Inevitably the most emotional moment as Jürgen Klopp began his long and winding road to his Liverpool farewell came during the singing of “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. Sat in the dug-out, looking on beneath his baseball cap, Klopp’s feelings were etched on his face. It was a determined effort, clenching his teeth, to deny the tears.
This is evidently going to be difficult for him and for Liverpool, no doubt, although it helped that their first opponents since Friday’s seismic announcement was Norwich City – managed by Klopp’s close friend David Wagner – who proved remarkably compliant and were swept aside with ease despite their two goals.
Liverpool are into the last-16 of the FA Cup, where they will host another Championship side, either Southampton or Watford, in a draw that suggests they will take another step towards that unprecedented quadruple. What a parting gift that would be from Klopp.
What a legacy he already leaves, though, and the loudest cheer of the afternoon came with the introduction of Andrew Robertson, who has been out injured since October, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai also returning.
Whoever succeeds Klopp will inherit an incredibly strong squad and it felt apt, also, that among the star performers here were the young academy graduates James McConnell and Conor Bradley with another, Curtis Jones, opening the scoring. He has not neglected the youngsters.
Klopp had asked for songs not to be sung about him but this was affectionately ignored on a few occasions. After just a minute there was, of course, a rendition of “Jürgen Said to Me” – to the tune of The Beatles’ “I Feel Fine” – and it was reprised just after the hour and with the result secure.
After Jones’ goal, Norwich hit back with a surprise equaliser from Ben Gibson. Darwin Núñez restored the lead which was extended through goals from Diogo Jota, Virgil van Dijk and late on Ryan Gravenberch. Although Norwich actually scored the pick of the goals, claimed by substitute Borja Sainz, they never looked capable of causing an upset. In mitigation reaching the play-offs is clearly their priority and they certainly missed their best player, Jonathan Rowe, who was disappointingly out injured, although suspicions were raised given the looming transfer deadline day and with interest in him from Premier League clubs.
Liverpool could easily have added to their total with Núñez striking a post, chances cleared off the goal-line and several outstanding saves from goalkeeper George Long. There will be far greater challenges, far closer and far more dramatic contests to come for them before Klopp departs. This was the gentlest of landings after the shock – the trauma almost – of his announcement.
It was not until deep into injury-time that the whole of Anfield serenaded Klopp – with Gravenberch’s goal temporarily halting that – before it resumed.
Liverpool vs Norwich City: As it happened . . .
04:57 PM GMT
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp speaking to ITV
04:57 PM GMT
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk speaking to the BBC
“The big task is to get trough to the next round. It was a pleasing day because of the players coming back from injury and the young players getting another game. We’re ready to go again for Chelsea.”
On Anfield atmosphere:
“It was the first time since the announcement that the manager was back in the stadium seeing all of the fans. It was always going to be a bit different. Within the squad, nothing has changed. It was very emotional on the day.
“As a squad, we have a lot of targets to achieve. Let’s give it everything we have. The manager is her until the summer. We have to deal with the noise. It’s my job as captain to make sure it doesn’t reach our players.”
On more motivation:
“I can only speak for myself in this case. We have been through so much together and I am grateful for everything he has done for me, my family and my career. Why not end it on a high and make more memories? Let’s see.
“We still have more goals. We don’t just want to win for the boss. We want to win for ourselves, the club and because we are winners. We need a bouncing Anfield on Wednesday and a perfect performance against a good Chelsea.”
On youngsters:
“I’m very impressed with the youngsters. I see them daily in training. They have to keep working and stay humble. They’re at a fantastic club and the culture here is outstanding for young players. You have to use the opportunity as well because you don’t get many as a professional footballer.”
04:52 PM GMT
Norwich City manager David Wagner speaking to ITV
“Difficult afternoon. But I’m fine with the competitiveness that the players have shown. They tried hard, we scored two great goals as well but obviously we got beaten by top quality. The result was a result that a lot of people expected, even though I hoped we could stay in the game for a little bit longer but we were not able to.
“To be totally honest, let’s be fair they had the opportunities to score the goals in the game that they did. The FA Cup is over for us, we have big pictures in front of us which we like to attack and that is the Championship.
