Jurgen Klopp won’t entertain the idea but the message about pursuing a quadruple and making history hasn’t reached Liverpool’s players or fans.
With the Carabao Cup safely tucked away, Liverpool moved stylishly into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a commanding display against Norwich that had those on The Kop singing about visiting Wembley twice. In this form, their team is giving them every reason to dream those dreams.
Norwich, as was the case last month when they visited in the Premier League, showed they possess reasonable ability but Liverpool took care of them as ruthlessly and clinically as a heavyweight champion swatting the next mandatory challenger.
Takumi Minamino (centre) celebrates scoring for Liverpool alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (left) and James Milner
Minamino opened the scoring with an excellent finish in the first half after collecting a Divock Origi (not pictured) pass
Minamino (not pictured) then doubled the lead against Norwich City to put Liverpool 2-0 ahead with a similar finish
Liverpool keeper Alisson was untested until Lukas Rupp struck an excellent goal with 15 minutes to be played
Takumi Minamino provided the blows to flatten Dean Smith’s side – scoring a double, just as he did when these teams faced up at Carrow Road last September in the Carabao Cup – and sent Liverpool into the last eight of this competition for the first time since 2015.
‘Really?’ Klopp said when reminded of that statistic. ‘Well, it feels good.’
Was this Liverpool’s best performance of the campaign? Certainly not. But what left you thinking that it might – just might – be possible to go to a place no other side has done is the professionalism and application they are taking into each contest.
Klopp had been left bemused on Tuesday when asked if he was familiar with the phrase “after the Lord Mayor’s show” but he would have got a sense of what it meant as he watched the opening 15 minutes unfold at slovenly pace.
There was a lull in the crowd and, having made 10 changes, the tempo at which Liverpool play was a beat slower than usual and Norwich caused some problems – the best chance was dragged wide by Teemu Pukki – but could never get past the imposing presence of Joe Gomez.
Eventually, Liverpool started to tick a Curtis Jones evoked memories of the goal he scored to knock Everton out of this competition in January 2020, bending a right-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area – rather than find the top corner, this time his effort clipped the top of the crossbar.
Jones was bright and busy, his clever footwork and deft little touches a reminder of why he has the potential to be around this group for years to come – Klopp called him “exceptional” – and it was appropriate he was involved in the move that led to Liverpool taking the lead.
What a shame it was that his night ended prematurely with a thigh issue.
Rupp’s strike set up an uncomfortable finale for the hosts, but the Reds held on to book a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals
Liverpool’s James Milner battles for the ball along with Norwich’s Milot Rashica during the fifth round clash at Anfield
Minamino started the move, nudging a ball inside to Jordan Henderson. From there, it was like pass-the-parcel as the captain fed Jones, who ushered it to the overlapping Kostas Tsimikas; the Greek crossed to Divock Origi, whose control was excellent and lay-off invited Minamino to finish.
A lovely goal – made easier, admittedly, by Norwich’s players having an immunity to tackling – and once they had their noses in front, there was little danger of Liverpool being pegged back primarily because they were playing in the opposition half.
Leading by one would have been suffice but the advantage was doubled in the 39th minute. Minamino was again the scorer – cracking in a drive off the inside of the post, after a corner from Tsimikas had deflected off Ben Gibson’s head – and his manager was over the moon.
‘I’m not surprised by what he does,’ said Klopp. ‘He is an incredible player; it was the best game he had for us. He played a super game and was a constant threat. Without him we would have been in the quarter-final, without him we wouldn’t have been in the final of the Carabao Cup.’
After Norwich’s late goal, Jurgen Klopp sent on Luis Diaz to ensure his side didn’t blow what had been a comfortable lead
Jordan Henderson (right) was the only player to keep his place following the weekend’s Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea
Jurgen Klopp congratulates his matchwinner Minamino at full-time as Liverpool’s quest for four trophies stays alive
To Norwich’s credit, they didn’t throw in the towel and there was a good energy to the way they started the second period; Dean Smith might run out of time to keep them in the top flight but he will most definitely be the right man to bring them back in the future.
Other teams might have cried enough, trying to peg back a team that have gone almost a calendar year without losing at home, but Norwich kept going, riding their luck when Minamino drove into the side-netting and Diogo Jota thumped a shot straight at Ben Gibson.
They got a reward in the 76th minute when Lukas Rupp fired past Alisson Becker after Gomez gave him space. Briefly, there was a possibility Norwich – especially when substitute Jonathon Rowe forced a fine save from Alisson – might do the unlikely.
‘We have had a chances and asked serious questions,’ said Smith. ‘We rallied in the second half but it was frustrating.’
But then Klopp introduced Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane to see the tie. A sign, if ever one was needed, that they means business.
RE-LIVE ALL THE EVENING’S FA CUP ACTION AS IT HAPPENED…
There are four minutes left. I still can’t see Norwich scoring again even if the Reds are just showing some small doubts. The Reds look like they just about have the nerve to see this out.
