Adam Lallana scored in the final minute of stoppage time as Liverpool produced a rousing second-half fightback to beat Norwich City 5-4 this afternoon in a topsy-turvy Premier League game that was punctuated by sloppy defending from both teams.
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Norwich outwitted Liverpool at their own game, especially in the first half, with plenty of high pressing that prevented Jurgen Klopp's side from keeping the ball for long periods.
However, it was the Reds who took the lead against the run of play in the 18th minute when Roberto Firmino beat the offside trap and found the bottom corner.
James Milner spurned a chance to double the visitors' lead and Norwich were soon level through Dieumerci Mbokani, who cleverly backheeled home from eight yards after Liverpool failed to clear a corner.
The hosts then went in front shortly before half time through debutant Steven Naismith, who powerfully fired low across goal into the far corner after Liverpool's midfielders allowed the former Everton man into the box unchallenged.
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Klopp decided against any half-time changes after being outplayed in the first half and Norwich went two goals to the good inside the second half's opening 10 minutes from the penalty spot.
Naismith again got into the box far too easily and Alberto Moreno slid in to try to take the ball away. He missed the ball and man, but Naismith regathered possession and was then barged from behind by the Spanish full-back, leaving Lee Mason with little choice but to point to the spot, with Wes Hoolahan dinking home from 12 yards.
Just 96 seconds later Liverpool halved the deficit as Jordan Henderson, after being left all alone in the middle, swept home from Firmino's cushioned lay-off.
The visitors then drew level minutes later and it was a fourth goal in three Premier League appearances for Firmino as he collected Lallana's centre unchallenged and dinked over Declan Rudd.
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With 15 minutes left on the clock Liverpool retook the lead through Milner, who pounced on Russell Martin's backpass and coolly finished past Rudd.
Klopp's side appeared to be on their way to a first win in four as they slowed the pace of the game, but Norwich seemingly snatched an equaliser in the third minute of stoppage time when defender Sebastien Bassong found the bottom corner with a half-volley from 25 yards.
However, Liverpool had the last laugh in the final minute when Lallana volleyed into the turf and up into the far corner.
The Reds move up to seventh for the time being, while Norwich could drop into the bottom three if results go against them later today and tomorrow.
Pascal Lemesre
