Canaries decimated by superb Liverpool

Liverpool were in impressive form as they swept Norwich City aside at Anfield yesterday, claiming a 5-0 win, their biggest victory under the stewardship of Brendan Rodgers. 44,901 people braved the wintry conditions to watch Henderson, Suarez, Sturridge and Gerrard score four spectacular goals before Ryan Bennett converted past his own keeper to round off a miserable day for the Canaries.

The former Swansea manager's starting line-up contained a few surprises, as Brad Jones stood in for the injured Pepe Reina while Jamie Carragher replaced the rested Martin Skrtel to make his first League start since the Reds' 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in November.

As it turned out, neither of them had much to do, as the hosts completely and utterly dominated the match from the first to the final whistle, monopolising possession and creating countless chances, five of which where thankfully converted. In fact, Norwich's only real sight of goal came after seven minutes when the unmarked Bennett headed Snodgrass' free kick straight at Jones.

From that point on, it was all Liverpool. The Merseysiders set out in pursuit of goals to confirm and reward their control of the contest, Sturridge forcing Norwich keeper Mark Bunn into a low save after good link-up play with strike partner Suarez. Gerrard then shot wide from 25 yards, before Jordan Henderson opened the scoring with a rare gem.

The ball fell for him on the edge of the box and the ever-improving ex-Sunderland midfielder dispatched a stunning half-volley the flew into the corner of the net to the surprise and delight of the vast majority within Anfield.

Who saw that coming? Henderson enjoys netting a rare goal

It was a simply exquisite strike from Henderson, who has really come on leaps and bounds in recent weeks. The very fact that he even attempted to score that goal demonstrates his increased confidence which, in turn, has spurred him on to continue to improve and challenge the likes of Allen and Shelvey for a permanent place in Liverpool's midfield.

The home side's lead was doubled ten minutes before the interval, as Lucas, Sturridge and Suarez combined to unlock the Canaries' admittedly feeble defence. Sturridge magnificently dummied Lucas' pass, allowing the ball to run through his legs to the onrushing Suarez. The number seven calmly converted past Bunn to continue his awesome goalscoring record versus Delia Smith's side, who must be sick of the sight of Suarez by now.  

After completing the hard work of securing and building on a lead, Liverpool could enjoy themselves during the second half and play some exhibition football to entertain the Kop. It was particularly pleasing to see Henderson and Downing, two players who have been widely derided in the past- with some justification- performing so well. 

On the hour mark, the pair combined in spectacular fashion to set up Sturridge to score on his home debut for the club. Henderson superbly dinked the ball out wide to Downing, whose world-class first time cross put the ball on a plate for Sturridge to ram home from yards out.

Party time! Sturridge celebrates in his unique style

To celebrate becoming the first player to score three goals in his first three games for Liverpool since Ray Kennedy in 1974, Sturridge did a ridiculous dance. He can celebrate as bizarrely as he wants, though, as he long as he keeps on doing what he's paid to do: score goals.

It's not surprising that, as captain Steven Gerrard has returned to form, so have the Reds. He performed brilliantly once again yesterday, hitting 75 passes with an astounding accuracy of 93.3%. Shooting boots dusted off, the 32-year old also found the back of the net with pinpoint accuracy, blasting past Bunn from 25 yards out. 

To put the cherry on top of the cake, substitute Raheem Sterling saw his shot deflected in off Ryan Bennett with 15 minutes left to play. It was the culmination of a satisfying afternoon for Kopites and, respectively, a thoroughly miserable afternoon for the Canaries, who must have been dejected on their long trip through the snow back down south. 

With so many players performing excellently, it's hard to pick out a single man of the match. Suarez and Sturridge appear to be naturally forming an effective relationship up front, while the return of Lucas has helped bring the best out of Steven Gerrard. The displays of Henderson and Downing were the most encouraging for me, though, as both seem to be performing somewhere close to their potential for the first time in a Liverpool shirt, which can only be a good thing heading into some big matches coming up.

Arsenal and Manchester City will represent considerable challenges but the Reds must aim to take at least four points from those games to confirm that they have turned a corner and are finally heading in the right direction: up the table.

YNWA