On targeting promotion:
“If the question is do I have belief, 100% yes. we will compete and try everything in the play-offs and in the play-offs we know everything can happen and this is our aim.”
On Klopp leaving Liverpool:
“Obviously I wish him from the bottom of my heart every success which he can have. It wasn’t nice to be the first one on his goodbye tour here in England which unfortunately didn’t end with the result we hoped but at the end of the day I wish him all the best and all the luck which he needs.”
04:49 PM GMT
Impressive Bradley
Conor Bradley put in a very impressive display today and was fully deserving of his man of the match award.
04:45 PM GMT
Liverpool into the fifth round
04:42 PM GMT
The Liverpool faithful show their love for Klopp
04:36 PM GMT
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones speaking to ITV
“It was a perfect game. There were loads of goals scored and we didn’t have any injuries.”
On message after Jurgen Klopp announcement:
“Just carry on. We have our goals that we’ve set and nothing has changed. It’s sad for the whole club but he is a man and we respect that.”
On own form:
“I’ve been around the first team now for a long time and this is the point now that I’m playing all the games and I’m consistent as well. I’m happy.”
On using Klopp departure as motivation:
“Definitely. We had our goals at the start of the season and now the news is out, we’ll be giving it more.”
04:26 PM GMT
Live from Anfield
The grand farewell is on hold. This was ‘the business as usual’ performance that Klopp promised. The Kop broke with protocol to serenade him a few times during the comfortable win, and obviously at full-time, but the general vibe is one of focus on the quadruple bid before the emotional goodbyes take hold.
04:25 PM GMT
Full-time
That is the final act of the match and Liverpool are into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a comfortable win. They will face either Watford or Southampton, who will play a replay.
04:24 PM GMT
GOAL! Gravenberch gets Liverpool’s fifth
That fifth goal has most definitely been coming. Diaz, after a brilliant touch, crosses to the far post to find Bradley. He volleys into the ground back across goal and Gravenberch is on hand to head home Liverpool’s fifth goal of the afternoon.
04:19 PM GMT
90+1 minutes: Liverpool 4 Norwich 2
Jota tries to find Gakpo in the centre for a tap-in but Norwich manage to get the ball away.
04:19 PM GMT
90 minutes: Liverpool 4 Norwich 2
Carbon copy of Jota’s last effort, where he blazed his shot over the bar from inside the penalty area on the left-hand side.
There are five minutes of added time.
04:17 PM GMT
88 minutes: Liverpool 4 Norwich 2
Alexander-Arnold lines one up from over 25 yards out and Long makes the save. That ball was moving. The ball falls to Jota but his shot goes over the bar.
04:16 PM GMT
87 minutes: Liverpool 4 Norwich 2
Szoboszlai hits a powerful shot from just outside the Norwich box but Long gets down to make another good save.
04:11 PM GMT
83 minutes: Liverpool 4 Norwich 2
David Wagner is making his final two changes as McCallum and Fassnacht are replaced by Gibbs and Giannoulis.
04:08 PM GMT
79 minutes: Liverpool 4 Norwich 2
How have Liverpool not scored a fifth there? Jota has an attempt saved before Gravenberch’s effort is then also saved by Long. It looked destined to go into the back of the next but the Norwich goalkeeper has pulled off two great saves.
04:06 PM GMT
78 minutes: Liverpool 4 Norwich 2
McConnell is going to be replaced by Diaz and he receives a standing ovation, which is hugely deserved.
04:05 PM GMT
77 minutes: Liverpool 4 Norwich 2
McConnell has gone down and it looks like he might have to be replaced. Not sure whether it is cramp or an injury. He has been impressive on his full debut.
04:03 PM GMT
74 minutes: Liverpool 4 Norwich 2
Alexander-Arnold clips a first-time ball into the centre of the penalty area and Jota wins the header, but his effort goes wide.
04:00 PM GMT
72 minutes: Liverpool 4 Norwich 2
At Vicarage Road Southampton got a late equaliser through Stuart Armstrong which means that game will go to a replay. The winner of this tie at Anfield will play the winner of that replay at St. Mary’s.
