Liverpool 1-0 Norwich: Unpredictable Storm Denis made life tough

Liverpool beat Norwich but no thanks to Storm Denis, which made life really difficult for the Reds on the east coast.

Storm Denis threatened to be the star of this tie with gusting crosswinds across the pitch effecting passing and long balls for both sides. The swirling, gusting winds made life really unpredictable for both sides but particularly for Jurgen Klopp’s men.

The first half brought a really lackluster performance from Liverpool. As expected, the Reds dominated possession, but Norwich had the best chance on goal with an over the top pass, only to have Alisson break up the linking pass to Teemu Pukki in the box. He really showed his worth with that pass, and proved his ability as a shot stopper as well as a chance nullify.

The Reds had nine ineffectual shots on goal only one on target and getting the forwards to execute better clinical passing in the final third in the second half will have been on Klopp’s mind during halftime talk.

It was another 2nd gear performance from the Reds so far as they continue their curious history of failing to turn up during the first 45 of games.

However, credit to Norwich for a well played half as Daniel Farke has his squad playing with plenty of pluck against the league leaders

Despite the urgent need for change, Liverpool continued in much of the same vein for most of the half. Norwich played with intensity and desire throughout, having the better of the chances until Sadio Mane’s goal.

Norwich continued to press the Reds and made a fine showing of it, in front of their home stands and a couple of late on flourishes threatened Alisson as Pukki finally was able to corral a couple of passes to get free for shots on goal. Allison made short comfortable work of all comers.

Liverpool will have welcomed the chance to get some minutes and match rhythm in the legs before a massive Champions League game during the week.

Words by Paul Landwehr