The Northern Irishman was delighted to see his side marry attacking quality with defensive determination and he congratulated the squad on securing Champions League qualification

Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for his Liverpool team after they moved another step closer to the Premier League title on Sunday.

The Northern Irishman saw his side battle to a crucial 3-2 victory at Norwich City, a result that propels them five points clear of Chelsea at the top of the table with just three games remaining.

Liverpool were forced to dig as the Canaries mounted a spirited response, though, and Rodgers was effusive in his praise of his players for their attitude in sealing a vital win.

“(In the first half) we showed great quality – we were nerveless, in our possession and our control,” said Rodgers.

“But credit to Norwich, they changed their shape to 4-2-3-1 second half [and] they got a goal, which gave them and the crowd a bit of momentum. From that it was always going to be a tough game for us.

“But we showed everything again – the quality of our play and our positioning in the first half was exceptional.

“Second half, when we had to show the character and resilience and determination; we showed that in bundles.”

Liverpool’s victory ensures they can finish no lower than third in the Premier League – meaning a return to the Champions League next term is guaranteed after a four-season absence – and Rodgers lauded his squad for the achievement.

“Congratulations to the players,” he continued. “At the start of the season everyone thought it would be a struggle for us to get to fourth, so it shows the magnitude of the effort that they’ve put in.”