Liverpool vs Norwich LIVE: FA Cup fourth round result and reaction as Virgil van Dijk and Diogo Jota score in win

Liverpool beat Norwich City 5-2 in the FA Cup, in Jurgen Klopp’s first match in charge since he announced his intention to resign once the end of the season arrives.

Curtis Jones, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch were all on the scoresheet for the Reds to see off the Canaries, who pulled back to 1-1 and 4-2 but were soundly beaten in the end and will have to continue their push for the playoff spots in the Championship.

For the Reds, the quadruple challenge remains on and they will face Southampton or Watford in the fifth round.

Follow all the build-up and action from Anfield below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:

Liverpool v Norwich - FA Cup fourth round

• Liverpool: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Quansah, Gomez; McConnell, Gravenberch, Jones; Gakpo, Jota, Nunez

• Norwich: Long; Stacey, Hanley, Gibson, McCallum; McLean, Nunez; Fassnacht, Sara, Hernandez; Barnes

• Liverpool or Norwich to play Watford or Southampton in the FA Cup fifth round

• Goal 15’ - Jones heads in the opener from McConnell’s cross (1-0)

• Goal 21’ - Gibson flicks in a header from a corner to level (1-1)

• Goal 28’ - Nunez runs through to finish clinically and restore Reds’ lead (2-1)

• Goal 54’ - Jota smashes in a third for Reds after restart (3-1)

• Goal 62’ - Van Dijk heads in just minutes after coming on as sub (4-1)

• Goal 68’ - Sainz strikes from range to reduce the arrears (4-2)

• Goal 90’ - Gravenberch heads in to wrap matters up in stoppage time (5-2)

• REPORT: Liverpool 5-2 Norwich

Liverpool FC 5 - 2 Norwich City FC

Academy products star in FA Cup to show Liverpool are ready for life after Jurgen Klopp

16:48 , Karl Matchett

While Jurgen Klopp’s long goodbye has begun, the possibility is growing that the final farewell will come at Wembley. In dispatching Norwich City, in setting up a fifth-round meeting with Watford or Southampton at Anfield, Liverpool opened a path to a second domestic Cup double in three seasons. The FA Cup will not define Klopp’s reign, but it may bring it to a glorious end on 25 May.

Predictably, there were points when “I’m so glad Jurgen is a Red” echoed around Anfield. Klopp has asked fans not to sing the song devoted to him during games; in the next four months, he may have to get used to them ignoring his wishes. And yet this was more than a mere sentimental occasion: the decibel level probably peaked as he was serenaded after the final whistle but until then, the loudest cheer may have been reserved for the sight of the returning Andy Robertson, who made his first appearance since October. It added to the sense Liverpool are gaining in strength as well as momentum. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai made their comebacks after shorter lay-offs. Klopp hopes it will be business as usual, despite his bombshell, and Liverpool showed few signs of being distracted.

Rich Jolly at Anfield:

Academy products star to show Liverpool are ready for life after Jurgen Klopp

FT - Liverpool 5-2 Norwich

16:45 , Karl Matchett

Jurgen Klopp at full time:

“Good game, cup game, Norwich had their moments. They did well and the second goal was exceptional.

“Our goals were wonderful, we played well from the beginning and we were in charge of the game. Only positives about the game.

“Curtis Jones is in a great moment, super important in different departments. He’s a very good player but a role model as well for our academy guys. If Jones can learn defending, everybody can: positioning, rhythm, everything.”

FT - Liverpool 5-2 Norwich

16:32 , Karl Matchett

Curtis Jones speaking after full time:

“No injuries and we’re into the next round so a good night overall” he said.

“We just carry on. We’ve got goals we set so nothing has changed. It’s sad for the whole club but it’s [Klopp’s] choice and we respect that.

“I’m playing all the games and consistent so happy days all around. We’ll be giving it more for all four competitions.”

