Norwich 0-3 Liverpool: Minamino crushes Canaries' hopes

Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino delivered for Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool heaped on more misery for Norwich by powering to a 3-0 win at Carrow Road in the Carabao Cup.

Both forwards scored for the first time this season, Minamino's double sandwiching a fine header from Origi, as Klopp's fringe men proved too good for the Canaries.

There was a scare for Liverpool at 1-0 when Norwich were awarded a penalty, but Caoimhin Kelleher saved from Christos Tzolis as the hosts squandered their best chance.

With Norwich bottom of the Premier League after five consecutive defeats, this was a chance to lift spirits, but it only served as a reminder of their squad's shortcomings.

Liverpool took a fourth-minute lead when Minamino turned sharply inside the six-yard box after Divock Origi headed down a corner from Konstantinos Tsimikas. The Japanese forward fired low past Angus Gunn for the swift breakthrough.

Ibrahima Konate powered a header just over the bar from another corner as Liverpool chased a quick second goal.

Kaide Gordon, a 16-year-old winger, showed promise for Liverpool and cut in from the left in the style of Mohamed Salah before flashing a left-footed shot just wide of the right post, while Curtis Jones shot just over from 18 yards.

Norwich lacked a punch up front and that was summed up by Adam Idah's tame side-footed shot that Kelleher smothered easily, and doubly so when the goalkeeper saved the spot-kick from Tzolis with his feet after 18-year-old debutant Conor Bradley fouled Dimitris Giannoulis.

Security of a second goal came in the 50th minute when Tsimikas played a lovely cross from the byline to Origi on the edge of the six-yard box, and the striker did the rest with a precise header into the right corner.

Origi went close again as he placed a shot just wide, before Gordon smashed the ball over from a presentable chance, 10 yards out, lacking the composure that will come with experience. Minamino showed him the way with 10 minutes remaining, slotting past Gunn after being set up by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

What does it mean? Reds rich in reserves

Klopp left Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane out of his squad and made nine changes to the team that beat Crystal Palace 3-0 at the weekend, with Joe Gomez named captain for the first time. 

In fairness, Norwich also made sweeping changes, and it was inevitable the visitors would have the deeper resources, with the likes of Jones, Minamino and Origi keen to impress the Liverpool manager. 

This was a smart use of his squad by Klopp, his front two particularly seizing the moment.

Konstant threat

Greek star Konstantinos Tsimikas showed what a high quality left-back Liverpool have in reserve as he played a major part in the victory, having a big hand in the first two goals before making way for Andy Robertson. 

Tsimikas played 11 crosses, six from open play, and created three scoring chances. His corners were a real threat, his overall performance a real boon for the Reds.

Origi justifies Klopp belief

Liverpool are now unbeaten in their last 13 matches in this competition when leading at half-time (W12, D1), and that run never looked under any real threat. 

Origi's classy finish was a reminder of why Klopp was surprised there was little interest in him from other teams in the summer, when he might have moved on.

He had four shots in all, and the assist for Minamino's opener. Despite having just 22 touches, his presence and movement occupied Norwich's defence all night.

What's next?

Liverpool will play Brentford in the Premier League for the first time on Saturday, while Norwich head to Merseyside for a clash with Everton.