Liverpool kicked off the new Premier League season in style as they coasted to a 4-1 win over newly-promoted Norwich City at Anfield Friday (Saturday AEST).
A Grant Henley own goal set the Reds on their way, then Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Divock Origi made it 4-0 at half-time.
Teemu Pukki pulled one back for Norwich after the break but Liverpool were convincing winners as they try to win the league for the first time since 1990.
"We were really good, really sharp from the first whistle. But they are good," Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said.
"We should have controlled the game a bit more. It's normal, when you're not physically at your highest level that you choose the wrong balls.
"There is a lot of room for improvement of course. But tonight is positive."
Klopp put out a strong starting line-up, with Sadio Mane on the bench after his late return following the African Cup of Nations.
And the European champions were at their free-flowing best in the first half as they ripped holes in the Norwich defence.
Liverpool had several chances to extend their lead in the second half but Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul made a number of good saves.
The newly-promoted side improved in the second half and Pukki scored a deserved goal as he found the corner.
The only concern for Liverpool was an injury to goalkeeper Alisson, who had to go off early in the first half with a calf injury and was replaced by new signing Adrian.
Klopp said Alisson will miss the Super Cup final against Chelsea on Wednesday (Thursday AEST).
"He thought something had hit him," Klopp said. "It didn't happen but that's what he thought at first.
"It's probably a bit more than a strain, it doesn't look too good but we'll see."
Norwich manager Daniel Farke said he was proud of the response from his team.
"I'm really pleased with the character of my team to go out and win the second half, but all in all, we are disappointed we lost this game," he said.
Australian Associated Press
