Liverpool secured three important points with their 1-0 win against Burnley. The Reds had to sweat it out, in a match that was theoretically considered an easy one for them. We will take a look at the ratings and how Liverpool performed.
Fabinho’s first half strike gave Liverpool the win in what was a difficult game. The Clarets started the contest with a great ferocity, constantly seeking to exploit the space in behind Liverpool’s high defensive line. Wout Weghorst missed a host of chances, failing to convert on numerous occasions. Alisson kept Liverpool in the lead with his saves.
Alexander-Arnold’s delivery from a corner was flicked on at the front post by Mane before Fabinho reacted first to stab home at the second attempt following a reflex stop from Pope. Liverpool missed chances of their own as they failed to get that elusive two goal cushion.
Liverpool remain in second place and 9 points off league leaders Manchester City. The Merseyside club also have a game in hand. They keep up the pressure in what is expected to be a heated title rice till the end.
LIVERPOOL PLAYER RATINGS
We will take a look at each Liverpool player and assess their performance with a rating based on 10.
GOALKEEPER
Alisson Becker – 8
Fine saves from Brownhill and Rodriguez first half and regularly swept up – often with his head – in difficult conditions. Even made saves when he didn’t have to thanks to a succession of late offside calls.
DEFENDERS
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6
Lots of misplaced passes early on but good deliveries created chance for Mane and the winner. Ability to hit long got Liverpool out of difficulty on occasion.
Joel Matip – 7
Mixed bag first half with some iffy distribution allied with a number of welcome interceptions, but good defending as Burnley pressed later on.
Virgin Van Dijk – 7 Helped catch Burnley offside numerous times before break and defended with growing assurance. Another decent showing.
Andy Robertson – 6
Some difficult moments in the wind and not always on point with passing going forward. Limited his attacking forays second half.
MIDFIELDERS from Liverpool
Fabinho – 7
Another to struggle with passing early on but helped Liverpool wrest the midfield initiative by winning second balls and quickest to react to score the winner.
Naby Keita – 7.5 Used the ball well and came close with one shot saved by Pope. Kept things ticking over as Burnley chased an equaliser.
Jordan Henderson – 5
Too many overly-ambitious passes in the conditions and not helped by an injury sustained when booked for a tackle on Pieters..
FORWARDS
Mohamed Salah – 6
Flitted in and out of the game for most of opening period but began to find space before break. Didn’t get much out of Pieters second half, though.
Roberto Firmino – 5
Far too peripheral and frustrated with his final pass, particularly in second half when more space opened up for him.
Sadio Mane – 7
Lively and forceful down the left, forced one save from Pope and flick-on provided first goal.
SUBSTITUTES
Thiago Alcantara – 6
Provided some much-needed composure in possession in midfield.
Diogo Jota – 6
Not much impact and missed late chance to settle match.
James Milner – NA
Didn’t get enough time to make an impact.
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