The 2019/20 premier league season kicked off with Liverpool facing Norwich at Anfield. The match was witnessed by 53,000 people. The match referee was Michael Oliver. Lineups: Liverpool1 - Liverpool Nor1.png - Norwich City                       It was a game of many firsts actually; This was the first match for Norwich City under Daniel Farke in the Premier League, this was the first premier league match to showcase the VAR (Video Assistant Referee), this was also the debut game for the new Liverpool signing Adrian and Onel Hernandez became the first Cuban player to play in the Premier League. First Half Analysis: Norwich kicked things off by attacking the KOP end at Anfield. The Norwich side fielded a lot of young players in their starting eleven including Max Aarons, Ben Godfrey, Jamal Lewis and Todd Cantwell. Liverpool secured the first goal of the season thanks to a mistake by Grant Hanley, whose mishit secured the goal for the home team. The first half also showcased the away team’s Finnish striker who scored an incredible 29 goals in the Championship last season. His movement caused some early trouble for the Liverpool defence, especially for defender Joe Gomez. The second goal for Liverpool came from a scrappy play in the box where Norwich failed to clear the ball and Salah pounced on the opportunity to slot past Tim Krul. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was called on a few times to save the home team from conceding a goal. His distribution was spot on as always, until injury forced him off the field. He was replaced by the new signing Adrian who was given a warm welcome by the home crowd. Salah caused some trouble for young left-back Jamal Lewis who found it difficult to mark the tricky forward. The third goal came from a Salah corner which found the head of a tall Virgil Van Djik who was able to easily put it past the keeper. Liverpool ended the half with another goal, a cross into the middle of the box from Alexander-Arnold which was met by Divock Origi.   Second Half Analysis: Liverpool2 - Liverpool Nor2 - Norwich City                       The second half started off with Liverpool pressuring the away side. There were chances to extend the lead for Liverpool; Henderson had a shot saved by Krul after a good play by Origi on the left wing, Firmino scuffed a chance after some good play between Alexander-Arnold and Salah on the other side, and Salah was sent through after some good closing down by the Liverpool players. Liverpool were unlucky not to extend their lead further. There were good things to be noted of the away side as well; their player of the season from last year showed some excellent movement off the ball in pressuring the Liverpool defence, their Argentine winger Emiliano Buendia was excellent in midfield, Todd Cantwell on the other side showed some silky moves with the ball as well and Moritz Leitner came on from the bench to add some mettle in the midfield. The Norwich secured a consolation goal through their star man Pukki latching onto an excellent through ball from Emiliano Buendia. Sadio Mane was brought on by Liverpool for some match time before their UEFA Super Cup fixture against Chelsea. Mane caused some problems for the Norwich defence in the few minutes he was on the field. There were lapses of concentration in the Liverpool defence from time to time and were regularly tested by the away side.   MOTM: Emiliano Buendia. The young Argentine play maker caused problems for the Liverpool defence all throughout the match. His ability to carry and pass the ball would be a cause for concern for the premier league defenders.   Things to take away:

  1. Best defensive side in the premier league? 2 goals in 2 games is hardly any concern, but all throughout the match Liverpool looked far from confident while defending. Should Joel Matip be brought on to try something different? For he and VVD had a good partnership last season.
  2. Norwich for relegation? Unlikely; the way I see it, the team comprises of some very good young players and also players that have played top flight football in other countries. With players like Teemu Pukki, Emiliano Buendia and Kenny McLean Norwich seems to have a good chance of staying up.
  3. Fullbacks attacking for Liverpool again! Against Manchester City in the community shield the Liverpool fullbacks were forced to defend. This match saw Andy Robertson and Alexander-Arnold in a better mood and saw them create chances for the forwards.
  4. Sadio Mane still at his devastating best! He was brought on by Klopp for the last 15 minutes and instantly you could witness his ability to cause problems for the opposition.