FT - Liverpool 5-2 Norwich

16:26 , Karl Matchett

The whistle goes seconds later and that’s it - Liverpool are into the FA Cup fifth round, a 5-2 victory over Norwich meaning they will host Southampton or Watford next time out.

Jurgen Klopp’s final season in charge is still on course for a quadruple.

Norwich will have to continue trying to find Championship consistency and a playoff return to the Premier League.

GOAL! 90+3’ - Liverpool 5-2 Norwich

16:24 , Karl Matchett

Goal!

Gakpo has two close-range openings to add gloss; first he’s denied by Long’s block, then the keeper punches the ball away first and catches the forward in the face second.

The Anfield crowd salute Jurgen Klopp once more as Diaz teases the defence on the flank, he finds Bradley and his eventual cross-shot finds Gravenberch at the far post and this time he does score from a yard out!

5-2 and we’re all done.

90’ - Liverpool 4-2 Norwich

16:19 , Karl Matchett

Robertson almost gets on the end of a cross and it drops once more to Jota - same result though, smashing it miles over.

Bradley has been named man of the match and that’s probably a fair reflection, as he’s been excellent. Assisted Nunez for the go-ahead goal too, before the interval for 2-1.

Five minutes added on.

87’ - Liverpool 4-2 Norwich

16:17 , Karl Matchett

Szoboszlai dips in off the right and drills a low shot in with his left boot - good stop low to his left from Long who keeps hold of it too, with two red shirts running in for a rebound.

Trent Alexander-Arnold then fizzes in another strike, saved, and Jota blazes over the rebound.

Just a few minutes left at Anfield; Norwich have the scoreline more or less respectable at present and will want to keep it to that, especially in case they get another chance themselves to close the gap.

84’ - Liverpool 4-2 Norwich

16:13 , Karl Matchett

Diaz beats his man down the left and wins a corner.

Van Dijk wins the ball in the air again, three out of three so far for him off set plays, but it’s not goalwards this time and the Canaries half clear.

Watford and Southampton ended 1-1 so that tie goes to a replay - the winner will play the victor here in the fifth round, which clearly looks like Liverpool right now.

80’ - Liverpool 4-2 Norwich

16:12 , Karl Matchett

Another two changes for Norwich: Gibbs and Giannoulis on for Fassnacht and McCallum.

Into the final ten minutes now.

76’ - Liverpool 4-2 Norwich

16:08 , Karl Matchett

McConnell has had a good day on his full debut, but perhaps it has caught up with him now. A bit of treatment and then he’s going off, Luis Diaz the final sub for the Reds today.

A good assist earlier for the youngster, though he probably should have been carded as well.

Moments later it should be five - Jota, Gravenberch and Gakpo all involved but the keeper and defensive bodies somehow keep it out.

72’ - Liverpool 4-2 Norwich

16:05 , Karl Matchett

Liverpool not entirely comfortable as Gibson flicks on another long throw and makes Alisson scurry to claim it.

A couple of long-range strikes at either end don’t unduly trouble either goalkeeper, and it’s just looking slightly scrappy over the past few minutes.

GOAL! 68’ - Liverpool 4-2 Norwich

15:58 , Karl Matchett

GOAL!

Now they do escape their own half and get into Liverpool’s box to score - but it’s well offside against Fassnacht and the flag goes up after Sainz fires into the net. Frustration for the visitors but it was a clear call.

Still 4-1 - but only for a minute as Sainz then lets fly from miles out and beats Alisson, tremendous goal!

65’ - Liverpool 4-1 Norwich

15:54 , Karl Matchett

Trent Alexander-Arnold replaces Darwin Nunez as Liverpool make their fourth sub and that’s another returning face from injury.

He almost scores with his first touch but a half-volley is blocked inside the box. Norwich can’t escape their own penalty area at the moment.

