Echo: Magician Suarez does the trick again

It's a song Luis Suarez has become familiar with at grounds across the country. Opposition fans use it to goad him about past controversies.

However, with the Liverpool striker having silenced that chant with a display of breathtaking brilliance on Saturday, it was the joyous 2,500 travelling Kopites who gave it an airing with a different tone.

'Luis Suarez, you know what you are,' echoed around Carrow Road. They know, Suarez knows and so do Norwich's overworked and embarrassed back four who will need to spend this week lying down in a darkened room after being tormented by the Uruguayan.

When Suarez performs in this manner, he proves himself to be one of the most technically gifted marksmen on the planet. Having wrestled the matchball off referee Mike Jones after the final whistle, Suarez went to salute the away end for their unwavering support.

He had capped his 50th league appearance for the club with an historic achievement. No Liverpool player had ever scored hat-tricks in the same away league fixture in successive seasons.

How the Canaries must be sick of the sight of him. Back in April, he produced a one-man demolition job, completing his treble late on with an awe-inspiring 50-yard lob.

Five months on he served up another masterclass as the first league victory of Brendan Rodgers' Anfield reign was secured in emphatic fashion.

Whether it's the Norfolk air or Delia Smith's pre-match buffet, Rodgers needs to bottle it because when Suarez turns it on like this he's unplayable. It had been a frustrating start to the season for the frontman with chances going begging and refereeing decisions conspiring against him. The constant sniping from opponents with allegations of diving has created a reputation which precedes him with officials.

Against both Sunderland and Manchester United he was denied clear spot-kicks and Saturday showed that Rodgers was wasting his breath when he called referees' chief Mike Riley last week to air his complaints.

Jones' failure to point to the spot when Suarez was taken down by Leon Barnett in the first half defied belief.

Having barged into Suarez's back, the defender then pole-axed him with an elbow in the back of the head just to ensure he went down. Jones saw nothing untoward.

Of course on this occasion it didn't matter. Suarez dusted himself off and made Norwich pay in the best possible fashion but his treatment remains a serious concern.

'When Suarez gets a pen, we'll all have a party', sang Reds fans but it looks like they'll have to wait some time for that celebration.

What was different on Saturday was the ruthless streak Suarez showcased in the final third. Typically, he missed the easiest opportunity to come his way but the three he accepted were finishes of true class and precision. Suarez has admitted he needs to be more prolific for Liverpool. A half century of Premier League appearances has only yielded 20 goals.

But he now boasts five in six league matches this term, fuelling hope he can be that 30-goal a season man supporters crave.

Suarez deservedly took the plaudits but this was a hugely impressive team performance.

On the 31st anniversary of Bill Shankly's death, the Reds served up the kind of attacking football which would have had the legendary Scot nodding in approval.

Having seen dominance go unrewarded in recent weeks, Rodgers could finally sit back and enjoy the fruits of his labour as Norwich were continually carved open by the visitors' relentless passing game.

There was the perfect balance in midfield with Nuri Sahin playing in front of Steven Gerrard and Joe Allen. The trio were outstanding as their slick link-up play meant the Canaries were left chasing shadows.

Having needed time to build up his fitness, Sahin now looks like an inspired acquisition. As well as his touch and vision, the Turk's ability in the final third is a huge asset and he capped a fine afternoon's work with his first Premier League goal.

Just as it was in the League Cup in midweek, the manager's faith in youth was handsomely rewarded. Teenagers Suso and Andre Wisdom followed in the footsteps of Raheem Sterling as Rodgers handed them first league starts. Suso shone with his trickery and invention down the right flank, while Wisdom slotted in seamlessly at right-back on another landmark day for the club's flourishing Kirkby Academy.

Liverpool enjoyed the dream start as inside 70 seconds Suarez held off the attentions of Barnett on the edge of the box and unleashed a low right-footer past John Ruddy.

Pepe Reina thwarted Simeon Jackson but the Reds were always in control with Ruddy clawing away Gerrard's diving header.

Eight minutes before the break Suarez missed a sitter after being put through by Daniel Agger but what happened next was testament to his perseverance. As Ruddy took a short goal-kick, Suarez still had his head in his hands but he was alert and closed down Michael Turner. Having nipped the ball off the defender, he nutmegged him for good measure and then with the outside of his right boot bent an exquisite finish into the corner.

Early in the second half, Suarez turned provider, crossing for Sahin to make it 3-0, before completing his hat-trick in the 57th minute.

Another slick move saw Gerrard, Suso and Sahin combine to find Suarez whose curler gave Ruddy no chance.

The goals may have started to flow but one worry for Rodgers will be the ease with which opponents are flourishing at the other end.

Hopes of a clean sheet were dashed when Reina spilled Russell Martin's shot and Steve Morison tucked away the rebound. Martin Skrtel's error was also punished by substitute Grant Holt but the four-goal cushion had already been restored by then as Gerrard and Sterling exchanged passes before the skipper's strike deflected past Ruddy.

Holt's goal was only a minor irritation on the day when Liverpool's Premier League campaign burst into life. If this is a taste of what's to come under Rodgers, it's going to be some ride.

Source: Liverpool Echo