The Canaries fell behind as early as the seventh minute and were subject to a first-half carnage, with Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk and Divock Origi adding one apiece later in the first half.
The latter was included in the starting line-up due as Sadio Mane gets back up to the speed following the Africa Cup of Nations. It laid the foundation for Origi, Liverpool’s Champions League hero, to shine on his 100th appearance at the club with a sensational performance. We take a closer look …
KEY STATS
Minutes: 74
Goals: 1
Assists: 0
Shots (on target): 1 (1)
Passes (success-rate): 18 (61%)
Aerials won: 1
Tackles: 3
Divock makes his 💯th appearance for the Reds tonight 🙌 pic.twitter.com/efQf74AbWb
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 9, 2019
30-SECOND REPORT
Origi provided Anfield more reasons to sing his name loud and clear by playing a big role in two in the goals scored on Friday. The 24-year-old made a lively start and forced the ball into the back of the net in the opening seven minutes.
The forward directed a cross at Roberto Firmino, only to have it deflected into the net by Norwich defender Grant Hanley.
Origi later added his name to the score-sheet by heading home Trent Alexander-Arnold’s perfect cross. The combination was reminiscent of Liverpool’s fourth goal in their famous comeback win over Barcelona last season.
The Belgian was taken off in the 74th minute to provide Mane some minutes, but he had already stamped his name on the fixture by then.
GOT RIGHT – FIREPOWER ON THE LEFT
Origi did a great job in coming close to matching the intensity that Mane produces on the left flank and linked with Andrew Robertson very well.
Several moves on this side of the pitch spelled danger, as Origi troubled highly-rated young full-back Max Aarons – before his ability to produce end product came into play.
The Belgian’s pressing was on point and the urgency with which he acted when Liverpool lost whenever Georginio Wijnaldum lost the ball was indeed commendable.
GOT WRONG – LOSS IN CONCENTRATION
Origi’s defensive work-rate was impressive, but poor positioning on his part was partly responsible for Liverpool failing to keep the clean-sheet.
The Belgian, who was closely marking Emiliano Buendia while defending a Norwich attack, lost his concentration and allowed his man time and space.
The winger exploited the opportunity and set up Teemu Pukki to score Norwich’s first goal of the season, ensuring that the European champions were denied a clean sheet.
VERDICT
The forward’s role in this game was a sign of what will be expected of him this season – as the perfect fourth option for a menacing front three. Origi will be needed to fill in for Mane or Firmino during times of harsh scheduling or an injury on their part.
The 24-year-old maintained a high level of intensity on the left, as needed. His link-up with the rest with partners in crime Firmino and Salah was also admirable.
However, there is still room for improvement when the defensive aspect of his game is concerned.
Rating: 8/10