GOAL! 62’ - Liverpool 4-1 Norwich

15:51 , Karl Matchett

GOAL! Four on two as Liverpool press, win it and swarm. McConnell finds Jota, he gives it to Szoboszlai and his first-time pass is just behind Nunez whose eventual shot is deflected over. From the corner though it’s four - Szoboszlai delivers right onto Van Dijk’s header and the Dutch captain is free as a bird to power in a header!

59’ - Liverpool 3-1 Norwich

15:50 , Karl Matchett

Barnes sees Alisson off his line and tries to shoot from well inside his own half - the keeper backpedals a little and chests the ball down. Very calm.

Gravenberch walks forward now and strikes from 30 yards - and puts it almost the same distance over the bar.

Songs and support for Jurgen Klopp ring out once more around Anfield.

Sorensen, Sainz and Idah on for Hanley, Hernandez and Barnes in a triple change for Norwich.

55’ - Liverpool 3-1 Norwich

15:44 , Karl Matchett

Triple sub for Liverpool: Van Dijk, Andy Robertson and Dominik Szoboszlai all come on - what a trio to get on the pitch!

Konate, Gomez and Jones are replaced, with Robertson and Szoboszlai getting their first outings since injuries. Over three months out for the left-back.

GOAL! 54’ - Liverpool 3-1 Norwich

15:43 , Karl Matchett

Ruthless! A long pass this time over the top, Gibson gets a head to the ball but he’s no idea where Jota is behind him and the Portuguese forward lets the ball bounce down before firing in a fizzing, first-time effort which flies past Long and in!

3-1 to the Reds and that might be that.

50’ - Liverpool 2-1 Norwich

15:39 , Karl Matchett

Sara nearly breaks the back of the net - or the ad hoardings - with a 25-yard first-time strike which flies just past Alisson’s post! Very good hit, just wide.

At the other end it’s a more measured approach as Liverpool work it left, right, back to the left and to Jones - he cuts in and curls one just past the post himself.

46’ - Liverpool 2-1 Norwich

15:36 , Karl Matchett

Back underway at Anfield. A shooting chance straight away as Jota tees up Gakpo but he’s blocked at close quarters. A chop back would have been the better course of action to leave a free effort on goal, but the Dutch forward looks short of confidence right now.

McConnell lucky to escape a booking then for a tug back on Barnes.

HT - Liverpool 2-1 Norwich

15:25 , Karl Matchett

These sides are already out in that FA Cup draw - Liverpool or Norwich will play at home against Watford or Southampton. That game is currently underway with the Hornets ahead.

Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp has looked like he has largely enjoyed that first 45 minutes at Anfield.

HT - Liverpool 2-1 Norwich

15:22 , Karl Matchett

You can head here to see the FA Cup fifth round draw take place live and find out which club will await Liverpool, if they hold out, or Norwich, if they mount a comeback!

FA Cup fifth-round draw LIVE: Liverpool, Manchester City and more learn fate

HT - Liverpool 2-1 Norwich

15:18 , Karl Matchett

There’s the whistle and we’re at the interval - Liverpool two goals up on Norwich thanks to Curtis Jones and Darwin Nunez.

Ben Gibson found the net in between those strikes to briefly have the visitors on level terms but it has largely been hard going for the Canaries.

45 minutes for David Wagner to find a way to overthrow his best mate Jurgen Klopp.

44’ - Liverpool 2-1 Norwich

15:16 , Karl Matchett

Two moments for Alisson to get his gloves dirty after a quiet first half, goal conceded aside. First Hanley flicks on a long throw which is goalbound, easily saved, then a cross from the right swings towards the goal rather than out towards the Norwich attackers and the keeper has to be alert to grasp it quickly.

Two minutes added on.

40’ - Liverpool 2-1 Norwich

15:15 , Karl Matchett

Into the final few minutes before the break. Liverpool continuing to dominate the ball and fashion half-openings, but not quite the incision in the final pass now compared to early on.

Reminder, we’ll have the FA Cup fifth round draw at the break on our other live blog - link to follow.

