The Liverpool Offside - Premier League Coverage: Norwich City vs. Liverpool, Saturday, January 23rdZeppeline, Trinken, & Pink Badeshortshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51345/ltos-fav.png2016-01-25T13:45:01+00:00http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/rss/stream/105822152016-01-25T13:45:01+00:002016-01-25T13:45:01+00:00Video: Roberto Firmino vs. Norwich
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<p>In his six games leading the line for Liverpool, Roberto Firmino has a better return than Messi, Suarez, and Ronaldo. Take another look at his performance against Norwich with this every-touch compilation.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The second round of the League Cup semi-final coming up on Tuesday doesn’t leave a lot of time for reflecting on Saturday’s victory over Norwich City, but we would be remiss if we didn’t find space to squeeze in a look at Roberto Firmino’s man of the match performance against the Canaries.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After showing signs of settling under Jürgen Klopp in the autumn, with a starring turn against Manchester City in a false nine roll, last summer’s big signing from the Bundesliga has really hit his stride in January. Saturday saw him again at his best, putting to rest questions of whether he can be effective in the false nine roll.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Two goals and an assist were his rewards for being Liverpool’s best player on the pitch, and he could have had a few more of the latter had his teammates put away the chances he created for them as well as his two superbly taken goals. He’s expected to get another run out leading the line on Tuesday against Stoke.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"I think it’s a wide spectrum," said manager Jürgen Klopp when asked about having Firmino leading the line. "Roberto is a striker. He’s a very attacking player. A lot of strikers are 1.6, 1.7 meters or something. Leo Messi, what’s he? Firmino can play there and score goals so he is good for us as an option to play with."</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In the six games Firmino has led the line for Liverpool, he has five goals and four assists. Considering only time on the pitch in the role, he has created or scored 1.47 goals per 90 when leading the line. It’s a return amongst the best in Europe, and one that any striker in the world would be thrilled to have.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Luis Suarez this season at Barcelona has 29 goals and 14 assists in all competitions. That’s a total that translates to 1.42 goals and assists per 90. Lionel Messi has 1.34. Ronaldo is 1.37. In England, Jamie Vardy is at 0.91 and Harry Kane has 0.65. Germany’s top scorer, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, has 1.29.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Firmino’s return may not be sustainable—it is, after all, a small sample size compared to some of Europe’s other top attackers—but it’s a return to date that should be celebrated. So, without further ado, his performance against Norwich City on Saturday. Enjoy.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rgY2ETPi3I4" height="480" width="854"></iframe><font size="2">Video by <a href="http://twitter.com/MrBoywunder">MrBoywunder</a></font></p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-video-highlights/2016/1/25/10826016/video-roberto-firmino-man-of-the-match-every-touch-compilation-norwichNoel Chomyn2016-01-23T17:23:07+00:002016-01-23T17:23:07+00:00Norwich City 4, Liverpool 5: What Just Happened
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<p>Reds cap incredible comeback with stoppage time winner.</p> <blockquote>
<p><b>Norwich City 4</b> <i>Mbokani 29', Naismith 41', Hoolahan 54'</i> <i>(pk), Bassong 92'</i><br><b>Liverpool 5</b> <i>Firmino 18', Henderson 55'</i>, <i>Firmino 63', Milner 75', Lallana 95'</i></p>
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<p>Norwich City led Liverpool 3-1 after 54 minutes at Carrow Road, and on the run of play the Reds looked dead in the water. With little to play for in the league it would have been easy for the team to quit, but a quick scoring response from <span>Jordan Henderson</span> sparked a memorable turnaround, which climaxed in an <span>Adam Lallana</span> winning goal deep into stoppage time. Go figure.</p>
<p>Liverpool planned to build through a strong midfield base of Lucas, Henderson, and <span>Emre Can</span>, but in a wholly bizarre match that idea soon went out the window. Despite experience playing together and substantial individual talent, little unity existed between <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool's</a> midfielders, allowing Norwich to control space and possession in the opening exchanges.</p>
<p>Remember though that this game didn't make any sense, so logically Liverpool were the team to open the scoring. Milner linked up with <span>Roberto Firmino</span>, whose ensuing left-footed effort snuck past Norwich goalkeeper Declan Rudd, ticked off the post, and went in.</p>