That nearly settled a few nerves though for the Reds. Diaz picking up the ball before from the edge of the box curling just wide of the top corner. Three minutes left.
Norwich’s first shot on target brought them a way back into this game, their second nearly produces an equaliser! Rowe canters into the box from the left before his shot across goal is crucially turned over by Alisson.
And here they both come, as fellow forwards Jota and Divock Origi depart.
It’s gone a little quiet inside Anfield now, and Jurgen Klopp is concerned enough to call back Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz who both could be brought on to boost the Reds’ attack as we enter the final ten minutes.
Of course this has just happened. Norwich have done nothing, absolutely nothing to trouble Liverpool… then all of a sudden Lukas Rupp collects a Sargent pass and from 23 yards out crashes home an excellent strike past the diving Alisson.
… and then he is replaced by Kenny McClean. What a way to go out.
You know the saying. ‘Two-nil is a dangerous lead’ but I don’t think I have seen one as comfortable as this.
The Reds are just going through the motions here as we enter the final 15 minutes.
Elliott involved again, picking up a Minamino pass on the byline before floating a cross to the back post where Diogo Jota poorly heads over the crossbar.
This game isn’t over yet though, and Liverpool will know that. It nearly is though as Oxlade-Chamberlain jus fails to properly connect with a ball over the top from Elliott.
Not really much going on at Anfield to tell you the truth. Just past the hour mark and Liverpool withdraw skipper Jordan Henderson to bring on Tyler Morton.
Norwich make a triple change as Teemu Pukki, Mathias Normann and Milot Rashica are replaced by Kieran Dowell, Jon Rowe and Billy Gilmour.
It nearly brings an instant reponse, with Sargent converting a finish just wide across goal following a cross. Mathias Normann, MIlot RAshica
I tell you what, that was a top performance by Southampton. City, Chelsea or (maybe) Liverpool will not fancy a trip to St Mary’s.
It’s all over now. Armando Broja cuts inside from the left, beats a defender with a drop of the shoulder and then like a snooker player rolling in an easy red, finishes lovely across goal to send the Saints into the quarter-finals.
Save of the night – no doubts about that. Craig Dawson nearly makes up for giving away a penalty by heading a bullet header towards goal, only for Caballero to make amends for his own error leading to the West Ham goal but superbly parrying the shot wide.
We are into SEVEN added minutes at St Mary’s. A late assault incoming from the Hammers…
Liverpool send on Harvey Elliott for Curtis Jones who appears to have picked up a knock while Josh Sargent comes on for Przemyslaw Placheta… and instantly fires just wide across goal for the Canaries.
Just five minutes left at St Mary’s and West Ham are just about still in this as Alphonse Areola leaps superbly to his top right to palm behind a superb strike from Nathan Redmond. West Ham running out of time to get back into this as the home fans chant ‘When the Saints go marching in’.
Chelsea have battled back well in this second half. They haven’t been at their best this evening, but they’ve been good enough, as they continue to push for a fourth goal in stoppage time.
Credit to Luton Town though this evening, they have made a good honest fight of this cup tie.
Chelsea have been getting up a bit of steam and finally take the lead with Werner’s clever ball across goal touched home on the slide by Romelu Lukaku.
Craig Dawson brings down Armando Broja and after a pitchside VAR check, a penalty is correctly given – one blasted home by James Ward-Prowse.
Takumi Minamino again. He brings down a cross at the back post very well, before creaming a finish high into the ceiling of the net. We are seeing some excellent goals this evening!
It’s all happening now! Willy Caballero makes a mess of a near post West Ham corner and it allows Michail Antonio to stab home for his first goal since New Year’s Day I believe.
Another lovely goal, much like Manchester City’s yesterday. Loftus-Cheek’s long pass is brought down wonderfully well by Timo Werner with his first touch and it sets it up for him to place a finish past Isted.
Soucek has indeed had to depart, as he is replaced by Said Benrahma.
Well over an hour gone now and Chelsea make a double change. The anonymous Callum Hudson-Odoi and Kenedy departing as Christian Pulisic and 18-year-old Harvey Vale come on.
Liverpool have been rather casual in this half, but they have needed to up the gears as Divock Origi collects a cross and squares for Takumi Minamino to smash home.
Blood and thunder stuff at the start of this half. Ibrahima Diallo uses his arm to fend off Tomas Soucek on the ball but in doing so collects the midfielder full in the face above his eye, to the point the area is now pouring with blood. For now he is going off to at least get cleaned up.
A touch of the old ‘Tottenhams’ about Chelsea at the start of this second half in reference to last night. Luton have looked quite comfortable at the start of this half as Ruben Loftus Cheek headers a couple of yards wide of the target.
No changes as Chelsea look for a goal to avoid an upset on an already gloomy evening for the club in the light of Abramovich’s intent to sell the club.
An early sighter from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who from 30 yards couldn’t channel Perraud’s spirit after dragging wide of the target.
