Minamino double sends Liverpool past battling Norwich and into last eight

Liverpool’s pursuit of what Jürgen Klopp insists is an unlikely quadruple goes on, though progress into the FA Cup quarter-finals was more complicated than it should have been. The Carabao Cup winners were comfortably in the ascendency against Norwich courtesy of a Takumi Minamino double until Lukas Rupp’s goal brought anxiety to Anfield. Liverpool saw victory out, however, to record an 11th successive win for the first time in 15 years.

Jordan Henderson was the only member of Sunday’s starting line-up to retain his place as Klopp made 10 changes for the fifth round tie. James Milner made his 50th appearance in the FA Cup, with the 36-year-old’s inclusion at right-back underlining his value to Liverpool yet again. Smith also rang the changes, seven from Friday’s defeat at Southampton, and understandably bemoaned a fixture schedule that placed an onerous burden on Norwich fans for the fourth meeting of the season between the teams. “It is too late for the away fans to travel and to be expected to travel back,” said the Norwich manager, although roughly 1,000 Norwich supporters did journey to Merseyside for an 8.15pm kick-off. The sheer magic of it all.

The away fans witnessed a committed performance laced with an occasional threat from their makeshift team, but mainly the dominance and goal threat that Liverpool exert whenever they meet. Milner was prominent on the right flank, assuming the elder Trent Alexander-Arnold role with several dangerous crosses and readiness to join the attack, and Curtis Jones went close to reprising his FA Cup winning goal against Everton from two years ago with a curled effort from the corner of the visitors’ area. The midfielder’s shot sailed beyond Tim Krul only to kiss the top of his