03:57 PM GMT
GOAL! Sainz scores beauty
What a fantastic finish from Sainz. Liveprool back off and back off and Sainz decides to go for goal from just over 20 yards out and he beats Alisson. Great finish but that was really poor defending from van Dijk.
03:56 PM GMT
Disallowed goal
Norwich think they have a goal back the offside flag is up. Why has the linesman not put his flag up earlier? Clearly offside.
03:54 PM GMT
65 minutes: Liverpool 4 Norwich 1
Gakpo swings a cross to the far post and McCallum gets a crucial header on it as it looked destined for Jota. Liverpool have a corner but before that Alexander-Arnold makes his return from injury, replacing Nunez. Huge applause for Alexander-Arnold as he comes on and a roar for Nunez as he leaves the pitch.
03:51 PM GMT
GOAL! Van Dijk makes it 4-1
Liverpool do have their fourth. From the right Szoboszlai whips in an outswinging corner and van Dijk powers a header past Long. He must have been at least 12 yards out. Bullet header!
03:50 PM GMT
63 minutes: Liverpool 3 Norwich 1
Liverpool probably should have had a fourth there. They win it high up once again and Szoboszlai finds Nunez, whose shot is deflected behind for a corner…
03:49 PM GMT
61 minutes: Liverpool 3 Norwich 1
Norwich are making a triple change of their own. Hanley, Barnes and Hernandez come off for Sorensen, Sainz and Idah.
03:47 PM GMT
59 minutes: Liverpool 3 Norwich 1
Barnes tries a rather audacious shot from his first half but it is very easy for Alisson to gather.
At the other end Gravenberch tries from distance but he cannot keep it down and it sails over the bar.
03:46 PM GMT
Robertson’s return
Perfect script for Klopp so far as Andy Robertson joins the party for his first appearance since November, receiving a rapturous reception. This is more like a ‘welcome back Robertson’ than ‘farewell Klopp’ atmosphere.
03:44 PM GMT
55 minutes: Liverpool 3 Norwich 1
Triple change from Jurgen Klopp and what a trio to bring on. Szoboszlai, Robertson and van Dijk come on for Jones, Gomez and Konate. Szoboszlai is back after a few weeks out and Robertson, who was on the bench in midweek against Fulham, makes his first appearance in three months after dislocating his shoulder.
Looking at the replays of the handball incident just before the goal, it looked like a definite handball so if Jota had not scored there you would think Liverpool would have been awarded a penalty.
03:41 PM GMT
GOAL! Jota makes it 3-1
Liverpool are 3-1 up. The ball is lifted over the top by Jones looking for Jota. Gibson’s header is a poor one and Jota pounces with a first-time volley past Long and into the bottom corner.
03:40 PM GMT
52 minutes: Liverpool 2 Norwich 1
Big appeals from the Liverpool players and fans on the Kop for a handball but the referee waves away those appeals.
03:38 PM GMT
51 minutes: Liverpool 2 Norwich 1
Jones cuts onto his right foot and from just over 20 yards out he curls one towards the far corner but it goes just wide.
03:37 PM GMT
49 minutes: Liverpool 2 Norwich 1
Sara is not far away from equalising. He strikes from a long way out, maybe 25 yards, and it goes just wide of Alisson’s right-hand post. It did look like Alisson had it covered if the shot had been on target.
03:35 PM GMT
47 minutes: Liverpool 2 Norwich 1
Gakpo has the first shot of the second half after good play from Jota but his shot is well blocked. Gomez finds Nunez at the far post but his header lacks power and it is an easy save.
03:33 PM GMT
Second half
We are back under way at Anfield. The winner of this tie will play Watford or Southampton in the fifth round. Watford are currently leading Southampton 1-0 at Vicarage Road.
03:33 PM GMT
Second half
We are back under way at Anfield. The winner of this tie will play Watford or Southampton in the fifth round. Watford are currently leading Southampton 1-0 at Vicarage Road.
03:28 PM GMT
The fifth round ties in full
Blackburn/ Wrexham vs Newcastle United
Chelsea/ Aston Villa vs Leeds/ Plymouth
Bournemouth vs Leicester City
Liverpool/ Norwich vs Watford/ Southampton
Bristol City/ Nottingham Forest vs Newport/ Manchester United
Sheffield Wednesday/ Coventry vs Maidstone United
The ties will be played in the week commencing 26th February.
