Liverpool 5-2 Norwich City: Player Ratings

Andy Robertson made his return from injury as Liverpool cruised to a 5-2 FA Cup victory over Norwich - in what was their first game since Jurgen Klopp emotionally confirmed his intention to leave the club.

Goals from Curtis Jones, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch sealed the win for the Reds, progressing to the fifth round of the tournament - where they will face either Watford or Southampton.

With 'I'm so glad Jurgen is a Red' echoing around Anfield, it was all Liverpool during the opening quarter-hour, with Joe Gomez forcing George Long into a smart stop before Darwin Nunez's curled effort struck the post.

With pressure mounting on the Norwich defence, the Reds were able to break the deadlock in the 16th minute, with James McConnell marking his first ever Liverpool start with an assist as he lofted one towards Curtis Jones, who headed in with aplomb.

However, completely against the run of play, the visitors equalised four minutes later - with former transfer target Ben Gibson heading home from a corner.

Norwich's parity would only last for short-time, with Nunez restoring Liverpool's lead in the 28th minute after some sublime solo work from Conor Bradley put it on a plate for the Uruguayan.

Not wanting to see their lead snatched away once again, the Reds continued to push for goals, with Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch both being offered massive chances to extend their lead - only to fluff their lines.

And while they didn't get their third before the break, Klopp's side wasted no time after the restart, with Diogo Jota pouncing on an error from goalscorer Gibson before firing into the bottom corner in clinical style.

With a two-goal cushion in the bank, Anfield let out a roar as Andy Robertson made a welcome return to action for the first time since October, having overcome a serious shoulder injury.

Joining Robertson off the bench was Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai - two players who would end up combining for Liverpool's fourth, with Van Dijk heading home from Szoboszlai's whipped corner in the 63rd minute to extend the host's lead.

Norwich were offered a glimmer of hope when they bagged their second of the game through a super strike from Borja Sainz with just over 20 minutes to play.

However, the Reds were able to see out the contest, with Gravenberch making five in stoppage time to put the icing on the cake.

Here are the player ratings from the game.

ALISSON (GK): 6

Lost his clean sheet after 20 minutes, beaten by a brilliant header by Gibson, before conceding again after the break. Collected a few crosses and lofted balls but nothing more than routine.

CONOR BRADLEY (RB): 8

Was the driving force behind Liverpool's second, winning the ball back and linking up delightfully with Jota, before slipping it through for Nunez to score. Unlucky not to get a second first-half assist, latching onto a dinked ball before directing it towards Gakpo who seemingly had a tap-in, but put his effort wide. Superb throughout.

IBRAHIMA KONATE (CB): 7

Defended on the front foot and didn't let Norwich breaks get the best of him. Subbed.

JARELL QUANSAH (CB): 6

Calm on the ball and defensively sound in the first half, but had a shaky start to the second. Decent distribution.

JOE GOMEZ (LB): 7

Forced Norwich keeper George Long into a low save early on as he continues his search for a first ever senior goal. Did well down that left-hand side when the Canaries broke on the counter, cleaning up on a few occasions. Subbed.

JAMES MCCONNELL (CM): 8

Bagged a goal contribution 16 minutes into his full debut, lofting a delightful ball to find the head of Jones who nodded home. Kept things simple in the six. Ended the afternoon on a sour note as he came off following with an injury - let's hope it was just cramp. Nevertheless, a very impressive full debut.

RYAN GRAVENBERCH (CM): 7

Overpowered in the air for the Norwich goal, losing the physical battle to Gibson. Decent on the ball and tenacious in the tackle, and got his goal after 90 minutes of trying in stoppage time.

CURTIS JONES (CM): 7

Latched onto McConnell's delivery and directed his header well into the bottom corner to give Liverpool a deserved lead. Composed in the middle of the park. Subbed.

DIOGO JOTA (RW): 8

Played his part in the second goal after a lovely give-and-go with Bradley, and hounded the Norwich defence throughout. Had his sniff at goal after an error from goalscorer Gibson - and as per, he took his chance with ease, firing into the bottom corner. Marksman.

DARWIN NUNEZ (ST): 8

Hit the post early on with an audacious curling effort, unlucky not to break the deadlock. However, he restored Liverpool's lead when called upon, slotting home into that bottom-left corner after some brilliant work by Bradley. Always a presence up top, no surprises there. Subbed.

CODY GAKPO (LW): 5

Finishing had a lot to be desired, fluffing his lines on a handful of occasions. Would have been kicking himself after skying a volley from close range during the opening stages. Then had it put on a plate for him by Bradley, only to scuff his shot and put the ball wide. Frustrating outing.

SUBSTITUTES:

VIRGIL VAN DIJK (KONATE, 55'): 7

Off the bench and on the scoresheet, converting a wonderful header from a Szoboszlai corner to make it four. Calm and composed at the back.

ANDY ROBERTSON (GOMEZ, 55'): 6

A very welcome return from injury after three months out with a shoulder injury.

DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI (JONES, 55'): 8

Also making a comeback from injury, Szoboszlai whipped the ball to fellow substitute Van Dijk to extend Liverpool's lead. From then on, he was a constant presence in attacking phases. Good to have him back.

TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD (NUNEZ, 66'): 7

Another man returning from a spell on the sidelines. Peppered the box with crosses, business as usual.

LUIS DIAZ (MCCONNELL, 79'): 6

Few runs in behind as Liverpool sought more goals.