36’ - Liverpool 2-1 Norwich

15:10 , Karl Matchett

Jota, Jones, Gravenberch and Nunez swamp Norwich again in midfield and from a string of four or five aimless passes in yellow, it’s two or three in red and then a shot. The Reds just lightning in jumping on their opponents and finding space thereafter to get a shot away.

Nunez this time sends one wide from 20 yards, before the Uruguayan is almost played in again from deeper, this time via McConnell’s pass.

32’ - Liverpool 2-1 Norwich

15:03 , Karl Matchett

Should be 3-1 - a quite unreal miss for Gakpo, then Gravenberch also spurns a chance!

Bradley cuts a ball back to the forward who should sweep home but scuffs wide, then from the ensuing goal kick Norwich try to play out, Jones wins a tackle on the edge of the box and Gravenberch spins to shoot - he beats the keeper but two defenders are on the line to scramble it away.

GOAL! 28’ - Liverpool 2-1 Norwich

15:00 , Karl Matchett

GOAL! And Liverpool are right back ahead again! Brilliant from Conor Bradley down the right flank, as he wins a challenge then takes off down the wing. A one-two opens a gap, he surges through and squares for Nunez who holds off his man and buries a finish inside the far bottom corner.

2-1 to the Reds.

26’ - Liverpool 1-1 Norwich

14:58 , Karl Matchett

Norwich looking a little more active in the game now since that unexpected route back in. More possession from the back, more bodies looking to get into the Liverpool half.

They have lost possession a few times outside their own box though and must be careful there - the Reds’ counter-press is notably dangerous against the best, never mind against Championship opponents.

GOAL! 21’ - Liverpool 1-1 Norwich

14:54 , Karl Matchett

Equaliser! Great response from Norwich as they push forward, win their first corner and Ben Gibson rises at the near post to flick his header in past Alisson!

An unexpected setback for the Reds after total domination early on in this fixture but we’re all square again, 1-1 the scoreline.

GOAL! 15’ - Liverpool 1-0 Norwich

14:47 , Karl Matchett

GOAL! They don’t survive for much longer!

McConnell delivers a curling, accurate ball to the far post with his left foot and finds Curtis Jones running in unmarked and the Scouser plants a firm header, past the keeper and inside the opposite corner.

1-0 to the Reds.

14’ - Liverpool 0-0 Norwich

14:46 , Karl Matchett

Another opening for the Reds as Jones sends them forward and Jota crosses low from the left for Nunez arriving at full speed - he’s sliding in at the back post but can’t quite make contact with the ball. Only needed a touch for the opener but the Canaries survive for now...

10’ - Liverpool 0-0 Norwich

14:42 , Karl Matchett

Woodwork!! So close for Darwin Nunez who picks up a loose ball and immediately spins to shoot - bending a 25-yard effort past the keeper and bouncing onto the post!

Bradley’s effort on the rebound is smothered by the keeper.

8’ - Liverpool 0-0 Norwich

14:39 , Karl Matchett

Jota and Nunez combine to give Gakpo a sight of goal - his half-volley is taken under pressure though and he smashes it wildly over the bar.

A few openings for the home team already and we’re not yet ten minutes into the match. A few jeers for Norwich keeper Long too, taking his time over every goal kick.

4’ - Liverpool 0-0 Norwich

14:36 , Karl Matchett

Early possession for the hosts as you’d expect. Jota almost snuck in down the right channel early on but was crowded out; a Gomez cross left to right eventually results in the ball coming back his way, he rockets in a shot - just past the near post!

1’ - Liverpool 0-0 Norwich

14:31 , Karl Matchett

Underway at Anfield! Huge ovation for Klopp, the Reds get us started.

Liverpool vs Norwich - LIVE

14:27 , Karl Matchett

We’ve just heard that the delayed FA Cup fifth-round draw will now take place at half-time in this fixture, so stay tuned for the first half here and we’ll divert you to our live draw coverage at the break!

