{{Liverpool stand three steps from Premier League heaven after all the qualities required to win titles were put to the test by Norwich City at Carrow Road.}}
Brendan Rodgers’s side – it is still just too early to call them champions-elect – showed their attacking brilliance, resilience and enjoyed a little good fortune to hold out for a win that at one stage looked a formality.
Early goals from Raheem Sterling and Luis Suarez were examples of the fluidity and brilliance that have become Liverpool’s trademark this season, but those other factors were at work as they dug in to go five points clear at the top of the table with a 3-2 victory.
With all the other cards falling into place this week as Sunderland took four points off Manchester City and Chelsea, it was a result that completed another perfect weekend for Liverpool – and for supporters heady on the anticipation of their first title in 24 years.
Liverpool – who host Chelsea, visit Crystal Palace and return to Anfield to face Newcastle – may not even need their three games to complete the job.
If they do not win the title now, though, it will be regarded as one of the biggest missed opportunities in their history.
Once again, captain Steven Gerrard led by example at Carrow Road, especially late on when struggling Norwich got the scent of an unlikely point. And his message was the same as after the win against Manchester City a week ago – one more obstacle successfully cleared, on to the next.
The reaction of every member of Liverpool’s camp at the final whistle told the tale. After Chelsea’s shock defeat at home to Sunderland, this was an opportunity to be grabbed with both hands. How nervously they clung to it during those tense final moments in Norfolk.
Adding to a sense that this will be Liverpool’s title season at last, even those Rodgers has sent away from Anfield have been making crucial contributions.
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