Reds bag their first win of 2005

By J Wade
January 13 2005

After Liverpool's controversial defeat against Chelsea they have now got their first win of the new year and their third away win of the season.

Luis Garcia and Riise were the goal scorers for Liverpool today against Norwich at Carrow Road which gave them their first win of 2005. The Reds struggled in the first half to create an opportunity but rcovered in the second period when the game became more open. The win gives Liverpool three well deserved points which puts them into fifth place ahead of Middlesbrough and just three points behind their Merseyside rivals Everton, for atleast 24 hours. The win also takes thier festive total to 9 out of twelve which could have been better if referee Mike Riley had given the correct decisions against Chelsea on new years day. Towards the end of the match Liverpool looked to be cruising for their first win of the new year but an enthatic first goal for Norwich youngster Ryan Jarvis created an exciting and nervous finale for both sets of fans. Benitez made a decision to make four changes to the side which lost to Chelsea two days ago. The players brought into the team did little to show their appreciation of the faith shown in them by Benitez. The first half had no chances and was making the Liverpool fans wonder why they woke up so early to travel to East Anglia in time for kick off. Liverpool played with the one upfront which was Mellor. This means that the midfield need to get up and supply Mellor with good chances. However Liverpool weren't able to breakdown the Norwich back line which left Mellor with a rare touch of the ball. Steven Gerrard again had his shooting boots on and it was him who came closest to scoring for the Reds with two long range efforts almost forcing a save from Green. In the second half Liverpool withstood an early amount of pressure, during which they survived a penalty shout after Carragher handled the ball which stopped a cross getting through. No sooner than Norwich had their best chance of the game Liverpool had the ball in their net. The finish came from Garcia who lobbed green after a precise ball from left to right from Riise. Carragher and Hyypia so far this season have made a towering partnership in the heart of Liverpool's defence. So good that Liverpool were comfortable allowing Norwich to come onto them and then hit them on the counter. This was the way in which Liverpool got their second goal, Pongolle had his shot saved from Green but the ball fell kindly to Riise who got his fifth goal of the season. Norwich looked out of it but had a bit of hope when young substitute Ryan Jarvis halved Liverpool's lead four minutes from time when he controlled the ball inside of Traore then curled it inside of Dudek's far post. However the wonder goal was no more than a consolation for Norwich as Liverpool managed to hold on to the lead for 4 minutes plus stoppage time. Liverpool: Dudek, Warnock, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Riise, Gerrard, Diao, Nunez, Garcia, Mellor Subs: Harrison, Raven, Sinama Pongolle, Hamann, Traore Norwich City: Green, Charlton, Fleming, Doherty, Helveg, Huckerby, Bentley, Mulryne, Francis, Jonson, McKenzie Subs: Gallacher, Drury, Brennan, Jarvis, Crow