Two minutes to kick-off then we’re ready to go.

Liverpool vs Norwich - LIVE

14:21 , Karl Matchett

Klopp has just spoken on ITV over his departure and first game since the announcement:

“It didn’t feel different to me. I knew it longer than anybody, but I can imagine for a few people. But everyone can expect I’m in full preparation for the game, not thinking about me. I’m completely back on track.

“We cannot create a special story every week, do this for the boss. The boys did a great job already - it won’t be a reason for not winning a football game.

“At the end of the season there will be a moment to say goodbye but between now and then there’s a massive job to do.”

Liverpool vs Norwich - LIVE

14:16 , Karl Matchett

15 minutes to kick-off at Anfield! The Reds will be looking to resume their quest for no fewer than four trophies this season and they’re already in the final of one cup.

Norwich will be up against it for sure, though prior to defeat at Leeds last time out they had won two and drawn one of their previous three games, so they are not in awful form at least.

Liverpool won five in a row prior to drawing at Fulham, which yielded an aggregate victory and the EFL Cup final.

Liverpool vs Norwich - LIVE

14:05 , The Independent

Jurgen Klopp stunned the world of football with his announcenment that he will be stepping down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season and there’s likely to be a strange atmosphere at Anfield for Sunday’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Norwich (2.30pm, ITV1). The German revealed on Friday his plan to walk away in the summer and there’s the potential for him to depart on an unprecedented high with his team hunting a quadruple.

The Reds are already through to one final this season, setting up an EFL Cup decider against Chelsea in midweek, and are second favourites with football betting sites to lift the FA Cup.

The home side are a best-price of 1/7 in the FA Cup odds to see off the Canaries, who are 16/1 shots to beat an opponent they’ve lost 16 of the last 17 meetings against.

That run includes a 2-1 loss at Anfield in the FA Cup quarter-finals in 2022 and a repeat of that scoreline would be seen as a respectable effort by a travel-sick Norwich team.

Even in the circumstances of the Klopp news, it’s tough to imagine anything other than a straight-forward Liverpool win, but bettors looking to back the Reds will need to be creative to find any value on betting sites. We’ve highlighted three potential options as we run you through our Liverpool vs Norwich predictions.

Liverpool vs Norwich tips: FA Cup predictions, odds & free bets

Jurgen Klopp’s shock Liverpool exit is the ultimate cost of his full-throttle football

13:55 , Karl Matchett

Eight years and three months earlier, at his unveiling at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp had pronounced himself as “the normal one”. It proved one of the most deceptive things he ever said, but after a distinctly abnormal reign, he will leave Liverpool on a quest for a little normality. “I arrived here like a normal guy and I never lived that,” he said. “I don’t know how normal life is so I have to find out.”

His achievements are such that he will not be granted anonymity, but he is savouring the thought of time off from football. “No club, no country for the next year, no English club ever, I can promise that, even if I have nothing to eat – that will not happen, by the way, thanks to Liverpool,” he said. Chief executive Billy Hogan smiled as he recounted how his son had said he thought Klopp would manage Liverpool forever. Now, to his disappointment, they are counting down the days to his departure.

For Premium readers:

Jurgen Klopp’s shock exit is the ultimate cost of his full-throttle football

FA Cup fifth round draw

13:50 , Karl Matchett

One of these sides will of course be in the fifth round, but both are in the hat for the fifth-round draw itself - because it’s taking place ahead of kick-off.

If you want to follow the draw, you can do so right below - it starts in around ten minutes and is all wrapped up before we get underway back here.

FA Cup fifth-round draw LIVE: Liverpool, Manchester City and more learn fate

Jurgen Klopp expects same attitude from Liverpool players after shock exit news

13:45 , Karl Matchett

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp does not expect the attitude of his players to change with the shock news he is to leave the club at the end of the season.

The news the 56-year-old will not see out his contract until 2026 was a seismic event in football and the inevitable questions immediately followed about how it would affect a campaign which, with a bit of luck, has the potential to be the greatest in the club’s history.