03:26 PM GMT
Final tie
Luton Town vs Manchester City
03:26 PM GMT
Seventh tie
Sheffield Wednesday/ Coventry vs Maidstone United
03:25 PM GMT
Sixth tie
Wolves vs Brighton
03:25 PM GMT
Fifth tie
Bristol City/ Nottingham Forest vs Newport/ Manchester United
03:25 PM GMT
Fourth tie
Liverpool/ Norwich vs Watford/ Southampton
03:24 PM GMT
Third tie
Bournemouth vs Leicester City
03:24 PM GMT
Second tie
Chelsea/ Aston Villa vs Leeds/ Plymouth
03:23 PM GMT
First tie
Blackburn/ Wrexham vs Newcastle United
03:23 PM GMT
Here we go
The draw is under way.
03:21 PM GMT
Fifth round draw
After it was delayed earlier due to the crowd trouble at The Hawthorns, the draw for the fifth round will take place in a few minutes’ time.
03:19 PM GMT
HT verdict
Klopp is usually animated and bellowing instructions from the touchline. He spent most of that first half watching and admiring. Liverpool should be out of sight by now.
03:17 PM GMT
Half-time
There is the whistle and Liverpool lead at the break at Anfield.
03:16 PM GMT
45 minutes: Liverpool 2 Norwich 1
There will be two minutes of added time at the end of this first half.
03:15 PM GMT
44 minutes: Liverpool 2 Norwich 1
McCallum attempts a long throw and Hanley meets it but Alisson makes the save. McCallum got some real distance on that throw-in.
03:08 PM GMT
38 minutes: Liverpool 2 Norwich 1
Gakpo has an effort on the turn from the edge of the box but he drags it wide.
03:03 PM GMT
32 minutes: Liverpool 2 Norwich 1
Another chance to make it 3-1 moments later as Norwich lose it and Gravenberch has a shot cleared off the line.
03:02 PM GMT
31 minutes: Liverpool 2 Norwich 1
Should be 3-1 Liverpool. Gomez picks out a great run from Bradley in behind the Norwich defence. Bradley squares it for Gakpo but somehow he misses a simple chance. Bradley has been outstanding so far this afternoon. Alexander-Arnold has been out injured for the last few weeks and Bradley has stepped up brilliantly.
02:59 PM GMT
GOAL! Nunez restores Liverpool’s lead
Liverpool are back ahead. Bradley wins the ball off McCallum down the right and charges forward. He cuts it inside to Nunez, who takes a touch and then slots home into the bottom corner.
Brilliant work from Conor Bradley for Nunez’s goal. The Northern Irishman is turning into quite a parting gift from Klopp to his successor, whoever it might be.
02:58 PM GMT
28 minutes: Liverpool 1 Norwich 1
Slight sense of disbelief after Norwich’s equaliser given the balance of play. Even the manager David Wagner didn’t look as though he could believe it given the lack of a celebration.
02:53 PM GMT
GOAL! Norwich equalise
Norwich have barely had anything in this game but they are level. It is whipped into the near post and Gibson wins the header and it beats Alisson into the far corner. It looks like it came off Gibson’s back.
02:47 PM GMT
GOAL! Jones gives Liverpool the lead
Liverpool are ahead and it was coming. 19-year-old McConnell, on his full debut, whips in a cross to the far post and Jones is on hand to head it into the far corner past Long. 1-0 Liverpool.
02:44 PM GMT
14 minutes: Liverpool 0 Norwich 0
Nearly for Nunez again. Gakpo feeds it onto Jota on the left-hand side and he sends a cross across the box in order to find Nunez at the back post, but he cannot quite get on the end of it.
02:42 PM GMT
12 minutes: Liverpool 0 Norwich 0
Gakpo has space on the left and drives into the box. He opens up his body and tries to curl one to the far corner but it is deflected behind for a corner, which Norwich clear.
02:41 PM GMT
10 minutes: Liverpool 0 Norwich 0
Nunez hits the post! Norwich lose possession deep in their own half and Nunez curls one from the outside of the box but it comes back off the far post. So close to the opener for Liverpool.
