Sterling effort: Raheem scores twice as Liverpool close in on title

Sterling sets Liverpool on their way at Carrow Road

Norwich City 2-3 Liverpool

Raheem Sterling scored twice as Liverpool moved within seven points of a first Premier League title with victory over Norwich at Carrow Road.

Neil Adams has lost his opening two fixtures in charge of Norwich, and they remain only two points clear of the relegation zone.

Sterling’s 25 yard strike and Luis Suarez’s close range finish meant Liverpool scored in the first half for the 25^th consecutive league game.

Gary Hooper pulled one back for Norwich, Sterling restored the two-goal lead with his second, before Robert Snodgrass’ late header gave Norwich hope of a revival.

For the tenth time this season, Liverpool broke the deadlock inside the opening ten minutes.

Sterling collected a pass from Philippe Coutinho in the fourth minute, and his shot took a slight deflection off Michael Turner as it beat John Ruddy’s dive.

Liverpool doubled their lead in the ninth minute as Sterling turned provider for Suarez who opened his body up to steer in his 30^th goal of the season.

Norwich finished the first half on the front foot, and started the second half at a similarly high tempo, getting their reward in the 54^th minute.

Steven Whittaker hoisted in a high cross, Johnson challenged with Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, and the loose ball fell for Hooper who rolled it into the unguarded net.

Liverpool’s third goal came just beyond the hour mark as Sterling picked up a loose pass on halfway, ran at the defence, and his left foot shot struck Johnson and looped over the stranded keeper.

With thirteen minutes to go Norwich set up a tense finish as Snodgrass headed Martin Olsson’s deep cross past Mignolet.