LIVERPOOL FC celebrated their biggest victory of the season as they thrashed Norwich City 5-0 in the Premier League at Anfield.

Brendan Rodgers' side produced the perfect response to their defeat to Manchester United as they comprehensively outclassed the Canaries.

Jordan Henderson ended his wait for a first Premier League goal of the season in stunning fashion when he fired the Reds in front.

Luis Suarez made it 2-0 before the break as he took his tally for the campaign to 20 goals and in the second half it was a procession.

Daniel Sturridge marked his home debut by becoming the first Liverpool player since Ray Kennedy in 1974 to score in his first three appearances for the club.

Steven Gerrard piled on the heartache for Norwich with a trademark piledriver and then the rout was complete when substitute Raheem Sterling's shot was diverted into his own net by defender Ryan Bennett.

There was a surprise before kick-off when it emerged that Pepe Reina was sidelined by a thigh injury and Brad Jones would deputise in goal.

The inclusion of the Aussie shot-stopper was one of four changes to the side beaten 2-1 by Manchester United.

Sturridge was handed his full Premier League debut for the Reds as Sterling dropped to the bench.

Joe Allen paid the price for his poor display at Old Trafford with Henderson replacing him in midfield, while veteran defender Jamie Carragher made his first league start since November in place of Martin Skrtel.

Norwich made four changes of their own with Ryan Bennett, Elliott Bennett, Jonathan Howson and Grant Holt replacing Sebastien Bassong, Anthony Pilkington, Wes Hoolahan and Simeon Jackson.

The Reds started brightly with Stewart Downing nodding wide from Suarez's cross inside three minutes.

For the most part Norwich were on the back foot trying to contain the hosts but the visitors could have grabbed a shock lead.

Robert Snodgrass swung a free-kick into the box and some woeful marking gifted Ryan Bennett a free header. To the Reds' relief, he sent his effort straight at Jones.

Normal service was soon resumed with Liverpool camped in Norwich's half and after a neat one-two with Suarez, Sturridge forced a low save from Mark Bunn.

Suarez had terrorised Norwich in the two previous meetings between the clubs – scoring hat-tricks on both occasions – and the sight of canary yellow inspired him once again.

One stunning backheel left Michael Turner trailing before from a tight angle he was denied by Bunn.

The Reds' pressure paid off with the breakthrough in the 26th minute. Suarez's run was halted on the edge of the box but the ball dropped to Henderson, who struck a thunderous half volley past Bunn.

With his confidence high, Henderson continued to shine and tested Bunn with another sweetly-struck effort from fully 35 yards.

Nine minutes before the break Liverpool doubled their tally as Norwich were carved apart. Lucas Leiva's pass was brilliantly dummied by Sturridge, who had spotted Suarez's run. The Uruguayan raced clear and kept his nerve to slot home.

Holt threatened to reduce the deficit soon after but Andre Wisdom was on hand to nod away from close to the goalline.

The pattern of the game remained the same in the second half with Liverpool dominating both possession and territory.

Downing went close from Johnson's lay-off before the third goal arrived just before the hour mark.

Henderson picked out Downing in the box and he unselfishly volleyed back across goal where Sturridge tucked it past Bunn.

Liverpool were rampant and in the 66th minute it was 4-0. Johnson found Gerrard who unleashed a powerful 25-yard drive into the bottom corner.

Rodgers rung the changes soon after as Lucas and Sturridge departed to standing ovations. Sterling and Fabio Borini were introduced.

Sterling's impact was swift as he celebrated the Reds' fifth with 16 minutes to go.

The flying winger got away from Michael Turner and his shot was diverted into his own net by Ryan Bennett.