Sterling’s Brace Enough For Liverpool

Liverpool moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League after being pushed all the way by a spirited Norwich City side.

Brendan Rodgers’ title-chasers got off to their customary fast start, as it took them only four minutes to take the lead.

Raheem Sterling followed up his strike against Manchester City last weekend with another sensational goal, as he picked up a Philippe Coutinho pass 25 yards from goal, fashioned himself some space and let rip from distance. There was a hint of a deflection, but John Ruddy in the Canaries’ goal had no chance and Liverpool were on their way.

A sweeping Reds break six minutes later saw Coutinho play the ball out to Sterling, who took the pass in his stride, played in an incisive low ball to Luis Suarez and the remier League’s leading goal scorer netted his 30th of the season by sweeping the ball past Ruddy.

Neil Adams’ men begun the second half strongly and were reward with a goal when Gary Hooper capitalised on an error from Simon Mignolet, who was beaten to a high ball by Bradley Johnson.

The former Celtic man steered home, but the Canaries’ joy was short-lived, as Sterling doubled his tally for the afternoon after his scampering run from the midfield ended up with his deflected shot looping over Ruddy.

Norwich refused to give in though and scored a second through a Robert Snodgrass looping header to ensure a grandstand finish.

Brendan Rodgers’ men held on for their second consecutive 3-2 win, following last weekend’s Anfield victory over Manchester City and ensured that they took full advantage of Chelsea and City’s recent slip-ups to take the reigns in what is proving to be a thrilling title race.