AnalysisTalking points: Minamino delivers, milestones and momentum
Liverpool advanced to the quarter-finals of the Emirates FA Cup by beating Norwich City 2-1 at Anfield.
Liverpool 2-1 Norwich: Extended highlights
Takumi Minamino scored twice in the first half to secure his side's progression, with the Reds holding on after Lukas Rupp pulled one back.
Here are five talking points from Wednesday's fifth-round tie...
Taki in the tournaments
Minamino continues to be Liverpool's go-to man for goals in the domestic cup competitions.
The No.18 bagged his eighth and ninth of the season – with seven of them now coming in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup combined.
Since January 2020, the forward's tally in domestic cup competitions stands at nine – the most of any Red in this period.
He's also making the most of every opportunity he gets in the starting XI. Minamino has been on the scoresheet seven times in his eight starts this term.
"Every time he comes in, he's ready and he delivers," James Milner said. "He's such a nice guy. You're delighted for him every time he scores."
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Progression secured
For the first time in the Jürgen Klopp era, Liverpool are in the draw for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
"It feels good, it feels good," the boss admitted post-match.
With one domestic cup already secured, the Reds are now looking to end their 16-year wait to win football's oldest knockout competition once again.
They'll find out who they're going to face in the last eight on Thursday evening.
The excitement levels of this season will keep on growing.
It's a squad game
In order to build on the Carabao Cup success, Liverpool will need to utilise every ounce of quality within the whole squad.
A total of 33 players were used en route to League Cup glory, while in the FA Cup this season the figure now stands at 28.
Klopp opted to make double-digit changes to his line-up for this contest. Why? "Because we can do it," he told his players beforehand.
And even with 10 alterations, the hosts managed to play fine football in lengthy spells, as evidenced in the free-flowing move for the opening goal.
The performance secured the squad its 11th consecutive victory – the first time a Liverpool side have enjoyed such a run since August 2007.
Strength in depth at its finest.
Milestones for Mane and Millie
Sadio Mane came on to a rousing reception in the 83rd minute as he recorded his 250th appearance for the club.
The speedster stands in 81st place on the Reds’ all-time top appearances list.
Milner, meanwhile, brought up a half-century of outings in the FA Cup.
He would mark his 50th showing in the competition with an assured display in Liverpool's backline as the right-sided full-back.
His FA Cup debut was back in February 2003 for a fourth-round replay against Gillingham as a Leeds United player. He's still going strong 19 years later.
Blessed between the sticks
The past two matches have shown the sublime quality Liverpool possess in the goalkeeping department.
Usual deputy Caoimhin Kelleher was the hero at Wembley but made way for Alisson Becker in this fixture.
And though it was a rather quiet evening for the most part, the Brazilian was at his absolute best towards the end to ensure a 2-1 win for his side.
Not long after Norwich had pulled one back, Jonathan Rowe would have netted a late equaliser had it not been for Alisson's flying save to tip a fierce shot over the crossbar.
"That's why we have Ali – for these situations," Kostas Tsimikas assessed.
He's ready whenever you need him.
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