The Anfield faithful roared a final farewell to Jurgen Klopp’s era as Liverpool opened their FA Cup campaign with a thrilling 5-2 victory over Norwich City.
While the Canaries produced the undisputed “Goal of the Game” courtesy of a stunning strike from Dani Sainz, it was Liverpool’s young guns and returning veterans who stole the show.
Klopp’s decision to hand starts to 17-year-old Kaide Gordon and 18-year-old Conor Bradley proved inspired.
Gordon’s electric pace and dazzling footwork terrorized the Norwich defense, while Bradley provided a rock-solid presence at right-back.
But the biggest roars of the day were reserved for the returning Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Scottish captain marked his comeback with a typically energetic performance, bombing down the left flank and setting up Luis Diaz for Liverpool’s second goal.
Speaking of Diaz, the Colombian winger was a constant menace with his mesmerizing dribbling and clinical finishing.
He bagged a brace, sandwiching Harvey Elliott’s first-half strike around Norwich’s consolation goal from Teemu Pukki.
However, the goal that truly lit up Anfield was reserved for Sainz.
The Spanish midfielder unleashed a left-footed rocket from just outside the box that swerved viciously past Caoimhin Kelleher, leaving the Kop gasping in awe.
Despite this moment of individual brilliance, it was clear that Liverpool were always in control.
Fabinho dictated the tempo in midfield, while Virgil van Dijk marshaled the defense with his customary composure.
Klopp couldn’t have wished for a better start to his final FA Cup campaign, with young stars shining bright and experienced veterans showing their unwavering quality.
The win sets up a mouthwatering tie against either Watford or Southampton in the next round, and with Klopp at the helm, anything seems possible.
Anfield witnessed a glimpse of the future and the past in perfect harmony, and it was a fitting way to kick off what promises to be an emotional farewell tour for the Reds’ legendary manager.