Liverpool beat Burnley 4-2 at Anfield on Sunday, with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane scoring a brace each to keep the Reds firmly in the title chase.
The match could not have begun on a worse possible note for Liverpool as Burnley opened the scoring directly from an Ashley Westwood corner, which although it was a bit contentious was given. The Reds, however, replied back soon enough, with their front trio running rampant.
Mohamed Salah’s great individual work left Roberto Firmino to execute the simplest of tap-ins. Liverpool then took the lead when Adam Lallana’s brilliant challenge outside the box fed the ball to Salah before the Egyptian passed it to Sadio Mane to make it 2-1.
The second half began the same way as the first had ended, with Liverpool dominating proceedings. A rather generous kick from Tom Heaton fell directly to Salah, who made a free, direct run at goal before laying on the ball for Firmino to score from yet another easy tap in.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson pulled a goal back in injury time, scoring Burnley’s second after an excellent attacking play. But, Mane would go on to round off the win with his second from a Daniel Sturridge cross to see the game out. And, here’s how Liverpool’s title-chasing stars fared in their win over Burnley.
Alisson: 6.5/10
The first goal was contentious, as James Tarkowski held Alisson from jumping for the ball. As for the second, it was a good move from Burnley, and the goalkeeper could not do anything about it. Barring those two chances, Alisson did well to control his box and was generally dominant.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6/10
Not at his best when it charging forward, but did lay an excellent chance for Mane which the forward missed. Often troubled by Dwight McNeil’s footwork, although he was decent overall at the back. Taken off in the second half after he complained about his shoulder.
Joel Matip: 6/10
As has been the case in recent games, Matip got the job done in the end without much fuss. He did look out of his comfort zone against Burnley’s more physical approach, but again, he was largely solid.
Virgil van Dijk: 7/10
Yet another domineering performance from van Dijk. The Dutchman defended well and kept Ashley Barnes quiet for large parts of the game. His presence in the air was another subject of dominance, an area where Burnley have known to hurt their opponents.
Andrew Robertson: 7/10
A solid performance from the Scottish international. Assured defensively and sharp in attack for large parts of the game. He did become much more cautious as the second half progressed, but overall enjoyed an excellent game.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 6/10
Not the best day in office, but not his worst either. Was useful for large periods, but his good work went unrewarded. Fought hard in midfield as one could expect against Burnley. Substituted, considering Liverpool play Bayern Munich later this week.
Fabinho: 7/10
Fabinho showed leadership qualities in midfield as he controlled the central area in the park while passing well from the center. Like van Dijk, he was dominant in the air and often was in place to cut off Burnley’s supply line.
Adam Lallana: 7.5/10
It was a gamble from Klopp as he chose Lallana in midfield ahead of the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, James Milner and Naby Keita. The England international though, repaid the manager’s faith with a terrific performance. Was thoroughly involved in the first two goals, led the press well and was greeted to an ovation upon his substitution.
Mohamed Salah: 8/10
Salah was directly involved in the first three goals and could have scored one too, only for Heaton to save his effort. Despite the Egyptian not getting on the scoresheet nothing can take away from him the level of his performance against Burnley.
Roberto Firmino: 8/10
Scored two goals upon his return to the starting lineup, and looked like he was back to his composed self, which bodes well for Liverpool at a time when Klopp needs his best players to perform at their topmost levels.
Sadio Mane: 8/10
Mane was at his best and worst at the same time. Scored two worthy goals, missed a sitter from two yards and was a constant threat to Burnley’s defence. He has now scored in each of his last six Premier League games at Anfield, and is well and truly a fan favourite.
Substitutes
Jordan Henderson: 7/10
Came on to replace Wijnaldum in midfield and was on hand straightaway with some meaty challenges in the midfield. Helped Liverpool to see the game out properly.
Naby Keita: 6/10
Came on for the brilliant Lallana and helped to tidy up the game, while having no impact in terms of attack from his time on the pitch.
Daniel Sturridge: 6/10
Sturridge may only have been a late substitute, but did get an assist for the fourth goal after his cross released Mane to score.
