Team News
Klopp made two changes to the side that convincingly beat Norwich. Club captain [player 323] came in for [player 197] and teenager, Elliott replaced [player 850]. [player 1078] was back on the bench after recovering from his injury as Tsimikas continued at left-back. The front three were unchanged from the last game.
Sean Dyche also made two changes after their defeat against [team 78]. Brownhill and Barnes came in as [player 862] and Rodriguez stepped out. The goalscorer from the last game, Tarkowski, kept his place alongside [player 1460].
First-Half
As expected, with the fans back at Anfield, [team 8] started the game with high intensity. The superb atmosphere at the stadium was pushing the players to press [team 27] relentlessly in the midfield. The start was intense, but the reds weren’t sharp enough but grew into the game as the game went on. The battles in the air against Wood and Barnes were inevitable. Van Dijk and [player 1920] were dealing with them effectively.
As Liverpool started to dominate in the middle of the park, both the full-backs started to attack the flanks. [player 84627] bent a lovely cross which was finished brilliantly by [player 159917]. The Portuguese scores for the second game in a row after his opener against [team 33].
Burnley play with a lot of crosses, and once again, it was their primary weapon to put the home side under pressure. [player 914] had a header saved by Alisson. The Clarets had some joy down the left-hand side with [player 4598726], but the crosses weren’t converted. [player 3143] and [player 1156] were trying to win second balls and take some shots. Still, overall, it was quite comfortable for Liverpool defence.
In the 27th minute, Elliott, who was having an outstanding game, played a lovely pass into the path of [player 4125], who finished it into the corner. However, a VAR check followed, and the goal was disallowed due to an offside against the Egyptian.
On the stroke of half-time, [player 1639] won an ariel battle against Alisson, but the ball went wide of the post. The last few moments were nervy for the home fans as they saw out the first half with a slender lead.
Second-Half
The start of the second half saw Burnley putting Liverpool on the backfoot. A few minutes into the second half, [player 1448] scored with a well-executed finish, but the goal was cancelled due to an offside.
Liverpool once again grew into it as the half went on, and Salah came close to put Liverpool two up. McNeil blocked his effort as Burnley somehow stayed in the game.
Liverpool scored the second, this time a great move finished off by Mane. [player 1743] played an excellent diagonal, which was controlled superbly by Elliott. The youngster played it to Trent, whose touch for the assist was glorious. [plater 1389] was in too much space and successfully got Liverpool the much-awaited second goal.
[coach 455461] responded by making a double change. Rodriguez came in for Wood, and [player 812] replaced [player 1611]. The changes were intended to add more physicality into the game and get [player 1152] in shooting positions, as we all know how powerful his shots are. The changes never really worked, and Liverpool were in control.
[coach 455353] made a double switch as well, with [player 31857] and [player 1461] coming on for [player 32640] and Jota. Some fresh legs and a bit of midfield control through Thiago was soon evident as the reds were not in any trouble.
Liverpool did give the ball away cheaply in the last couple of minutes, but [player 129820]’s work was enough to keep a clean sheet. [player 1453] came on for Tsimikas with time almost over as another Liverpool centre-half has achieved match fitness.
Fixture Details: [fixture 18138618]
Eye-Catching Players
Harvey Elliott
The 19-year-old’s name on the starting lineup surprised the majority of the viewers. He did play a few minutes against Norwich, but his first start wasn’t expected. The youngster had an amazing game with his contribution key for the second goal. His bravery to get on the ball and make things happen and his work rate were phenomenal.
[player 23269836] completed the full game and achieved a passing accuracy of 83%. He did lose possession 17 times, but it is a misleading stat as he was trying to play the hard passes, which would allow his team to progress into the attacking third. Elliott was also fouled 5 times as his ball-carrying ability was so good for the Burnley players to stop legally. Also, he completed 3 key passes, impressive.
Liverpool fans and the media have said that they lack a creative player. Well, if Elliott is going to have more performances, then that narrative will gradually go away.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Another of Liverpool’s finest young players, [player 1917], had a sensational game. Defensively, he was as solid as anyone with 3 clearances, 1 interception and 2 tackles.
With a successful display in his defending, he was also influential in Liverpool’s offensive threat as he always is. He registered 7 key passes, a marvellous stat for a full back. Trent also created 2 big chances, completed 3 long balls and 5 crosses.
He had an inconsistent season last campaign. If he returns to his best, then another season of assist after assist is likely for the right back.
Author: Devashish Akolekar
