The Curtain is finally raised on the much-awaited English Premier League season and it started with an exciting match at Anfield where Liverpool begins her 2019/20 title challenge with a comfortable 4-1 win over Norwich City on Friday, to set the tone for what looks to be another intriguing campaign, 4 1st-half goals by the Reds quickly clear any hope of a matchday 1 slip-off by the reigning UEFA Champions League Champion.
Liverpool put the clash to rest as quickly as the 42nd minutes of the 1st-half, an own goal from Norwich City Grant Hanley(7 min), Mo Salah(19 min), Virgil Van Dijk(28 min) and Divock Origi(42 min) completed the riot. Norwich top shot Teemu Pukki did show his finesse in front goal by slotting the ball past substitute Liverpool goalie Adrian, but it was just a consolation goal. The Reds eased off at the restart and scored no further goals having been comfortably in control of proceedings, clearly Wednesday night's UEFA Super Cup clash against league rival Chelsea FC in the sight.
Liverpool has almost everything going their way at the moment, OPTA's stats reveal that Jurgen Klopp's Red Army has now scored 15 goals in their last 4 opening weekend EPL fixtures, a run that started back in 2016/17 4-3 win over Arsenal on the opening day clash( 2017/18 3-3 Watford, 2018/19 3-0 West Ham). Further stats show that Liverpool has now won their last 10 EPL matches and has extended their unbeaten home run to 41-straight EPL matches.
Mo Salah impression time at Anfield is not about to end as OPTA stats show that the Egyptian has now scored in Liverpool's last 3 opening day matches( scoring against Norwich, West Ham and Watford respectively). His teammate Trent Alexander Arnold wasn't left out of the OPTA's stats sheet, as he has now assisted a goal at least in his last 5 EPL matches.
Divock Origi would not be out-shine by Salah and Alexander-Arnold as he bagged the Man-of-the-match award. The Belgian continue from where he left it at the Semi-final UCL win over Barcelona last season with another impressive display, his cross into Norwich box forced an own-goal from Grant Hanley, while he scored a goal and assisted another. He's proven to be an adequate cover for Liverpool front 3(Salah, Mane & Firmino).
Liverpool evening was however dented with a calf injury to their reliable shot-stopper Alisson Becker, the Brazilian was instrumental for his team's title charge last season starting all 38 league games. It is unclear whether 2nd choice keeper Adrian can perform at the same level at Alisson in coming-Liverpool fixtures starting with had Super Cup on Wednesday.
Baptism of fire for Norwich City as they begin their EPL campaign with a heavy defeat. They remain winless against Liverpool in 13 league matches(W0-D2-L11). However, they showed a glimpse of what they can do with a goal against a mean Liverpool defence.
Certainly, there is plenty to look forward to in the new EPL season, sit back and enjoy. Thanks.
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