Liverpool began the 2019-2020 Premier League season with the same passion and intensity that fetched them the Champions League title of 2019, punishing newly promoted Norwich City 4-1 on Friday.

Within 30 minutes of the game, the Reds proved their mettle and netted three goals at Anfield.

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Norwich, making their return to the top-flight after three seasons in the second division, trailed 1-0 in the 7th minute on an own goal by team captain Grant Hanley, who mistakenly redirected a Divock Origi cross into his own net.

Twelve minutes later, Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah, who shared the 2018-2019 Premier League Golden Boot with teammate Sadio Mane and Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, beat Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul with an assist from Roberto Firmino to make the lead 2-0 for Reds.

Virgil van Dijk made it 3-0 for Liverpool in the 28th minute, with a superb header off a corner kick from Salah. The connection from Virgil was so meticulous that Krul could only see the ball passing him to go into the nets.

Origi, the instigator of the first goal, scored one on his own account in the 42nd minute, getting his head to a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold.

But it wasn’t all good news for Liverpool in the first-half, as keeper Alisson Becker had to be helped off the field in the 39th minute after a goal kick.

Replacing the Brazilian was Adrian San Miguel, who only joined the Merseyside club from West Ham United a few days ago.

Liverpool’s performance slipped after the break, while the visitors improved, but while Finnish striker Teemu Pukki put Norwich on the scoreboard in the 64th minute, the outcome was never in doubt.

Defending Premier League champions Manchester City will start their season on Saturday with a match in London against West Ham.

The most anticipated contest of the opening weekend is set for Sunday, when Manchester United will host Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Behind the bench for the Blues will be one of the best players in the history of the London club, Frank Lampard, who became Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer while helping the side win three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League.

(with inputs from IANS)