Liverpool entertained Burnley at Anfield earlier this afternoon as they hoped to secure maximum points in front of their home supporters. The Reds made a good start to the game and managed to net the opening goal in the 18th minute courtesy of Diogo Jota’s well-directed header. However, the Clarets stood strong and went into the half-time break just a goal down on the scoreline.
The Merseyside club controlled the game well in the second half and managed to kill the game off in the 69th minute via Sadio Mane’s emphatic finish from close range. The contest ended with Jurgen Klopp’s men emerging victorious by a 2-0 scoreline.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player performed during the match against the Clarets.
GK: Alisson Becker – 8/10
The Brazilian keeper made a few world-class saves to keep his clean sheet intact. He also came out of his lines to clear the danger when required.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8.5/10
The English right-back was defensively solid and made several promising chances for others around him. He also set up Sadio Mane’s goal with a perfect pass in the final third.
CB: Joel Matip – 7.5/10
Matip was strong in the air and did enough work defensively to restrict the Clarets from finding the back of the net.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk – 8/10
He won a few headers in the air and sprayed some lovely diagonal passes from the back. It seems like Van Dijk is slowly but surely getting back to his best.
LB: Konstantinos Tsimikas – 8/10
The Greek full-back produced a battling display on the defensive end of the field. He also made some energetic runs down the left flank and picked up a great assist for setting up Diogo Jota’s header in the first half.
CM: Harvey Elliott – 7.5/10
Elliott was unfortunate not to pick up an assist for creating Mohamed Salah’s disallowed goal. He linked up play quite well in the attacking end of the pitch and was a constant menace for the opposition.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 8/10
The Liverpool captain anchored the midfield quite well and played some excellent passes to his teammates during the game. It was a strong return to action for Henderson after a long injury layoff.
CM: Naby Keita – 7/10
Keita was always looking to get on the ball and make things happen. It was another encouraging performance from him today.
RW: Mohamed Salah – 7/10
The Egyptian winger saw a goal get chalked off by VAR in the first half. He had some decent opportunities to find the back of the net in the second but was denied by some brilliant Burnley defending.
ST: Diogo Jota – 8/10
Jota got his name on the scoresheet with a great header in the first half. He also grew stronger as the match progressed in the second 45 minutes.
LW: Sadio Mane – 7.5/10
Mane managed to score Liverpool’s second goal with a powerful finish in the 69th minute which made the points secure for the home side.
Substitutes:
ST: Roberto Firmino – 6/10
The Brazilian striker tested Pope with a tame shot.
CM: Thiago Alcantara – 6/10
He kept the ball moving quite well at the centre of the park.
CB: Joe Gomez – N/A
Gomez hardly had any time to make an impact.
