This game evoked memories of the lunacy that was the 13/14 season - the 'score as many as you want, we'll just score more' mentality. Being two years older both mentally and definitely physically, I can't say that I can take too many of those finishes. Having said that, it was infinitely more enjoyable than a run-of-the-mill one-nil with little happening other than 90 predictable minutes. Klopp talks of football as being exciting, entertaining, a chance to leave your daily grind behind. Our boys didn't let us down on Saturday.
**At this point I'll pause my jubilance and flirt with negativity**
It's a pity that our defending nearly caused me to burst a blood vessel in my neck (the Moreno bellendery and the fucking corner, again), but the fighting spirit has somewhat dulled my rage at the entirely avoidable mistakes that gave a team as bad as Norwich the opportunity to put 4 past us. When you've spent the best part of 80 million quid (or thereabouts) on a back four, you should not be letting in 4 against the likes of Norwich. Additionally, the lack of a fast start hindered us as it simply encouraged Norwich to have a go at us. I actually thought Emre Can had his boots weighed down prior to kick-off, or there was some bizarre gravitational anomaly that made him look as if he was running in concrete. Likewise, the rest of the team had a hazy, foggy, trance-like state about them, as if they thought they just needed to turn up and Norwich would somehow gracefully bend over and take the obligatory slippering. Except they didn't; they harassed, they fought, they got their rewards for a bit of effort. The words 'oh for fucks sake' were repeatedly uttered in the house of zen, and as half time ticked past I had that sinking feeling again - the one from Newcastle, Watford, West Ham...
**End of negativity, all positive from hereon in**
The second half was a spirited fightback, prompted no doubt by a hefty half-time bollocking from the boss. The energy was there, Can and the rest of the midfield looked about 4 stone lighter, the speed of thought and speed of movement was at times joyous - I mentioned in the post-match thread that Firmino's movement reminded me a little of that Uruguayan Norwich botherer. He's clearly starting to become a bit more comfortable in his Premier League skin, and his incessant movement, self-berating and clinical finishing was something I could grow pretty content with seeing on a weekly basis. Lallana needs a particular mention because he did what he was sent on to do, namely make a difference. His performance was in total contrast to the weird exhibitions of dribbling, Cruyff turns and indecisiveness that have become something of an unwanted trademark of his this season. His celebration had the appearance of a man possessed, and relieved. This could be an important springboard for our Adam.
If anything, this lunatic game can be an important springboard for the club. We've got our swagger back - time to swing it at Stoke and book a trip back to Anfield South.