Quadruple remains a real possibility after today's win and what looks like another straight forward tie in the next round.
I had a few doubts ahead of the game because Norwich ruined the last game in front of the old Kop and it just had a feeling of them ruining them today, giving everybody a chance to slag Klopp off for his announcement in the week. Thankfully that didn't happen and it didn't happen because we've got a great group of lads representing this club right now.
A real stroll in the park sort of game, just the type we needed. Fantastic atmosphere throughout and just what Jürgen deserved.
This season is gonna be special.
Alisson - had very little to do but pull the ball out the net. First one poor on our part to even let the a corner when we had the ball on the egde on their box, second just a F***ing boss effort.
Bradley - already looking like a seasoned pro. Keeps impressing every time he plays. Two wonderful assists today and could have several more as well. He doesn't look as natural a footballer as Trent but he hasn't done anything to say he can't fight for that right back slot with him. Happy to get stuck in as well.
Konate - solid, dependable, commanding. Three words that sum up his performance today but also his entire season. He's maturing and seems to have knocked those odd mistakes on the head.
Quansah - another good showing from the kid. Maybe didn't catch the eye as much as he has in other games but up against an old pro like Barnes, I thought he did a good job.
Goalmez - had his customary shot early in the piece and then did most of his work from the middle of the park. Some nice cross field passes over to Bradley on the right. With the injured players coming back, you wonder how many more starts Joe has this season but what a job he's done covering for his fellow defenders.
Gravenberch - made up to see him get a goal because he was trying hard all game but always felt on the fringe of it. Some nice runs but nothing at the end of it. So a big well done for being in the right place at the right time to get his goal. Hopefully a confidence boost he needs.
McConnell - really good performance from the lad on his first start. Looked tidy in possession, knew when to try the more difficult pass but knew when to just keep it ticking over. Great ball for Jones to open the scoring. Slight disappointment for his game to end how it did, hopefully nothing too serious. But if we're being honest, he's unlikely to feature much between now and the next round anyway with the squad starting to come back to full strength.
Jones - lovely taken goal but his dallying on the ball led to the corner that they got the second corner from, in which they equalised. There are still too many times when he holds on to the ball for too long, which is a shame because when he gets it right he looks top quality. I loved his reaction to McConnell after the goal though, showed a lot of respect and leadership.
Jota - lovely taken goal with a first time effort, two real wasteful efforts from first time efforts as well. We know he'll score goals though. Seemed to link up really well with Bradley down the right.
Gakpo - a bit like his fellow Dutchman, he felt like he was on the fringe of the game. Maybe if a ball bounced the other way or a defender didn't block a cross he'd have got himself a goal or two today but it just didn't feel like Cody was a threat today. Was involved in the build up a lot of the time but not really likely to score.
Nunez - another quiet game from Darwin who struggles more than most when teams just sit with 11 men behind the ball. He needs the space in behind to really hurt the opposition. But what a lovely goal. A proper forwards goal as well. Right in the bottom corner. And that's what a forward should be doing. Only six players have scored more goals under Klopp than Nunez. Not bad for a lad who's been here only 18 months and can't finish.
Robertson - lovely to see him back on the pitch. Didn't do much of note when he came on but he didn't need to. Just great to have him back fit once again and what a reception he got when he came on.
Van Dijk - what a header to kill the game right off. Absolute bullet.
Szoboszlai - I'm usually quite critical of this lad and think he's the latest to be vastly overrated by our fans but today in his little cameo he looked almost as good as he has in a Liverpool shirt. Obviously got the assist for Virg, his pass to Diaz that led to the fifth goal was lovely, harried the Norwich players and the enforced break out the team looks to have done him so good, if today's half hour or so is anything to go by.
Alexander-Arnold - a bit like Robbo, didn't do too much of note but just great to see him back on the pitch. And, like Robbo, what a reception he got.
Diaz - I know some see him as the weakest of the front five but I think he's F***ing boss. Always wants the ball and always wants to try something. Doesn't always come off but for me he's quality. Couple of times today he was teasing the Norwich players and they couldn't get near him. Lovely ball over for Bradley for the Gravenberch goal.
Overall, after a difficult week for all of us, we showed that the menaltity on the pitch hasn't changed. And that's as pleasing as the result itself. We pressed high, won the ball back numerous times, scored five goals and got minutes into the legs of some kids and those coming back from injury. Five different scorers as well. The whole team has taken up the mantle of performing in the absence of Mo.
Ten games unbeaten now as well.
Just keep doing what you're doing Reds.
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