Liverpool kicked off the 2019/20 Premier League season with a 4-1 win over newly-promoted Norwich. A bit of the old Liverpool came out with some very dodgy moments defensively, but, fortunately, the attack was at its scintillating best and was extremely clinical in the first half. There’s some work to be done for Jurgen Klopp’s men as you would expect a better side to punish us more with the chances afforded to the Canaries. However, the biggest cause for concern will be the injury sustained by Alisson. Losing the Brazilian for an extended period of time would be a major blow.
Alisson: 6
Made a slightly loose pass in the first few minutes but followed it with a couple of decent stops later on. Unfortunately had to be replaced by Adrian on 38 mins after picking up an injury following a goal kick.
Alexander-Arnold: 5
A pretty poor performance from Trent again after a disappointing display in the Community Shield. Caught out defensively on numerous occasions and his set piece delivery was lacking as well. Played a delightful pass to create Origi’s goal on 41 mins which prevented him from receiving an even lower rating.
Gomez: 6
Part of a defence which looked pretty shaky throughout the game, more notably on his and Trent’s side. Could argue that he was at fault for the Pukki goal, but it would be tough on him seeing as he had played him offside.
Van Dijk: 7
Showed real strength for his goal and the only defender to come out of the game having performed to the expected level.
Robertson: 5
Probably the player most at fault for the Norwich goal as he plays Teemu Pukki onside while his 3 defensive teammates had stepped up. Delivery from wide areas was uncharacteristically poor, too.
Fabinho: 7
Showed a few instances of excellent pressing and was by far Liverpool’s best midfielder. A strong defensive performance and one we have all come to expect from him.
Henderson: 4.5
Arguably the worst player on the entire pitch tonight and certainly the most disappointing performer in a Liverpool shirt. Got into some good positions with late runs into the box but nowhere near enough quality to make the most of them. Should be very concerned about his place in the team with Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain waiting in the wings.
Wijnaldum: 5
Yet another classic Gini Wijnaldum disappearing act. Was rarely involved in the game and, in the instances where he did find himself with the ball at his feet, was indecisive and clumsy.
Salah: 7.5
Picked up where he left off in the Community Shield, but this time managed to find the back of the net with a lovely finish. Also provided an assist for the van Dijk goal from a corner.
Firmino: 7.5
Looked very sharp once again and created Salah’s goal with a beautifully weighted pass. Hopefully a sign of things to come from Bobby this season.
Origi: 6.5
He’s not the easiest on the eye when he plays but you cannot deny his effectiveness in terms of his contributions. Another goal and also an assist for the OG.
Adrián: 6 (On at 38 mins)
Would be harsh to fault him for the goal and didn’t have a whole lot more to do throughout the game. Doubt he was expecting to be featuring for Liverpool this early so will go easy on him for now.
Mané: 6 (On at 74 mins)
Was very lively and instantly caused the tiring Norwich defence problems.
Milner: 6 (On at 85 mins)
Not Naby Keita, unfortunately.
Admittedly, TAA and Joe Gomez have the pace, but neither can sense danger even when danger is staring straight at their faces. They will always play like schoolboy internationals.