It was never going to be a stroll in the park for Liverpool at a rainy and windy Turf Moor against Burnley. The Clarets caused a lot of problems with their long-ball football and the Reds’ high defensive line got exposed repeatedly during the first half.
However, a goal from Fabinho minutes before the break made all the difference and a resolute display in the second half saw them defending the narrow lead en route to securing all three points from a tricky away contest.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their edgy win against Burnley.
Alisson Becker: 8.5
Was busy between the sticks, but his expertise in one-on-one situations refrained the home side from finding the net. Maintained his composure as the sweeper-keeper and earned another cleansheet under immense pressure.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7.5
No assist this evening for the English fullback, but the corner he took from the left eventually led to Fabinho’s decisive goal late in the first half. Created a few chances high up the pitch with his overlapping runs, crosses and cut insides.
Joel Matip: 7
Won the most number of duels as he did well overall against targetman Wout Weghorst. Lost a few aerial challenges, but his recovery and sense of positioning helped the Reds retain calmness in the defensive third.
Virgil van Dijk: 7
It was never going to be easy for the Dutchman against Burnley’s ‘old school’ football. But he stood tall most of the time with no-nonsense clearances, challenges and recoveries.
Andrew Robertson: 7.5
Relentless with his runs down the left-hand flank, linked up well with Sadio Mane and Naby Keita to form a triangle while forming attacking transitions. Tracked back time and again to offer defensive cover.
Fabinho: 8.5
5 goals in his last 7 games now for the Brazilian. Followed the ball well and converted from the rebound after his first attempt was denied by Nick Pope. Excellent in the middle of the park with timely blocks and challenges to break down the opponents.
Jordan Henderson: 6.5
Had a knock midway through the first half, but the skipper showed his strength and commitment to continue for around an hour before making way for Thiago Alcantara. Smart move from Jurgen Klopp as the Englishman was already on a yellow.
Naby Keita: 7.5
Decent game for the Guinean as he handled the pressure well while retaining possession. Carried the ball forward from the deep before making box-to-box runs, also tested Pope early into the game with a long-range effort.
Mohamed Salah: 6.5
Could not make much of an impact as he was closely monitored by Erik Pieters. Created a golden opportunity for Jota late in the match, but the Portuguese failed to convert from a close range.
Sadio Mane: 7
Played his part in Fabinho’s goal with a diving header before being denied by Pope from an Alexander-Arnold cross. Had a quiet second half and was eventually taken off for Diogo Jota.
Roberto Firmino: 5.5
Covered a lot of ground but the Brazilian has lost his spark high up the pitch. Wasted an array of opportunities as he struggled almost every time to find his teammates with his final passes.
Liverpool Substitutes Vs Burnley
Thiago Alcantara: 7.5
Had a massive impact since coming on in place of Henderson. Orchestrated the show with his holding and dribbling attributes in the centre of the pitch.
Diogo Jota: 6
Should have buried the game as he failed to keep his effort on target late in the match.
James Milner: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