Meanwhile Curtis Jones from the edge of the box just clips the top of the crossbar with a curling strike from the edge of the box.
James Milner (left) of Liverpool battles for possession with Milot Rashica of Norwich City
Saints edge it at the break but it’s also been a top cup tie on the south coast, with West Ham perhaps slightly unfortunate to be behind to that wonderful effort from Perraud.
Speaking of Liverpool, they have kicked off against Norwich with 10 changes from the side who beat Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final at the weekend. Only Jordan Henderson keeps his place.
We are seeing it all this evening. What a goal this is! It’s Romain Perraud‘s first for the club and I’m going on record he won’t score a better one than this. He must be 30 yards out before unleashing a wonderful strike across goal into the top corner.
What a cup tie this is! Harry Cornick beats offside as he escapes Malang Sarr, before cantering into the box and placing a cool finish across goal to beat the onrushing Kepa Arrizabalaga. He may have been offside (not certain on that) but there is no VAR this evening.
Even the away fans have found their voices now. ‘European champions we know what we are’ has just been given an airing, as Isted makes an excellent low stop to his left to keep out a well struck first time effort from Lukaku.
Isted makes a couple of cracking saves to keep Luton level as Chelsea begin to get on top. Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck is among the away support this evening (below)
Seconds after going close to heading home a second, Luton are pegged back. The hosts give the ball away inside their own half and it leads to Timo Werner bringing the ball across the edge of the penalty area and into the path of Saul Niguez who bends a lovely first time finish into the bottom corner after stealing possession off the striker.
Meanwhile, West Ham go close to an opening goal. Quick one-touch passing sees the ball worked into the Saints box, before it falls loose for Tomas Soucek who can only scuff wide inside the area.
Chelsea have been really poor so far. It’s taken them about 23 minutes just to create a half-chance. One falls for Saul Niguez at the back post following a cross but he can only nod wide.
We are already five minutes into the game at St Mary’s no goals yet between the two teams though in what has been a slow start.
Into the deep end goes Harry Isted, most recently on loan at Wealdstone, to replace Steer. No pressure, son. It’s only Chelsea…
Speaking of which the home fans are singing: ‘You’re getting sold in the morning’. Cruel bunch are football fans!
Luton have problems though. Goalkeeper Jed Steer has seriously injured his foot or more likely an ankle racing off his line to beat Romelu Lukaku to an aerial ball and he has gone down in serious pain. Unfortunately his evening is done, and his punch to the playing surface is either through frustration or pain – maybe both. He is departing on a stretcher to applause from the home fans.
The home side are riding a crest of a wave right now, they are all over Chelsea – being roared on by the locals singing about going to Wembley.
Incredible. What a start! A corner is swung towards the near post by Luke Berry and there to glance a header across goal is Reece Burke to give the hosts a shock lead inside two minutes. Kenilworth Road has gone beserk!
Alisson, Milner, Konate, Gomez, Tsimikas, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jones, Minamino, Jota, Origi.
It’s a packed house, of course, for this Cup tie. Pantomime boos for Chelsea as they emerge ahead of Luton who arrive to huge cheers. Lots of Ukraine flags in the crowd too.
Chelsea Q&A: Roman Abramovich wants at least £3BILLION – but can he get it? Could the UK government seize control if sanctions are taken against him? And what happens if the trustees REJECT offer of ‘stewardship’?
A bit confused about the whole Chelsea ownership and the puzzle behind it? Fear not, we have a handy Q&A to help you out with any questions – and you must have some! – you may have.
And this young Southampton fan has produced a banger. I’m giving that a 9/10. His club of course would rather they got their hands on the real thing for the first time since 1976 (Bobby Stokes against Man Utd and all that), as they look to negotitate a half-decent West Ham side this evening, also with eyes on their first silverware since 1980. Nope I’m not letting you claim the Intertoto Cup Hammers fans…
Roman Abramovich confirms he has made the ‘incredibly difficult decision’ to sell Chelsea
As promised here is more on this evening’s breaking news that Roman Abramovich has publicly confirmed he will sell Chelsea. Not a move he has taken lightly judging by his statement.
It’s a little bit dragged out isn’t it? But here are the teams looking to join Manchester City, Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough in the quarter-finals.
Although these images were taken before it was made public of Abramovich’s intentions to sell the club.
Who knows, this may even be the final game under the ownership of Roman Abramovich given how quickly he may have to sell the club. What an era either way.
And here is how Chelsea will line up this evening…
Ok, that wasn’t quite team news, but the Chelsea owner has just released a statement on the club website that partly reads:
‘As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart. In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the Club.’
More to follow on that but right now you can get the latest on his and Chelsea’s future here.
Manchester City, Crystal Palace and certainly Middlesbrough were yesterday, but we have three more FA Cup quarter-final places up for grabs this evening as I welcome you to our live coverage of all the fifth round action.
It all starts at Kenilworth Road, where team news is on the way next…
Dan Ripley
Host commentator