Liverpool were impressive in their 5-2 win at home to Norwich in the FA Cup fourth round, with Conor Bradley a standout player for the Reds.
Liverpool 5-2 Norwich
FA Cup 4th Round, Anfield
January 28, 2024
Goals: Jones 16′, Nunez 28′, Jota 53′, Van Dijk 63′, Gravenberch 90+5′; Gibson 22′, Sainz 69′
Alisson came back into the team after a midweek rest, and for much of the game he was as much of a spectator as the fans.
Liverpool’s No. 1 could do nothing nothing about Ben Gibson’s header or Borja Sainz’s stunner, and he was otherwise solid when called into action.
Conceding twice which will irritate him, though.
Bradley has impressed in the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, and this was another big step in the right direction for him.
The Northern Irishman’s direct style was always a threat for Liverpool, and it was one surging run and pass that led to Darwin Nunez making it 2-1.
Beginning to look like a genuinely good squad option.
Ibrahima Konate – 8
Konate was the senior man at the heart of the Reds’ defence and he coasted through proceedings, looking every bit the class act that he is.
The Frenchman was dominant in the air throughout and forged a strong partnership with Jarell Quansah, also making well-timed tackles.
He is enjoying a superb run of form.
Jarell Quansah – 7
Another game, another strong display by Quansah.
Ahead of his 21st birthday on Monday, the young centre-back looked focused and confident, and while he wasn’t called into action much, he did his job expertly.
Slightly weak header in the lead up to Sainz’s goal, but that’s being ultra-harsh.
James McConnell – 8
It was a proud day for McConnell, who was handed his first-ever Liverpool start by Jurgen Klopp, taking up his place in the midfield.
The 19-year-old had an afternoon to remember at Anfield, not only proving to be a tenacious figure in the middle of the park, but also providing the assist for Jones’ goal.
Should be pleased with his efforts.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7
Gravenberch has been the most hit-and-miss of Liverpool’s summer signings, and this performance rather summed up his enigmatic nature.
On the ball, he was classy, but he was also a little loose in possession, and allowed Gibson to get the better of him and head home an equaliser.
Did score Liverpool’s fifth of the day in the dying seconds, though, taking his tally for the season to three.
