5 talking points as Liverpool start Klopp's grand farewell tour by smashing five
Liverpool prevailed 5-2 against Norwich City to secure their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
It was an afternoon where Jurgen Klopp will have been watched as closely as the football on the pitch. Having announced his intention to stand down at the end of the season, each game and it's outcome takes on greater significance whether the 56-year-old likes it or not.
It was business as usual on the Anfield turf however and Liverpool dominated possession from the off against the Canaries. Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota were buzzing around looking to put the home side ahead but it was Curtis Jones who found the net as he guided in a pinpoint cross from full debutant James McConnell.
Ben Gibson was happy to spoil the party as he attacked the front post from Gabriel Sara's corner to direct the ball past Alisson have beaten Ryan Gravenberch to the ball. The visiting contingent's joy was shortlived as Liverpool youngster Conor Bradley won the ball back high up the pitch before showing plenty of quality to provide an assist for Darwin Nunez before 30 minutes had been played.
Diogo Jota extended the home side's lead in the second period before substitute Virgil van Dijk dispatched Dominik Szoboszlai's corner. Boria Sainz scored an outstanding goal to give Norwich hope but the Merseyside team saw out the game professionally to secure progress, with Gravenberch adding a fifth late on.
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Mirror Football reflects on the talking points to emerge from Liverpool's win over Norwich.
Jurgen Klopp appreciation
It is little surprise after Jurgen Klopp's midweek announcement that he received a warm reception upon simply taking to the Anfield pitch to observe his side warming up ahead of facing Norwich. The German coach, who is set to depart at the end of the season, could not hold back a smile as 'You'll never walk alone' was sang in the moments before kick-off.
Flags and banners adorned with his face and name graced each corner of the ground with messages of thanks and tribute interspersed with reflections on the success Klopp has found in his Liverpool tenure. Less than a minute after the referee's first whistle a rendition of 'I'm so glad that Jurgen is a Red!' filled the air.
"There will be a moment at the end of the season when we say goodbye, and it will be emotional, but between now and then we have a massive job to do," said Klopp ahead of the game. He may be disappointed to find the strength of feeling he will be shown for the remainder of the season, but will undoubtedly be grateful for it. There was a hint of emotion already as he put his hand to his heart as the Reds showed their appreciation.
Liverpool fans display a Jurgen Klopp banner during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Norwich City (Chris Brunskill/Fantasista)No rush for injured stars' return
Previewing the FA Cup clash, Klopp acknowledged that Dominik Szoboszlai and Andrew Robertson were on their way back to normality in time for facing Norwich, while Trent Alexander-Arnold was more uncertain given he had yet to spend time training with the team on Thursday.
There was room for all three in the squad. There was little need to risk any in the starting lineup with Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez and James McConnell slotting into the team however.
That Szboszlai's second half introduction came at the expensive of Jones shows the faith Klopp has in is youthful depth. Bradley proved an able deputy for Alexander-Arnold as he proved a threat in creating Liverpool's second goal before serving up for Cody Gakpo to send narrowly wide.
That he remained on the pitch when Alexander-Arnold was introduced for Nunez, also provides a vote of confidence. Jarrell Quansah hardly been counted as a prospect speaks to the quality he has shown this term.
With Liverpool still challenging on all fronts and stars returning, the kids are proving they're alright.
James McConnell surprise
James McConnell is not the first young star to be tasked with delivering for Liverpool this season. The 19-year-old had already made brief cameos against Brentford, Toulouse and Union Saint-Gilloise this term and been a regular among first team substitutes but few expected the youngster to start against the Canaries.
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The Morpeth-born midfielder wasted little time in making a real impact as he delivered an exact cross for Jones to nod in early in the match. The former Sunderland academy player showed strength on both sides of the ball and was undaunted by the battles he endured in midfield.
Klopp has the first signs of another tool in is armoury, hopefully it wasn't a serious issue for the youngster as he had to make way late on.
James McConnell impressed in midfield (PA)Not missing Salah for now
There's no sign of Mohamed Salah at the moment and Liverpool have shown little requirement for him. Nunez was a constant threat around the box and made no mistake to net Liverpool's second goal with his 22nd goal-involvment of the season.
Much like seven days ago against Bournemouth, Jota joined him on the scoresheet as the duo proved they could lighten the burden on Salah for goals. The Portugal international showed his inclination to find the net as he pounced on Gibson's error to display his credentials as one of the club's best finishers once again.
The former Wolves star has now been involved in nine goals in his last 10 Liverpool matches. At 27, he will be coming into his peak, as Klopp continues to show this squad is for now and the future.
Diogo Jota bagged his customary goal for the Reds (Paul Currie/REX/Shutterstock)FA Cup draw
Southampton or Watford await Liverpool in the next round of the competition as Klopp extended his stay in world football's most famous domestic cup. It is a fixture that will hold no fear for Liverpool who will want to finish the season with any grain of success they can find for themselves and their departing boss.
The FA Cup was made for upsets but even so, Liverpool should fancy themselves against any team in a one-off match, especially when the opposition is from a division below. The Reds should only smell opportunity.
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