
The Reds roll on with their 25th win of the campaign, already qualifying for next year’s Champions League.
Here are our ‘four findings’ from the match…
