Luis Suarez hits Norwich City for four

Luis Suarez found the net four times as Liverpool defeated Norwich City 5-1 in this evening's Premier League showdown at Anfield.

The Reds applied pressure in the opening stages, with Glen Johnson and Philippe Coutinho both having efforts blocked by the Saints' rearguard.

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Brendan Rodgers's side took the lead in the 15th minute courtesy of a goal-of-the-season contender from Suarez, who caught Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy off his line with a lob from almost 40 yards out.

The Uruguayan, who has an exceptional scoring record against the Canaries, added a second just before the half-hour mark, leaping high in the box to head home a Coutinho corner.

Suarez completed a first half hat-trick in the 35th minute, flicking the ball over Leroy Fer before smashing a half-volley past Ruddy to put his side three up at the interval.

Liverpool continued to ask all of the questions after the restart, with Steven Gerrard's 52nd-minute header requiring a line clearance from Ryan Bennett, and Ruddy tipping a 30-yard screamer from Joe Allen over the bar five minutes later.

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Suarez, who is now the first Liverpool player to score three hat-tricks against the same team, added a fourth on 74 minutes, burying a free kick from 25 yards out to cap off a sublime individual display.

Norwich pulled one back seven minutes from time when Bradley Johnson met Nathan Redmond's cross with a thumping header, but it was the Reds who had the final say.

Suarez was the provider this time as Raheem Sterling smashed home a cut-back from the four-goal striker to complete the rout two minutes from time.