Liverpool: Rodgers Describes Reds As 'Brilliant'

Following Liverpool's emphatic thumping of Norwich City on Saturday afternoon Kop boss Brendan Rodgers hailed numerous aspects of his side's performance...

For the second time this season Liverpool condemned Norwich City to a heavy defeat yesterday, adding a 5-0 home victory to September's 5-2 win at Carrow Road.

A first-class display by the Merseysiders saw goals from Jordan Henderson, Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, Steven Gerrard and a Ryan Bennett own goal, prove way too much for the visitors.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers reflected on the result in his post-match press conference admitting: "I couldn't have asked for more.

"I thought the players were brilliant in their application and attitude. It was a great response [to the Manchester United defeat].

"We had a real fluidity in our movement today, in the top end of the field. Equal to that our pressing, and defensively we were very intense in getting the ball back.

"Jordan gets a great goal and that sets us on our way. What a strike it was.

"Today we equalled the number of home wins from last season, and we've still got a number of months to go.

"For any team, if you're going to be successful, your home form is vital. We love playing at home. Anfield is a great place to come and play your football. The players are really starting to enjoy coming here, they get great support and hopefully the supporters are happy with what they are seeing."

One of the most pleasing parts of Liverpool's play was the attacking intent and understanding shown by strikers Suarez and Sturridge, who were starting together for the first time since the latter arrived at Anfield from Chelsea earlier this month.

In scoring, Sturridge became the first Liverpool player since Ray Kennedy in 1974 to score in each of his first three games for the club and Rodgers was clearly delighted with how the 23-year-old and Suarez combined.

"They linked very, very well," analysed the former Swansea City manager.

"Luis has done what he's done for us all season. He's 100 per cent every game.

"They are both players who are not just static. Daniel's got pace and power but he's also clever. That was important for us today. It gives the opponent someone else to really worry about.

"Suarez has been incredible for us this season and has had some young players up there with him, but we've now got a recognised goalscorer up beside him.

"If you look at the movements between the two of them... The second goal was a wonderful demonstration of how good players can link together.

"It was great vision of Daniel to see the run of Luis coming from the outside [for Suarez's goal].

"I have seen it in training in their early parts here. Their combinations have been really good."

The result lifts the Reds up to 7th in the Premier League table, level on points with 6th placed Arsenal who have a game in hand. Next on the fixture list is a difficult looking trip to champions Manchester City but first Rodgers and his team face Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup next Sunday.

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