Liverpool wasted a host of chances as Norwich held them to a 1-1 draw at Anfield.
Substitute Danny Ings gave the Reds the lead just after half-time, before Russell Martin brought things level with a remarkably cool volley.
The main talking point ahead of the game was Daniel Sturridge’s return from injury, but Liverpool promptly lost Sturridge’s strike partner Christian Benteke to an injury of his own.
Here are our main talking points from an eventful game.
Emre Can needs to move back to midfield
Can’s versatility has been a blessing for Brendan Rodgers as he adapts formations and starting line-ups to suit the opposition, but sometimes circumstances call for familiarity.
With Jordan Henderson set to miss two months with a broken foot, Can’s presence is required in midfield to fill the gap left by the absent captain.
Liverpool regularly lacked penetration, with their best chances coming from Norwich errors, but the former Bayern Munich man can help them dictate this sort of game.
https://twitter.com/grahamlfc84/status/645643607190413312
Danny Ings is a useful weapon against the right opposition
Former Burnley striker Ings came in for a bit of criticism after his performance at Old Trafford, but today he showed why Liverpool signed him.
He might not get as many chances against top-four teams, but when opponents like Norwich come to town he will see enough of the ball to make an impact.
With Christian Benteke potentially missing upcoming games through injury, Ings can build on this cameo and properly make his mark.
I only watched on internet but I felt we were more positive today , Ings must start , Sturridge stop diving , Coutinho missed a sitter #LFC
— Gary Roberts 🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@GaryRoberts7) September 20, 2015
Norwich are a different team to when they went down, though the players are largely the same
Many of us feared for Norwich after their summer transfer business, with only four permanent signings being made.
But there is one crucial difference this season – manager Alex Neil.
The Scotsman has invested smartly, identifying which positions need strengthening, and new arrivals Robbie Brady and Graeme Dorrans have both contributed well this campaign.
No one should write us off under Neil. Could have crumbled at 1-0 down but we showed great strength to find an equaliser. #canarycall #NCFC
— Sam Langan (@samuellangan) September 20, 2015
Goals may still be an issue for the Canaries
Neil’s team have found the net nine times this campaign, far from a terrible showing, but only one of those has come from a striker.
Cameron Jerome has worked hard but hasn’t looked like continuing his scoring form from last season, and the back-up options seem underwhelming.
If their defence holds firm they should still be able to stay up, but they may need reinforcements in January.
Liverpool look a long way from the top four
The return of Daniel Sturridge to his 2013/14 form would be a massive fillip for Brendan Rodgers’ side, but today showed he will take a while to get there.
Sturridge’s touch was a little off, and his missed chance in the first half is one he would have tucked away in the past.
With Henderson out and question marks remaining elsewhere in the side, a repeat of last season’s 6th place seems the most likely end-of-season outcome.
https://twitter.com/AdonHD/status/645536755983249408
