Here is Paddy’s verdict on Norwich City, who had the temerity to land the first blow but were rocked by Liverpool’s response in a pulsating Anfield contest.

• Angus Gunn         6

Dealt with Liverpool’s longer range threats. Paddled away Virgil van Dijk’s knockdown across his goalline in the 14th minute. Dropped on Sadio Mane’s hit from the edge of the area. Indecisive trying to come for a Kostas Tsimikas corner, but Mathias Normann bailed him out with a goalline clearance from Mo Salah’s flick.

Thwarted Tsimikas who unleashed a rising strike from the edge of the area. Stranded when Salah controlled Alisson’s booming goal kick, and then lost his footing when the Egyptian swivelled and rolled home Liverpool’s second. Denied Salah in the 79th minute with a dive to his left.

• Max Aarons        6

Kept tabs on Luis Diaz for the most part. The Colombian’s goal came from a burst inside Brandon Williams on the opposite flank. Set the tone for Norwich’s aggressive approach in the first minute when Alisson had to tip over his probing cross.

But sucked into his own box by Mane’s initial burst, then compounded the error when he let him drift unmarked into the centre of the six yard box to attack Tsimikas’ header to draw Liverpool level. Skipped past the Greek in the 75th minute to produce a cut back Teemu Pukki stabbed wide.

• Grant Hanley (C)   6

Strong defending the edge of his penalty area. Held up both Diaz and Mane with perfectly-timed tackles before a key block to foil Mane who had got a shot away in first half stoppage time.

Over-worked in that defining onslaught from Liverpool. Important back post header as Divock Origi rose. But together with Ben Gibson was unable to sense the danger quickly enough when Mane pounced.

• Ben Gibson       6

Mane split City’s central defenders to acrobatically slot home Tsimikas’ knock on. Did get goalside of Salah, as he veered across the Norwich penalty area, but failed to handle the attacker’s change of direction to nudge Liverpool in front. Left an inviting gap for Jordan Henderson to thread a pass for Diaz’s third.

But like the rest of the Canaries’ backline made a prodigious number of blocks and tackles.

Tracked Mane’s run in the ninth minute, and then got the first touch to clear his lines. Superb near post block later in the first half, after Salah’s quick feet had led Williams a merry dance.

•  Brandon Williams          6

All action again from the Manchester United loanee, in direct opposition to superstar Salah. Fine tackle halted the forward in the 34th minute. Got City on the front foot as a counter-attacking force with his willingness to engage and composure in possession. Rolled in Pukki for a major early chance.

Clipped in another cross with the outside of his right foot in the 57th minute that drifted across Liverpool’s six yard box. Was upfield again in the 67th minute, when Salah burst onto Alisson’s booming goal kick to put Liverpool in front.

But on his heels when Diaz darted across him to clip Henderson’s pass over the advancing Angus Gunn.

• Mathias Normann         6

First start since November 27, after surgery for a pelvic-related issue. Brought a composure and quality on the ball in tight spaces. Headed Salah’s flick header off his line in the 20th minute, after Gunn came into traffic.

Went airborne again with a flying clearance inside his own box 30 minutes in, moments after drilling a first time half-volley that set Milot Rashica away. Replaced in the closing stages but a crucial figure for the run in. Imperative he stays fit.

• Billy Gilmour         6

Showed his quality on the ball when Liverpool tried to press high and force turnovers in the Norwich half. Particularly in the first period, when he linked with Mathias Normann and Kenny McLean.

One exchange with his fellow Scot saw them turn defence, on the edge of the City area, into a counter-attack led by Rashica. Not quite on the money with his set piece delivery. Alisson routinely plucking deep balls out of the air intended for Ben Gibson.

• Kenny McLean          6

Engine was in full working order to cover the pitch. Won headers in his own box. Popped passes with Williams and Gilmour in that first half. Also got beyond Pukki on occasion. Surged to the byline in the 33rd minute, but the Finn came short as he rolled a low cross to the back stick.

Unable to keep pace with Salah when he moved through the gears to collect Alisson’s goal kick. Tried to get back on the line but the Egyptian’s cute finish was too precise.

• Josh Sargent     6

Assist for Rashica’s goal, when he drove across the penalty area before showing the awareness to find his team mate. Rose unmarked in the second minute but unable to climb high enough to direct Rashica’s cross on target. No lack of desire to do the defensive side of the job.

But two lapses of concentration.

Tsimikas let him off when he skied over in the fifth minute, after Sargent had failed to sense the danger. Not so fortunate in the 64th minute when the Greek again ran in behind to direct an angled pass into the box for Mane to finish.

• Teemu Pukki       5

Big early miss, when he went with his left foot but directed his effort from Williams’ ball past Alisson’s far post. Lacked a bit of sharpness in his general play. Van Dijk was too strong in their physical duels.

Trademark good movement got him in position but a shot from Aarons’ cutback lacked conviction. Was in again from Jonathan Rowe late on but Alisson was out to smother.

• Milot Rashica       7

His joyful reaction told you what a big moment a first Premier League goal was when Joel Matip stuck out a leg to send his right-footed effort spiralling inside Alisson’s far post from 20 yards.

Just reward for the Kosovan’s willingness to stretch the play with his pace, directness and quality on the ball. Sparked the move for his goal, with the initial diagonal ball for Josh Sargent.

The assistant correctly ruled out his fourth minute finish for offside. Lovely pass set Kenny McLean away, before he later levered Joe Gomez off the ball to slip in Pukki, who wanted an extra touch in the box.

Subs:

• Przemyslaw Placheta (for Sargent, 76)   n/a

• Pierre Lees-Melou (for Normann, 82)   n/a

• Jonathan Rowe (for Rashica, 86)   n/a

Found Pukki, who saw his effort smothered by Alisson.