Liverpool 5-1 Norwich City: ‘Incredible’ Suarez

Luis Suarez: 20minute hattrick. Picture: Getty

Scorers: Liverpool - Suarez (15, 29, 35, 74) Sterling (88); Norwich City - Johnson (83)

The Uruguay international scored four times – including a 20-minute first-half hat-trick – and provided an assist as the Reds swept aside Norwich 5-1 at Anfield.

All of the goals from the 26-year-old, who became the first Premier League striker to score three hat-tricks against the same club, had a touch of brilliance to them. And despite all the speculation over Suarez’s future in the summer, and more which will no doubt come when the January transfer window opens, the Reds boss is confident the player can achieve his Champions League dreams at Anfield.

“Sheer brilliance that was. Technically we were very good but to witness that was a remarkable individual performance,” he said. “I always like to talk about the team but I think you have to hold up Luis as one of the best strikers in the world. Incredible performance.

“I think he is the happiest he has been here. I think this club suits him perfectly and I still think his best years are going to be here.

“I think if you look at Messi and Ronaldo they have been out on their own for a couple of years. Luis is only 26 and I think he will make improvements to his game over the coming years.”

Suarez’s first was a brilliant 45-yard dipping effort, his second an instinctive hooked finish, the third saw him flick the ball over Leroy Fer before smashing home and he finished off with what is now becoming a trademark free-kick. Suarez then provided the cross for Raheem Sterling to score after Bradley Johnson’s late consolation.

Liverpool: Mignolet, Johnson, Flanagan, Allen, Skrtel, Agger, Henderson (Alberto 69), Gerrard, Suárez (Aspas 92), Coutinho, Sterling. Subs not used: Jones, Kolo Touré, Moses, Sakho, Lucas

Norwich: Ruddy, Martin, Olsson Fer (Whittaker 72), R Bennett, Bassong, Hoolahan (Murphy 62), Howson, Elmander (Hooper 69), Johnson; Redmond. Subs not used: Turner, Garrido, Becchio, Nash

Ref: Anthony Taylor.

Att: 44,541.