Liverpool regained their status as Premier League leaders on Saturday after claiming a 3-1 victory over Burnley at Anfield.
A flat opening performance from the Reds saw Burnley enjoy most of the opening period. However, after failing to take advantage of the hosts' slow start, the Clarets lost 1-0 thanks to a Diogo Jota header following a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner.
Liverpool seemed to have taken control of the match after the first game, but manager Vincent Kompany's visitors hit back just before half-time with a stunning header from Dara O'Shea.
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Alexander-Arnold was replaced at half-time by Harvey Elliott and the 20-year-old soon made an impact, setting up Luis Díaz who headed in from close range.
Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, the outstanding player of the day, made an important save to clear the ball from David Datro Fofana, who moments later had a second chance that he finished beyond the post. Díaz should have played in Darwin Núñez for what would have been a great opportunity for Liverpool to take a two-goal lead, but Jota's most difficult attempt was saved by James Trafford.
Nunez, however, got his goal soon after, with a well-placed header for Elliott's second assist of the game.
Positives
Liverpool were brilliant at times and fought well amid a flu outbreak on the pitch. A strong performance from Andy Robertson provided value going forward while, apart from his failed pass to Nunez, Diaz also shone. Elliott also stood out after coming off the bench.
Negatives
A slow start saw Burnley take control of the game early on, while their goal was poor for Liverpool to concede. Liverpool must do better defending set pieces. Mistakes on defense also forced Kelleher to give his best in Alisson's absence.
Manager Rating
Jürgen Klopp, 7 years old — Jurgen Klopp was disappointed to see his team's slow start but made a series of adjustments to take control of the game, with the best of them halting the effectiveness of Burnley's wide players. His decision to send Elliott on proved decisive, while he also got the best out of Robertson, who put in a spectacular performance in his bid to win back the left-back position.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher 8 — The Republic of Ireland international prevented Burnley from taking the lead with a brave save from Zeki Amdouni. He couldn't do much about the Clarets' goal, with O'Shea's header accurate into the top corner, but then made another great save to deny Fofana in the second half. His contribution was vital to get the three points.
Defense Andy Robertson 7 — It was his first start in more than four months following his recent return from injury, and it was a good performance overall. He consistently stretched the play down the left flank and seemed to gain confidence as the match progressed. A promising return for the Scottish captain.
Defense Virgil van Dijk 6 — An early error forced Kelleher to save Amdouni and overall Van Dijk did not look to be at his usual dominant best. He should have done better with his header straight at the goalkeeper in the second half.
DF Jarell Quansah 6 — Booked in the 20th minute after a mistimed challenge, and needed Kelleher to come to his rescue after a mistake allowed Fofana to try and score. He improved after that with a series of well-timed innings.
Defense Trent Alexander-Arnold 7 — The vice-captain helped move the ball into advanced areas and showed all his passing range to help Liverpool begin attacks. He registered the first assist with an accurate corner on Jota's header, but was substituted at half-time as a precaution, which could be due to the recent flu outbreak in the red squad.
MF Wataru Endo 7 — Endo returned to action immediately after returning from the Asian Cup with Japan, and put in an assured display while anchoring the base of the midfield. He was required to have a lot of ball and often made the right decisions, at the same time winning a positive number of duels in the central areas.
MF Curtis Jones 6 — Jones looked after the ball and tried to get things moving in the right direction, often finding Liverpool's forwards in advanced positions on the pitch. He played an incisive pass to Robertson on the first pass which forced O'Shea to block.
MF Alexis Mac Allister 6 — Things did not go well in the attacking areas for the Argentine international, who fought well in midfield but did not influence the game in the final third as much as he would have liked.
DEL Luis Díaz 7 — The Colombian international had an impressive game in which he was at the center of many of Liverpool's best attacks, and was also notable for his work at the back to help defend during Burnley's periods of possession. He missed a key pass that would have put Nunez in a great position to score in the second half.
FROM Darwin Núñez 7 — Nunez found space behind the defense with positive runs in behind, almost getting an assist for Diaz in the first half before a strong save from Trafford. He continued to impress with his off-ball movement and finally got his reward with a technically difficult header executed to perfection to give Liverpool a two-goal lead.
DEF Diogo Jota 7 — After almost playing in Núñez for a great chance, Jota timed his jump better moments later to put Liverpool ahead from a corner with his fourth goal in his last four league games.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes do not obtain qualification)
Harvey Elliott (Alexander-Arnold, 45') 8– It wasn't long before Elliott made his mark on the game when he produced a precise assist by picking out Diaz at the near post with a driven cross. Excellent performance in every sense, in which he secured another assist with an accurate ball to Núñez.
Cody Gakpo (Diaz, 81') N/R — Introduced immediately after Liverpool's third goal, his height and holding play helped his team control the game and defend set pieces.
Kostas Tsimikas (Robertson, 90'+6) N/R — The first appearance since his injury in the Premier League home game against Arsenal is a positive step forward.
James McConnell (Endo, 90'+6) N/R — The 19-year-old anchored midfield for the final two minutes, making his second Premier League appearance.
Bobby Clark (Mac Allister, 90'+6) N/R — By comparison, Clark, a grizzled veteran, made his fourth league appearance for Liverpool as a late substitute.