02:39 PM GMT
7 minutes: Liverpool 0 Norwich 0
Chance for Gakpo. Jota is initially fed down the right-hand channel. He cuts it back to Nunez, who lays it off to Gravenberch. He lifts a ball which is just over the head of Jones but falls to Gakpo at the far post, but he cannot keep his shot down. He should have hit the target there.
02:36 PM GMT
5 minutes: Liverpool 0 Norwich 0
Gomez has not scored a senior goal for Liverpool but he comes close there. He takes aim from the edge of the box but it goes just wide. Liverpool do have a corner, which is overhit and goes out for a goal-kick.
02:33 PM GMT
2 minutes: Liverpool 0 Norwich 0
It took only a minute for Jurgen Klopp’s name to be sung around Anfield in Liverpool’s version of The Beatles’ hit ‘I Feel Fine’.
Liverpool have the first corner of the afternoon as they win the ball high up the pitch. Norwich head away from danger.
02:30 PM GMT
Kick-off
You’ll Never Walk Alone rings around Anfield and Jurgen Klopp looks emotional sat in the dugout listening to Liverpool’s anthem.
We are under way at Anfield.
02:27 PM GMT
Kick-off fast approaching
Both sides have emerged from the tunnel and Anfield erupts as not only the players emerge but following them Jurgen Klopp. We are just moments away from kick-off.
02:26 PM GMT
Live from Anfield
Early indications are the Kop is following Klopp’s instructions and parking the tributes and emotional farewells until the end of the season. No banners – or indeed anything – remarking on Friday’s news… yet
02:25 PM GMT
Reminder of the team news
Liverpool: Alisson, Bradley, Quansah, Konate, Gomez, Jones, McConnell, Gravenberch, Gakpo, Nunez, Jota
Subs: Kelleher, Van Dijk, Diaz, Szoboszlai, Elliott, Robertson, Clark, Beck, Alexander-Arnold
Norwich: Long, Stacey, Hanley, Gibson, McCallum, Nunez, McLean, Sara, Hernandez, Fassnacht, Barnes
Subs: Gunn, Ansen, Giannoulis, Fisher, Gibbs, Sorensen, Sainz, Placheta, Idah
02:19 PM GMT
Home side warming up
02:16 PM GMT
Visitors out to warm up
02:15 PM GMT
Full-time at The Hawthorns
It is finally full-time at The Hawthorns and Wolves have beaten West Brom 2-0.
02:13 PM GMT
Fifth round draw
Due to the scenes at The Hawthorns, the draw for the fifth round has been delayed and is set to take place at half-time of the game at Anfield.
The game between West Brom and Wolves has resumed with Wolves 2-0 up and they are into two added minutes. Meanwhile at Vicarage Road Watford are leading Southampton 1-0.
02:07 PM GMT
Friends
A sedate welcome for Jurgen Klopp as he led his team out for the warm-up, but Anfield is barely full at the moment. He’s been deep in conversation with his close friend David Wagner. Maybe they’re already planning for their meet-ups in Klopp’s break year.
It is unusual to see both managers deep in conversation in the centre circle before a game but then Norwich City’s David Wagner is one of Jurgen Klopp’s best friends – having first been his team-mate when they were players at Mainz. Wagner was even best man at Klopp’s wedding so it is also strangely apt, given their closeness, that he is the manager Klopp faces having just announced his intention to step down at Liverpool at the end of the season. Suffice to say do not expect any confrontation between the two dug-outs today.
02:02 PM GMT
Liverpool out to warm up
02:00 PM GMT
Surreal atmosphere
Jurgen Klopp has just walked out onto the Anfield pitch with his players for the warm-up. The Liverpool manager will know all eyes will be on him today – and for the rest of the season – but for now his eyes, as usual, are focussed on the opposition as he studies Norwich City in the warm-up from his customary place in the centre-circle. To say it is a surreal atmosphere at Anfield is an under-statement. There is certainly an air of disbelief still from Friday’s news mixed with a sense of nervous excitement as to what will now happen.
