Martin Skrtel believes a 'collective effort' was the key to ensuring Liverpool emerged triumphant in a hard-fought contest with Norwich on Sunday.

The Reds raced into an early two-goal lead thanks to efforts from Raheem Sterling and Luis Suarez. The Canaries hit back after the break through Gary Hooper before Sterling added the visitors' third.

Robert Snodgrass's 77th minute header for Norwich set up a tense finale, but Brendan Rodgers' side were able to see out the remainder of the contest and move five points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Speaking to his official website, Skrtel reflected: "We have three very precious points.

"The first half was really good, we were dominant, scored two goals and also kept them at bay, but the second half was different.

"They played really well and never gave up. We didn't play that well in the second half but we fought very hard and we won. It was a collective effort.

"Now we have one week to get ready for Chelsea and obviously everyone knows what a game that is."

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