There was that much snow on Friday that the game being played was looking doubtful- I bet Norwich wished that it had been cancelled
The walk to the ground was one of ice, snow, grit, and optimism following the last 30 minutes at Man Utd the week before. It’s fair to say that we absolutely battered Man U during that period- albeit a little too late. Credit to the local council and LFC for their efforts in clearing the streets adjacent to the ground of the snow.
The team announcement provided a number of surprises with Brad Jones replacing the injured Pepe Reina, Jamie Carragher replacing the ‘rested’ Martin Skrtel, Jordan Henderson returning in the midfield, and Daniel Sturridge starting his first game in red.
The Kop was optimistic and in good voice as the bitterly cold temperatures did little to cool the spirit of the masses. The match started with us kicking towards the Anfield road and straight away Stevie G crunched into a couple of challenges which almost ‘put the marker’ down. The skipper saying to all in red- ‘this is how it’s going to be today’.
The redmen responded and aside from a poor Norwich miss when almost unmarked early on, LIverpool absolutely dismantled Norwich in every single area. We were simply superb with Sturridge and Suarez linking up and Jordan Henderson bringing a real balance in the midfield which seems to not be present when others ‘fill the void’.
Hendo’s hard work rewarded with the first goal- a rasping shot and a celebration to match. The Kop responded, as did the men in red with Daniel Sturridge producing a sublime ‘dummy’ for ‘our Luis’ to run onto and finish with aplomb into the bottom corner of the goal. 2 up and ‘just can’t get enough’ echoing around the ground. The feeling was of a third goal imminently arriving before half time, but a decent save denied Mr Sturridge of the goal which his efforts deserved.
A superb half came to a close and was greeted with gracious applause from the Kop with more goals anticipated after the players well earned half time break.
The second half started as the first half ended- complete and utter dominance by the men in red. Every single player in every single position playing at such a high level- It was like a cat playing with a mouse as wave upon wave of Liverpool attack bombarded the Kop end.
It was no surprise when the third goal arrived- and an extremely pleasing one it was too. A superb passage of play resulting in an absolutely brilliant cross from the still improving Stewart Downing, and a poachers ‘toe in’ from the new darling of the Kop- Daniel Sturridge. His first goal on his home debut at the Kop end. I witnessed a certain Luis Suarez complete the same feat against Stoke- certainly a good omen we hope. The Kop greeting their new hero with the sound of ‘Sturridge Sturridge Sturridge’- although a decent song is required, to have the respect of the Kopite’s after 3 games is impressive. This guy looks like the real deal.
I’ve not witnessed such a dominant display in a while and it genuinely was a pleasure to see Mr Liverpool, the man who has carried our club for so long slot in a brilliant fourth goal- step forward Steven Gerrard. A textbook g-force powered goal saluted by the Kop in true style as ‘Steve Gerrard, Gerrard’ echoed around 3.5 sides of the ground. What a goal, what a player, what an absolute legend. I genuinely feel very lucky to see this guy play every other week. He is immense.
Both Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson were replaced and both received the rapturous applause that their superb displays deserved. Both were fantastic.
Raheem scored a fifth with the help of a Norwich defenders leg- disappointedly as Fabio Borini was in place to slot into an empty net after more excellent football.
The songs flowed and a rousing rendition of You’ll never walk alone and ‘one Brendan Rodgers’ were enthusiastically sung in appreciation of a quite brilliant Liverpool performance.
We were utterly superb and the fans were happy. There are definite signs of what Brendan Rodgers is trying to achieve and as Stevie, Luis and Brendan have also stated this week- with a couple of quality additions, we ‘won’t be far off’.
A very very happy Kopite. YNWA.