01:54 PM GMT
Full team news
Liverpool make five changes to the team that beat Fulham to reach the EFL Cup final on Wednesday. 19-year-old James McConnell makes his full debut whilst Alisson, Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota also come into the side. Alisson captains the side.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai are back from injury and take their place on the bench. Andy Robertson is also on the bench after three months out with a shoulder injury. He was on the bench against Fulham in midweek but did not come on.
Liverpool: Alisson, Bradley, Quansah, Konate, Gomez, Jones, McConnell, Gravenberch, Gakpo, Nunez, Jota
Subs: Kelleher, Van Dijk, Diaz, Szoboszlai, Elliott, Robertson, Clark, Beck, Alexander-Arnold
Norwich make six changes to the side that lost 1-0 at Leeds in their last Championship game.
Grant Hanley captains the side after recovering from a back problem, while Ashley Barnes, Christian Fassnacht, Onel Hernandez, Sam McCallum and George Long all feature. Josh Sargent and Jon Rowe miss out through injury.
Norwich: Long, Stacey, Hanley, Gibson, McCallum, Nunez, McLean, Sara, Hernandez, Fassnacht, Barnes
Subs: Gunn, Ansen, Giannoulis, Fisher, Gibbs, Sorensen, Sainz, Placheta, Idah
01:49 PM GMT
So far in the FA Cup
The fourth round began on Thursday night as Bournemouth thrashed Swansea 5-0.
On Friday night there were four games. Manchester City scored a late goal to beat Tottenham 1-0. The other three games, Bristol City vs Nottingham Forest, Chelsea vs Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday vs Coventry City, have all gone to replays.
Yesterday’s big story was a huge shock at Portman Road as sixth-tier Maidstone United defeated Championship Ipswich 2-1. Brighton beat Sheffield United 5-2, Luton defeated Everton 2-1, Leicester beat Birmingham 3-0, Newcastle won away at Fulham 2-0 and Leeds and Plymouth will go to a replay.
This afternoon play has been stopped at the Hawthorns in the game between West Brom and Wolves due to fan trouble. The game was 2-0 to Wolves when it was paused with just under 10 minutes to go. You can follow the latest on that ongoing situation here.
Watford are about to kick off against Southampton and at 4.30pm Newport County host Manchester United.
01:43 PM GMT
Home side arriving
01:42 PM GMT
Captain Alisson
01:40 PM GMT
Best friends
01:37 PM GMT
Inside the home dressing room
01:32 PM GMT
Norwich team news
01:31 PM GMT
Liverpool team news
01:20 PM GMT
Fancy a bet?
Having a bet on today’s match? First take a look at these free bets and betting offers.
01:18 PM GMT
Anfield awaits
01:15 PM GMT
Emotional day at Anfield
Emotions will certainly be running high at Anfield this afternoon as Liverpool host Norwich in the FA Cup fourth round. On Friday Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp dropped the bombshell news that shocked the football world that he is going to step down as manager at the end of the season. Klopp has admitted that he feels like he is running out of energy.
“I can understand that it’s a shock for a lot of people in this moment, when you hear it for the first time, but obviously I can explain it – or at least try to explain it.
“I love absolutely everything about this club, I love everything about the city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff. I love everything. But that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take.
“It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy. I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again.
“After the years we had together and after all the time we spent together and after all the things we went through together, the respect grew for you, the love grew for you and the least I owe you is the truth – and that is the truth.”
Liverpool are aiming to do the quadruple this season and both the players and fans will be desperate to end the Klopp era with as many trophies as possible and make it a magical ending to his reign at the club. They booked their place in the Carabao Cup final on Wednesday night, beating Fulham 3-2 on aggregate. They are currently top of the Premier League, into the Last 16 of the Europa League and in fourth round action in the FA Cup today.
Today’s game against Norwich marks the first game since the announcement. Perhaps it is poignant that today’s game is against Norwich, who are managed by David Wagner, who was best man at Klopp’s wedding. It will be an emotional day at Anfield and you can guarantee the atmosphere will be electric as the long farewell begins.
The draw for the fifth round will take place at Anfield at around 2pm, 30 minutes before kick-off between Liverpool and Norwich.
Team news to follow shortly.
