Minamino stars as The Reds progress to the FA Cup Quarter-Final
By: Shane Brennan.
Liverpool welcomed Norwich City to Anfield on Wednesday night, this was The Reds’ first outing since their Carabao Cup success over Chelsea on Sunday afternoon. Liverpool started quite well considering the excitement that surrounded their victory just over 72 hours earlier, Curtis Jones went on a terrific solo run, which resulted in him curling a shot that crashed back off the crossbar, as Liverpool’s intent was clear from the off.
It was Norwich’s turn to have a nice move as Przemysław Płacheta and Milot Rashica combined to set up Norwich’s star man Teemu Pukki, but he could only put his chance wide of Alisson Becker’s left hand post, as Liverpool were let off the hook.
Then it was time for one of Liverpool’s cup heroes to take centre stage at Anfield once again, after Takumi Minamino smashed The Reds in front, after slick build up play between Jordan Henderson, Jones and Kostas Tsimikas , gave Liverpool the perfect start at Anfield.
Shortly afterwards Tsimikas whipped in a corner, which went all the way through to Minamino, who lashed an absolute rocket of a shot beyond the reach of Tim Krul, to leave Liverpool in complete control of their own destiny, just six minutes before the break.
Rashica then had a fine effort for Norwich, after Joe Gomez gave the ball away, but very fortunately the ball flew wide of Alisson’s left post, to leave the score 2-0 at the half way point.
Norwich started the second half really well, when less than a minute in, Teemu Pukki picked out Substitute Josh Sargent, who ran through on goal, but unfortunately for the Canaries his shot just went wide, as another close call went a begging for The Premier Leagues bottom club.
The second half was a bit flat from Liverpool’s point of view, but there were a few flashes of brilliance nevertheless, as Diogo Jota linked up well with, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as The Englishman’s shot cracked the bottom of the post, as Liverpool could count themselves unlucky, not to have trebled their advantage.
Then Norwich really kicked on, with Dimitris Giannoulis finding Sargent in the middle, but unfortunately for him, in front of the traveling Canaries fans, he could not direct his header on target.
Liverpool then had a fine opportunity, as substitute Harvey Elliott picked out Jota with an excellent cross, but the Portuguese international could only send his header flying into The Kop.
Norwich were to get one back, when with just under fifteen minutes remaining Lukas Rupp rattled his attempt beyond the reach of Alisson, to keep a spirited Norwich side in with a chance.
It was very nearly salvation for Norwich, as a great piece of skill from Jonathan Rowe deceived James Milner completely, as Rowe’s shot headed for the top corner of the Anfield Road net Alisson stuck out a big hand to claw the ball behind for a corner, as Liverpool hung on for a place in the quarter finals of The Emirates FA Cup.
