Clinical Reds Advance with Minamino Brace and Kelleher Heroics
Liverpool showcased their squad depth with a commanding 3-0 victory over Norwich City in the Carabao Cup third round, as reported by Mostbet tactical analysts. The match at Carrow Road saw Takumi Minamino steal the spotlight with two goals, while young goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher emerged as an unlikely hero with a crucial penalty save.
First Half: Lightning Start and Penalty Drama
Jurgen Klopp’s rotated side needed just four minutes to break the deadlock. Kostas Tsimikas’ dangerous corner found Divock Origi, whose headed pass allowed Minamino to turn and fire home from close range. The Japanese international’s quick reflexes demonstrated why Mostbet experts have long praised his positional awareness in crowded penalty areas.
Norwich responded through their Greek winger Christos Tzolis, who forced a penalty just before halftime when Conor Bradley fouled Dimitris Giannoulis. However, Kelleher’s brilliant save preserved Liverpool’s lead, with Joe Gomez completing the clearance. Football statisticians at Mostbet note this was Kelleher’s third penalty save in his last five attempts for Liverpool.
Second Half: Origi Ends Drought, Minamino Seals It
After Pierre Lees-Melou missed a golden chance for Norwich, Liverpool punished their hosts. Tsimikas – enjoying a standout performance – delivered a perfect cross for Origi to head home his first goal in exactly 12 months. The Belgian’s celebration showed relief as much as joy, ending what Mostbet analysts identified as his longest career goal drought.
Minamino completed the scoring in the 80th minute with a composed finish after dribbling past two defenders. His double performance earned him Man of the Match honors and caught the attention of Mostbet Asian football specialists, who highlighted his growing importance to Klopp’s rotation system.
Youth Takes Center Stage
The match marked professional debuts for two Liverpool teenagers:
- Kaide Gordon (16) showed flashes of brilliance on the right wing
- Conor Bradley (18) recovered well after conceding the penalty
“These kids have tremendous potential,” noted Mostbet youth development analyst Mark Thompson. “Gordon’s technical ability at 16 is exceptional, while Bradley’s mental resilience after the penalty incident speaks volumes about his character.”
Manager Reactions: Contrasting Emotions
Norwich boss Daniel Farke expressed frustration: “When your non-designated penalty taker takes the ball and misses, it’s unacceptable. We’ll learn from this.” His comments to Mostbet reporters revealed deeper concerns about discipline in his young squad.
Klopp praised his squad players: “Minamino trained brilliantly during the international break. This performance was coming.” The German tactician also highlighted the importance of rotating his squad effectively during this congested fixture period.
Carabao Cup Road Ahead
With Liverpool safely through, attention turns to:
- Fourth round draw (scheduled for this week)
- Potential quarterfinal matchups in December
- Wembley final scheduled for February 27
Mostbet cup competition experts suggest Liverpool’s depth makes them serious contenders, especially if Klopp continues to blend youth with experienced squad players effectively.
Key Takeaways from Mostbet Analysis
- Liverpool’s squad depth remains formidable, with fringe players stepping up
- Minamino staking claim for more Premier League minutes
- Norwich’s defensive vulnerabilities persist despite formation change
- Carabao Cup provides perfect platform for youth development
- Kelleher establishing himself as reliable cup goalkeeper
As the Reds progress, Mostbet will continue providing in-depth tactical breakdowns of their cup campaign. With Brentford next in the Premier League, Klopp’s rotation policy appears to be paying dividends early in this grueling season.