<p>Norwich City scored three unanswered goals thereafter, all of which featured comedic defensive play from Liverpool. The first, which brought the scoreline level in the 29th minute, came from a corner that the Reds failed to clear. Former <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> mediocre attacker turned current Norwich City mediocre attacker <span>Steven Naismith</span> made it 2-1 to the Canaries after he ghosted past Emre Can and the left side of Liverpool's defense and sliding a shot from a difficult angle past a late to react Simon Mignolet. On the flip side of half time Wes Hoolahan (can we acknowledge what a great name that guy has?) beat Mignolet from the spot, capitalizing on a bone-headed challenge from Alberto Moreno moments earlier that led Lee Mason to grant the hosts a penalty.</p>
<p>Out of sheer passion for performance art, Norwich City's defense collapsed in impressive fashion and allowed Liverpool to respond with three consecutive goals of their own. Henderson initiated the comeback by turning in a <span>Nathaniel Clyne</span> cross, which was helped on its way by Firmino. Adam Lallana came on and immediately played Firmino in on goal with a fantastic aerial ball that the in-form forward latched onto before finishing past Rudd to level the score 3-3. Milner made it 4-3 when he intercepted a back pass and shot around Rudd with ease.</p>
<p>But wait, there's more! In stoppage time Liverpool failed to close down Sebastien Bassong just outside the area, and his long range strike beat Mignolet to complete the goalkeeper's poor showing. Then, Lallana volleyed a last-ditch effort into the ground only to see the ball bounce up into the top right corner to secure a 5-4 win, causing him to rip off his shirt in celebration and charge a jubilant Jürgen Klopp on the sideline where he was joined by his delirious teammates.</p>
<p>Over the course of the long, arduous season there are matches to analyze in detail and others where you have to just sit back and smile. This one fits the latter category, as Liverpool somehow managed to make an early away match against Norwich City watchable in this disappointing season. Fun stuff.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2016/1/23/10819030/lfc-norwich-city-4-liverpool-5-match-recap-analysis-klopp-firmino-comebackDan Bernstein2016-01-23T15:01:39+00:002016-01-23T15:01:39+00:00Norwich City 4, Liverpool 5: Man of the Match
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<p>With a win against Norwich City in the books, we want to know how you would rank Liverpool's performers and who your Man of the Match is.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> emerged at the last minute with a 5-4 victory over Norwich City in what was an entertaining though not at all good match. Jürgen Klopp will likely still have many less favourable things to say to his team over the next few days, but a win is a win and with Liverpool managing come from behind wins so rarely, it's something to enjoy for at least an hour or two.</p>
<p>Now let us know how you saw things. Clicking the thumbs up button is a vote to move the player up the list-or to help keep them on top. Hitting thumbs down is a vote to push that player closer to the bottom. It's half Man of the Match poll and half player rankings, and we want to use it to find out who you think played well after each Liverpool match and, at the other end, who you'd maybe like to see given the next game off.</p>
<p>At the end of the month we'll go back through the results of that month's Ranker polls to hold a Player of the Month vote. Then, at the end of the season, the monthly results will help to determine The Liverpool Offside's Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season. </p>
<a class="rnkrw-widget" data-rnkrw-id="2300107" data-rnkrw-format="grid" data-rnkrw-rows="999" href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-soccer-and-football-team-in-2012?utm_source=widget&utm_campaign=widget_link" target="_blank">Best Soccer Team in the World</a><script id="rnkrw-loader" type="text/javascript" async src="//widget.ranker.com/static/rnkrw2.js"></script>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2016/1/23/10818362/norwich-city-4-liverpool-5-man-of-the-matchStitch Invader2016-01-23T14:44:49+00:002016-01-23T14:44:49+00:00Lallana's Match-Winner Caps off Amazing Match
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The winning goal from Lallana which probably sealed this match as one of the greatest in EPL history <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NORLIV?src=hash">#NORLIV</a> <a href="https://t.co/sfWHnycDzJ">pic.twitter.com/sfWHnycDzJ</a></p>
— Danny (@Danny_RFCACM) <a href="https://twitter.com/Danny_RFCACM/status/690906636903407616">January 23, 2016</a>
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<p>ADAM LALLANA! 5-4! THERE ARE NO WORDS FOR WHAT HAS JUST HAPPENED!</p>
<p>0-1</p>
<p>1-1</p>
<p>2-1</p>
<p>3-1</p>
<p>3-2</p>
<p>3-3</p>
<p>3-4</p>
<p>4-4</p>
<p>4-5!!!!!!</p>
<p>That is the most insane football match of all-time...</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-social-facebook-stories-fanshots/2016/1/23/10818932/adam-lallana-match-winner-5-4-norwich-liverpool-highlightsRob Usry2016-01-23T14:39:26+00:002016-01-23T14:39:26+00:00Norwich City 4 Liverpool 5: First Thoughts
