The Reds applied pressure in the opening stages, with Glen Johnson and Philippe Coutinho both having efforts blocked by the Saints' rearguard.

Liverpool's Luis Suarez is congratulated by teammates after scoring the opening goal against Norwich during their Premier League match on December 4, 2013 © Getty Images

Brendan Rodgers's side took the lead in the 15th minute courtesy of a goal-of-the-season contender from Suarez, who caught Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy off his line with a lob from almost 40 yards out.

The Uruguayan, who has an exceptional scoring record against the Canaries, added a second just before the half-hour mark, leaping high in the box to head home a Coutinho corner.

Suarez completed a first half hat-trick in the 35th minute, flicking the ball over Leroy Fer before smashing a half-volley past Ruddy to put his side three up at the interval.

Liverpool continued to ask all of the questions after the restart, with Steven Gerrard's 52nd-minute header requiring a line clearance from Ryan Bennett, and Ruddy tipping a 30-yard screamer from Joe Allen over the bar five minutes later.

Liverpool's Luis Suarez celebrates with teammate Steven Gerrard after scoring his team's second goal against Norwich during their Premier League match on December 4, 2013 © Getty Images

Suarez, who is now the first Liverpool player to score three hat-tricks against the same team, added a fourth on 74 minutes, burying a free kick from 25 yards out to cap off a sublime individual display.

Norwich pulled one back seven minutes from time when Bradley Johnson met Nathan Redmond's cross with a thumping header, but it was the Reds who had the final say.

Suarez was the provider this time as Raheem Sterling smashed home a cut-back from the four-goal striker to complete the rout two minutes from time.