Premier League leaders Liverpool were forced to be patient in their 1-0 win at bottom-placed Norwich on Saturday.
Liverpool dominated possession and fired off 17 shots, while the hosts only managed one on-target effort, but Jurgen Klopp’s players lacked a clinical edge.
Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul also pulled off an astonishing double save around the hour mark, denying Mohamed Salah before smothering Naby Keita’s close-range rebound.
It was not until the 78th minute that the European champions were finally able to break down the Norwich defence, finding the net through Sadio Mane.
It was the Senegal international’s 100th goal in all competitions since arriving in England.
The win gave Liverpool a 25-point lead over defending Premier League champions Manchester City, who this week were banned from the Champions League for two seasons.