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<p>Madness at Carrow Road. Utter madness.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="liverpool blog fc sbn" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" style="border: 5px solid white;"></p>
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<p><b>Norwich City 4</b> <i>Mbokani 29', Naismith 41', Hoolahan 54'</i> <i>(pk), Bassong 92'</i><br><b>Liverpool 5</b> <i>Firmino 18', Henderson 55'</i>, <i>Firmino 63', Milner 75', Lallana 95'</i></p>
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<b>Pregame Thoughts</b>: Looks like Norwich City are starting two new signings in Portuguese right back Ivo Pinto and former Everton forward Steven Naismith. Handy bit of business for both those players, but nothing compared to the heavy metal feeling we get looking at a team sheet with JON FLANAGAN!! in it. If we had to guess, we'd say Lucas is destined to be the first subbed out in this one, although he will never be subbed out in our hearts.<br><br>
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<div align="justify">Liverpool breaking with numbers and shape early. Well snuffed out by the Canaries, but that is one of the things that has slowly been getting better under Klopp. Also, Naismith was a couple pounds of pressure away from snapping that ankle for Lucas. <br><br>
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<div align="justify">Bummed that no one is rocking those ridiculously fly new adidas kicks from training this week. Even more bummed at the start Norwich have gotten out of this game. Careful, you Reds.<br><br>
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<div align="justify">Hendo picks his head up early to attempt a threaded ball in for Firmino. More of that please.<br><br>
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<b>GOAL </b><i>Firmino 18' </i>It's happening! Firmino with his most striker-y finish in Red yet, as he's put through into the left channel of the box and shows no hesitation with a left footer angled toward the far post, that works its way past Rudd's left booted touch to bounce off the inside of the post and in. <br><br>
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<div align="justify">If this football thing doesn't work out Mbokani's a shoe-in for the next installment in the Predator franchise.<br><br>
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<b>GOAL</b> <i>Mbokani 29'</i> No concerns about this football thing not working out, then. Wonderful backheel from the 6 yard box bamboozles Sakho, gives Mignolet no chance at the save, and a shirtless fat man in the crowd plenty of reason to dance. And, yes, in case you were wondering, the chance did come off of Liverpool's failure to decisively deal with a corner. <br><br>
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<div align="justify">Now the scores are level, Norwich resume their impressively energetic play. Liverpool treading a dangerous line between arrogance and laziness in a way that reads most like false confidence. A goal against the run of play here would be nice.<br><br>
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<b>GOAL</b> <i>Naismith 41'</i> The former Everton man with an obvious run from about 30 yards away goes completely unmarked, and takes the ball first time from the right channel of the box to inside Mignolet's far post. Classy finish, but about 17 different Liverpool defenders caught dozing on the run in. Dreadful. <br><br>
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<b>Halftime:</b> Zero bifters given in a first half that was most certainly not boss, tha. Blame whatever tactical or selection decision you want, this one is completely down to Liverpool's team not showing up to play a professional football match. Our halftime team talk involves a hunger strike, because there is no way anything is going to taste good right now.<br><br>
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<b>GOAL</b> <i>Hoolahan 54' (pen) </i>You have to be kidding. Moreno loses his mind with a wild two footed slide in the box trying to wrap around Naismith, who goes down. Then the Spaniard pops up to give the Scotsman a couple kicks while he's down. Hoolahan puts the ensuing spot kick into the net. Ridiculous.<br><br>
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<b>GOAL </b><i>Henderson 55'</i> Did someone say ridiculous? Its getting real in this battlefield as Henderson immediately responds to that penalty with a coolly tucked away first time finish, low to Rudd's right. Game on!<br><br>
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<div align="justify">Lallana on for the anonymous Ibe, and things shift from a 4-3-3 to a 4-51, it looks like. Hendo into the attacking band, which probably sets this game up for a Benteke introduction to play as a target for Henderson and Milner.<br><br>
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<b>GOAL</b><i> Firmino 63' </i>Roberto Firmino: Liverpool Striker, The Legend Continues. By some distance, Liverpool's most Dortmund-y goal under Klopp. Firmino starts the break at midfield with a nice touch off into the right channel, and turns to run straight at the center of the box. Good thing, too, with quick passing springing Lallana onto the left wing to pick his head up and Firmino's run out. The elegant Brazilian calmly, clinically controls it and pokes it beyond the onrushing Rudd. Game on for reals this time.<br><br>
