Liverpool 1-1 Norwich City : Why There Is Plenty To Smile About

Another game, another 1-1 result, another draw. That can easily sum up the late Saturday match played at Anfield between Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool and Paul Lambert's Norwich City.

From one point of view, this result is two points dropped, especially with Newcastle keeping up their fine run of form with another win to remain surprisingly undefeated after nine games. However, for those who watched the match, they will know that Liverpool could have easily notched up a cricket scoreline over the Canaries.

The Reds went into the match with a 4-4-2 formation with Luis Suarez and Dirk Kuyt up front with ammunition provided by Stewart Downing and Craig Bellamy. Captain Steven Gerrard came into the match following with his first goal after six months—against Manchester United—with a second straight league start.

King Kenny's men started the match with a bang with defender Martin Skrtel unlucky to see his  powerful header from a Charlie Adam corner rattling the woodwork. The rest of the first half was filled with a flurry of chances; Luis Suarez especially had numerous opportunities to open the scoring.

Liverpool played the first half with fast-paced, one-touch, attacking, free-flowing football. They were eventually rewarded when Craig Bellamy slotted home his second goal since rejoining the Reds in the summer transfer window right at the death of first half stoppage time.

Many believed Norwich would be dealt a cruel psychological blow after Bellamy's goal, only for them to do the exact opposite after Grant Holt's towering header equalised the scores a quarter of an hour after the first half.

The Reds went all out after the equaliser, playing good attacking football, determined to get the winning goal. Luis Suarez was yet again very, very unfortunate not to be on the scoresheet. Substitute Andy Carroll failed to capitalise on a header six yards from goal.

It turned out to be an entertaining affair at L4 with Norwich having their fair share of chances. Not that it was dull in the opening 45 minutes, but the game really came alive after the break with both teams having the chance to take the lead.

In the end, the statistics showed Liverpool had 15 shots on target with the visitors putting up an impressive 10 shots on target.

Yes, another draw, but Liverpool can keep their chin up with the way they played. Due credit must be given to Norwich for their never-say-die attitude.

From two games, Liverpool collected two points out of a possible six. On paper, it looks a poor return but the Reds can proudly claim to have easily gotten maximum points only for them to be denied by Lady Luck.

It is thoroughly encouraging to see the Reds performing impressively home and away with a positive approach the the game.

Kenny Dalglish must keep up with this brand of football. The team only needs to be more prolific in front of goal. King Kenny would definitely emphasise on this after the outcomes of the last couple of games when the squad resumes training this week.

Next week, a near-healthy Liverpool travel to play Roy Hodgson's West Brom with a Carling Cup fixture away at the Brittania Stadium against Stoke City before that. Hopefully, Luis Suarez and Co will convert their chances this time.