Liverpool vs Norwich: Three things we learned

Things we learned from Liverpool's 3-1 victory over Norwich at Anfield

Liverpool vs Norwich: Three things we learned
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: Luis Diaz of Liverpool celebrates their team's second goal with goalscorer Mohamed Salah and team mate Divock Origi during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Norwich City at Anfield on February 19, 2022 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)
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By Keifer Macdonald

A handful of inspired changes from Jurgen Klopp in the second half allowed Liverpool to come from behind to beat Norwich City at Anfield.

Goals from Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz helped the Reds cut the gap between themselves and Manchester City to just six points. 


Here are Vavel's talking points from the game


Thiago Alcantara


It was another impressive cameo performance from Thiago Alcantara. The midfielder was rested for this afternoon's encounter as Klopp presumably looks to manage his minutes ahead of a gruelling February schedule by using some of the close to fully-fit options available at Klopp's disposal. 

However, with his side trailing, he replaced Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who had endured a frustrating afternoon at Anfield. Something that has become a familiar theme this season as he once more failed to get into prime gear while he was constantly robbed of the ball by his opponents. 

The introduction of the Spaniard completely changed the Reds' approach play on the ball, as they were able to open up the Canaries' backline numerous times - a change Salah and Mane began to profit from.

He finished the game having completed 46 from 49 of his passes (94%), with his position in Klopp's strongest eleven growing week on week. 

 Gomez returns


Saturday's victory marked Joe Gomez's first start in the Premier League in 468 days, his first since he injured his patella back in November 2020. 

Although his start came in place of Trent Alexander-Arnold at full-back, he was impressive on the ball. 

Despite the former Charlton scholar seeing himself as a centre-back long-term - with the form of Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate so far this term -  he has found it hard to break into Klopp's eleven in the league.

Meaning that minutes elsewhere will only be seen as a positive between now and May for the England international.

 Mohamed Salah, again


It was another normal Saturday afternoon for Liverpool's Egyptian King, Mohamed Salah, as he reached the 150-goal landmark for the club he joined nearly five years ago - a feat that has taken him just 233 appearances.

For context, only Rodger Hunt has reached the same landmark quicker than the current Liverpool no.11.

Though it will be Salah's name etched into the record books once more, his latest feat is another feather in the cap of Michael Edwards and Klopp, the brains behind the pursuit of the Egyptian back in 2017.

His latest strike makes it 17 Premier League goals for this current Premier League season.