Ben Gibson's first Norwich City goal held extra emotion after a difficult few weeks for the Canaries defender and his family. 

In December, Gibson and his partner welcomed their second child, who was born extremely prematurely and has since been in hospital in the intensive care unit. 

Thankfully, she is on the mend, but Gibson has been attempting to balance those difficulties with a demanding and highly pressurised football career. 

After flicking Gabriel Sara's corner into the net to restore parity in the first half, Gibson felt a release of emotion. He was quick to dedicate the goal to his family. To convert it in front of the Kop at Anfield made it taste even sweeter. 

“It was nice and has been a long time coming," he said. "It was nice for my family as we’ve been through a lot recently.

"My partner gave birth prematurely in December. For Ashley, Mylie, who is still in hospital, but we’re hoping she’s out soon, and she’s doing really well, and my little boy Taylor, who turned one yesterday, I’m delighted for them.

"I know I should have done better from set pieces and broken my duck for Norwich sooner, but let’s hope it’s a case of London buses and another one comes soon."

Juggling the situation with his newborn child whilst competing for a place in Norwich's defence is a situation that has taken its toll on Gibson, who wanted to thank the staff at the Norwich and Norfolk University Hospital for the care given. 

"I see other parents who are in there, and it’s tough – but it is for them as well," he said. "They have to get the balance between whatever they are doing and the situation.

"The staff, parents and babies in there are amazing. It has been tough at times getting the balance right between being at home with my son and being at the hospital by the incubator whilst trying to be the best professional I can be to perform well for the club. Hopefully, I’ve got the balance right.

The Pink Un: Ben Gibson netted his first goal since joining the club in 2020.Ben Gibson netted his first goal since joining the club in 2020. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

“We are a tight unit. We live four or five hours away from where we come from, and it’s been a tough time. I’m not going to lie.

"I’m so proud of my missus, who has been amazing, and my little girl. That goal is for them. My mum and dad, as well who come to every game around the country.

"I don’t get many, but it’s nice to get one for them and the fans who came here in their numbers. I hope they appreciate the effort the lads have shown and then a bit more quality from Borja. His goal was a bit better than mine."