Russell Martin cancelled out Danny Ings's first Liverpool goal to rescue a point for Norwich City in the Premier League showdown at Anfield.

The Reds started the match with attacking intent, firing an early warning shot in the eighth minute when Philippe Coutinho had a crack from outside the box, sending a half-volley wide of the target.

Steven Whittaker of Norwich City and Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool battle for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Norwich City at Anfield on September 20, 2015 © Getty Images

Norwich responded to the early pressure with a long-range attempt of their own moments later, Graham Dorrans lashing an effort wide of Simon Mignolet's goal from 30 yards out.

Liverpool had the chance to break the deadlock in the 18th minute when Alberto Moreno gave his marker the slip and lined up James Milner for a shot on the edge of the box, but the former Manchester City man's effort was blocked by Robbie Brady.

Daniel Sturridge could have fired Liverpool ahead just after the half-hour mark when he gained possession from Milner and got a sight of goal, directing his shot straight at Canaries keeper John Ruddy.

It took Brendan Rodgers's charges until early in the second half to draw first blood, Ings latching on to a lofted pass from Moreno before keeping his composure and poking the ball beyond Ruddy to open his account for the Reds.

Liverpool's English striker Danny Ings scores his team's first goal past Norwich City's English goalkeeper John Ruddy (R) during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Norwich City at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, north-west E © Getty Images

Coutinho came within inches of doubling Liverpool's lead in the 55th minute when he ghosted past Whittaker and sent a curling strike towards the top corner that came within a whisker of making the net ripple.

However, the Reds were pegged back following a rare Norwich attack. Mignolet failed to deal with Brady's corner and Martin took full advantage, smashing home an equaliser that left Anfield stunned.

Mignolet atoned for his effort minutes later when he pulled off a reaction save to prevent the Canaries from taking a surprise lead, making himself big to deny Matt Jarvis at the near post.

Russell Martin of Norwich City (L) celebrates in front of the travelling fans with team mates as he scores their first and equalising goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Norwich City at Anfield on September 20, 2015 © Getty Images

Liverpool went in search of a winner, but the good form of Ruddy kept them out, the Norwich stopper thwarting Moreno and Roberto Firmino in quick succession to keep the scores level.

The hosts' best chance to win the match came in the 78th minute when Firmino released Coutinho along the flank and the Brazilian raced through on goal.

He only had Ruddy to beat, but directed his strike straight at the goalkeeper. Norwich withstood more late pressure but held on for a memorable point.