A Tough Task on Paper
A visit to the promoted side might seem easy on paper, but not in the Premier League. The hosts came in hoping for any point against the champions. Even a draw would boost their morale and confidence as they aim to stay in the top flight.
Lineups and Early Expectations
After the international break, the home side set up with a low block, ready to defend for ninety minutes. The visitors arrived with three wins from three. New record signing Alexander Isak was absent, and the champions stuck with an unchanged side — proof of the manager’s “never change a winning team” motto.
One-Way Traffic
Given the gap in quality, one-way traffic was expected. Liverpool dominated possession, pushing to break down a stubborn home defense set to strike on the counter, through loose balls or set pieces.
Risky Passes and Early Battles
Lack of space made Liverpool’s job harder. Risky passes brought danger both ways — one misplaced ball from the skipper allowed Burnley their first attempt at goal.
Midfield Struggles
The midfield battle grew intense. Ugochukwu’s heavy tackle on Mac Allister earned him a yellow. Liverpool knew they’d need patience and every trick in the book to break through.
Kerkez in Trouble
Kerkez was booked for diving in search of a penalty, then later for a tactical foul that unsettled Arne Slot. To avoid further risk, he was replaced by Robertson in a tactical switch.
A Tactical Shift
The half ended goalless despite Liverpool’s dominance. Early in the second half, Slot brought on Conor Bradley for Mac Allister, shifting Szoboszlai into midfield. The move, influenced by Ugochukwu’s earlier tackle, added width and stretched the pitch.
Growing Pressure
Liverpool improved steadily, doubling their shot tally. Burnley’s defensive discipline kept them pinned back, but in the 84th minute Ugochukwu was sent off after another reckless challenge, leaving the hosts down to ten men.
Late Drama Again
Burnley grew nervous as Liverpool pressed harder — corner after corner, cross after cross. In the 87th minute, Frimpong and Ngumoha were introduced to increase the pressure. Soon after, a handball by Hannibal gifted Liverpool a penalty. Salah converted, sealing another late win — their fourth in a row under Slot with dramatic endings.
Voices After the Match
Post-match, Slot confirmed Kerkez was subbed to avoid the risk of a red card. Salah praised the squad’s adaptation and resilience, while Virgil stressed the importance of patience and finding the right spaces.
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