Burnley have been a tough side to play against due to their deep defensive strategy against big guns of Premier League and their outing at Anfield was no different either. Liverpool had a frustrating week both at home and Europe following a 5-0 hammering against Manchester City and a disappointing midweek draw against Sevilla in Champions League group stage encounter.
Their afternoon clash against the Clarets proved to be an action replay of the Sevilla game where despite being superior throughout the game, missed opportunities and defensive shambles finished it all square at Anfield. Sean Dyche’s Burnley have now won against Chelsea and drawn against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool – all of which came away from home.
Below are the Burnley players rated from the fixture.
Nick Pope: 7.5
The English custodian started between the sticks in place of injured Tom Heaton and did a commendable j0b against numerous Liverpool attacks. Although the Reds lacked finishing upfront, Pope was calm and composed and pulled off a few decent stops to snatch a point away from home. Could have done little to deny Mohamed Salah’s first-half equalizer but was lucky not to concede in closing minutes of the game when substitute Dominic Solanke hit the woodwork.
Matthew Lowton: 7.5
Lowton did well on most occasions against Roberto Firmino who looked surprising quiet throughout the game. Did not allow Andrew Robertson to whip in crosses and provide much space in a compact Burnley defence.
Ben Mee: 8
The Englishman was solid defensively as he managed a number of crucial blocks and anticipation and almost found a winner twice from successive corners. His header was cleared off the line by Joel Matip and the resulting corner was well denied by the Reds custodian Simon Mignolet seconds later.
James Tarkowski: 8
Was solid like his defensive partner and did extremely well to deny James Milner volley from close range which could have earned the Reds all three points. Although he was little clumsy against Mohamed Salah in the first half inside the box, the Englishman was lucky not to concede a spot-kick.
Stephen Ward: 6.5
The Irishman was initially troubled by Mohamed Salah and his pace. But he used his experience and did not allow the Egyptian to make further damage.
Started on the right-hand side of Burnley midfield but did not provide much creativity upfront as he was mostly concentrating on his defensive work. Was taken off to be replaced by Ashley Barnes in the second half.
Jack Cork: 7
Cork had an impressive display in the middle of the park where he covered a lot of grounds and left his mark with his passing and winning possession.
Steven Defour: 6.5
Mostly concentrated on deep defending responsibilities and offered little from attacking aspects. Was replaced by Ashley Westwood towards the end.
Robert Brady: 7.5
Had his influence in Burnley’s goal as his long ball for Chris Wood was not dealt well by Liverpool defenders which eventually created acres of space for Scott Arfield who made no mistake to find the back of the net.
Scott Arfield: 8
The Canadian international utilized the space and scored with a sublime strike to earn his side a surprise lead against the run of play. Did not offer much in attack as he was busier in protecting his back-line.
Chris Wood: 7
The New Zealander hitman once again played his part in Burnley’s goal as he dragged both Klavan and Matip who failed to deal with his physicality and allowed Arfield to take a clean strike that ended up into the back of the net. Was taken off to be replaced by Sam Vokes towards the end.
Substitutes
Ashley Barnes: 6.5
Barnes mostly concentrated on defending and offered little in attack.
Ashley Westwood: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Sam Vokes: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