Liverpool are five points clear at the top of the Premier League, into the last 16 of the Europa League, the Carabao Cup final next month and home advantage against Championship side Norwich on Sunday for a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Klopp notified owners Fenway Sports Group of his decision in November but his squad only found out an hour or so before the news went public.

Jurgen Klopp expects same attitude from Liverpool players after shock exit news

Liverpool vs Norwich - LIVE

13:38 , Karl Matchett

Confirmed lineups! Liverpool see James McConnell come into midfield for a full senior debut, while Cody Gakpo, Jarell Quansah and Ryan Gravenberch also start.

Norwich have made changes too, but Ashley Barnes starts up front in a powerful looking side.

Liverpool: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Quansah, Gomez; McConnell, Gravenberch, Jones; Gakpo, Jota, Nunez

Substitutes: Kelleher, Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Beck, Szoboszlai, Elliott, Clark, Diaz

Norwich: Long; Stacey, Hanley, Gibson, McCallum; McLean, Nunez; Fassnacht, Sara, Hernandez; Barnes

Substitutes: Gunn, Ansen, Giannoulis, Fisher, Gibbs, Sorensen, Sainz, Placheta, Idah

Liverpool vs Norwich - LIVE

13:25 , Karl Matchett

It is rare in the modern game that news completely stuns the football world but that’s exactly what happened with Jurgen Klopp’s resignation. There was shock among major European managers and players.

It is, with an odd sense of appropriateness, the modern equivalent of Bill Shankly retiring in 1974. That can’t quite feature the incredible clips of a successor to Tony Wilson literally informing Liverpool fans on the street that their patriarch had left. They will have no doubt checked their smartphones, given everyone in the Premier League was sharing the news with exclamation marks and emojis within seconds.

Unlike Shankly, too, many of the consequences are immediately apparent. This is a very different and more financially defined game.

European football has, for the time being, lost the greatest counterweight to the continent’s current champions and most dominant team. Klopp is not just the only manager to have won Liverpool a title since their glory era. He is the only manager to have got close to Manchester City’s levels in England. His Liverpool are the only other team to get past 90 points since Pep Guardiola started winning titles and he did it three times. An arrival from the Bundesliga was almost the single biggest influence in preventing the Premier League looking like its German equivalent.

Miguel Delaney on Klopp’s impending exit:

The consequences of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool departure

Liverpool vs Norwich - LIVE

13:15 , Karl Matchett

Two of the leading contenders in the immediate aftermath of Klopp’s decision were Xabi Alonso and Roberto De Zerbi.

While the Brighton boss is considered an outsider, he was still asked his view on the speculation and Klopp’s exit, while Alonso - whose Bayer Leverkusen team are top of the Bundesliga - is seen as the early favourite.

Here’s how he reacted to questioning on the matter ahead of the weekend.

Xabi Alonso responds to Liverpool job ‘speculation’ after Klopp announces departure

Liverpool vs Norwich - LIVE

13:05 , Karl Matchett

We may as well start at the top: the big news ahead of the match was Jurgen Klopp announcing that he’ll step down as Liverpool manager at the end of 2023/24.

While it’s still a few months away, it’s massive news for the Reds after nearly nine years under Klopp, who has won absolutely everything with them along the way.

Klopp offered fans an explanation and the club spoke afterwards over their plans for an appointment. But the news itself still needs some digesting, coming somewhat out of nowhere just days after the Reds qualified for the League Cup final.

Jurgen Klopp announces shock decision to resign from Liverpool

Liverpool vs Norwich - LIVE

12:31 , Karl Matchett

Welcome to our FA Cup coverage of Liverpool vs Norwich in the fourth round - but of course lots of focus will be on Jurgen Klopp and his decision to depart the Reds at the end of the campaign.

We’ll bring you all the latest news on that, the fifth-round draw and the match action itself right here on the Independent.