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<div align="justify">The all English trident behind Firmino is operating with familiarity, and Bobby wants to firm up his hat trick -- C'MON YOU REDS!!!<br><br>
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<div align="justify">Olsson and Jarvis in for Norwich. As if.<br><br>
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<b>GOAL </b><i>Milner 75'</i> Comeback complete! Fafftacular play by Norwich puts Rudd in a one v one with James Milner, who takes a mundane extra touch and makes the perfunctory pass into the net. 4-3 to the good guys, and what a turnaround this has been. <br><br>
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<div align="justify">Benteke and Jerome introduced into the game, presumably to "put themselves about" and "give defenders something to think about" in the air. <br><br>
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<div align="justify">Steven Caulker brought on to play striker. Wait what? He goes to central defense!<br><br>
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<b>GOAL </b><i>Bassong 92'</i> Yougottabefugginkiddingme.<br><br>
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<div align="justify">Really?<br><br>
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<div align="justify">The captain sparks the comeback, the best player bags a brace, and the highly paid veteran ices the game. This is the way this stuff is supposed to work. All the way up until we give away two points. Everything is the worst.<br><br>
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<b>GOAL <i>Lallana 95' </i></b>UNTIL ITS NOT <b>SOMEBODY KISS US</b>
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<p align="center"><img alt="liverpool blog fc sbn" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" style="border: 5px solid white;"></p>
<p align="justify">We'll be back shortly to take an in-depth look at everything that happened in today's game with the full recap. Until then, let us know your take on the ups and downs of the match in the comments, and if you haven't already, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373">join the community on the Liverpool Offside,</a> where we'll have full coverage and lively in-game discussion for every match this season.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2016/1/23/10818754/norwich-city-4-liverpool-4-match-recap-epl-2015latortillablanca2016-01-23T14:22:43+00:002016-01-23T14:22:43+00:00Milner Finishes to Complete Comeback
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<p lang="es" dir="ltr">Milner! Da 3-1 a 3-4, partita folle. <a href="https://t.co/O1fLpzuTS5">pic.twitter.com/O1fLpzuTS5</a></p>— Pallonate (@Pallonate_web) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pallonate_web/status/690901571266351106">January 23, 2016</a>
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<p>The comeback is complete! <span>James Milner</span> has taken advantage of a horrendous backpass and given <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> a 4-3 lead over Norwich City. Down 3-1 to up 4-3! What a match!</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-social-facebook-stories-fanshots/2016/1/23/10818896/james-milner-capitalizes-on-mistake-to-give-liverpool-a-4-3-leadRob Usry2016-01-23T14:10:58+00:002016-01-23T14:10:58+00:00Firmino's Brace Completes Two-Goal Comeback
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lovely counter by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>. Firmino makes it 3-3 <a href="https://t.co/9V1Gvu9bJ6">pic.twitter.com/9V1Gvu9bJ6</a></p>— OurGirlsWillBeBack (@mcgboye) <a href="https://twitter.com/mcgboye/status/690898268679725056">January 23, 2016</a>
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<p>Unbelievable scenes at Carrow Road! <span>Roberto Firmino</span> has pulled Liverpool back level with after finishing a great team goal. After taking a 1-0 lead, the Reds gave up three unanswered goals. However, instead of giving up they've roared back to 3-3 with 25 minutes left to play.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-social-facebook-stories-fanshots/2016/1/23/10818868/roberto-firmino-brace-3-3-norwich-premier-league-highlightsRob Usry2016-01-23T14:02:56+00:002016-01-23T14:02:56+00:00Hendo Pulls a Goal Back
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<p lang="tr" dir="ltr"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>, Hoolahan'ın penaltı golüne Henderson ile cevap verdi, fark 1'e indi! <a href="https://t.co/nQztpWc5AA">pic.twitter.com/nQztpWc5AA</a></p>— Arka Direk (@arkadirekcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/arkadirekcom/status/690896675691458560">January 23, 2016</a>
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<p>After some horrific defending and a boneheaded penalty conceded, Liverpool saw themselves 3-1 down against Norwich City. The captain, <span>Jordan Henderson</span>, was able to pull one back for the Reds before the hour mark. A ball into the box found Hendo and he finished it confidently.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-social-facebook-stories-fanshots/2016/1/23/10818850/jordan-henderson-goal-norwich-city-premier-league-highlightsRob Usry