Liverpool overpower Norwich to make FA Cup last 16
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Darwin Nunez of Liverpool scores his side’s second goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Norwich City at Anfield on January 28, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Liverpool reached the FA Cup fifth round with an entertaining victory over Norwich in their first game since manager Jurgen Klopp announced he will leave at the end of the season.
Klopp, who revealed his impending departure on Friday, was given a rousing reception by the home supporters before kick-off, and his team wasted little time in moving through the gears against the Championship play-off hopefuls.
Darwin Nunez had already struck the post with a magnificent curling drive by the time Curtis Jones nodded the hosts in front from full debutant James McConnell’s cross.
The Canaries equalised against the run of play when Ben Gibson steered in Gabriel Sara’s corner, but Nunez restored Liverpool’s lead with a calm finish after fine work from full-back Conor Bradley.
And it was 3-1 early in the second half when Diogo Jota latched on to a wayward header from Gibson before thumping a low shot past goalkeeper George Long.
Second-half substitute Virgil van Dijk, left completely unmarked from a Dominik Szoboszlai corner, headed home Liverpool’s fourth before a superb Borja Sainz strike gave Norwich hope – moments after Christian Fassnacht’s finish was disallowed for offside.
The only other sour note for the home side was a late injury for teenager McConnell, who had to be replaced by Luis Diaz with 12 minutes remaining – but there was still time for Ryan Gravenberch to complete the scoring with a close-range header.
The Reds will host Watford or Southampton in the fifth round after the Championship clubs played out a 1-1 draw at Vicarage Road earlier on Sunday.