The hosts had, in truth, earnt a share of the spoils as Liverpool rarely threatened, Salah the chief culprit as the visitors had just four shots on target. But a clear handball by a heart-broken Hannibal Mejbri deep in stoppage time spared the Reds’ blushes as Salah made no mistake from the spot.
With new £125million ($169m) signing Alexander Isak not in the squad, the Reds looked toothless in attack for the vast majority of the afternoon in a worrying display by Arne Slot’s side. Just minutes from becoming the third goalless draw of this Premier League weekend alone, this game had all the makings of one where neither side ever truly looked like scoring.
Martin Dubravka and his defence put themselves on the line and blocked countless attempts on goal but, ultimately, Liverpool found a way to win in the most dramatic of circumstances after Lesley Ugochukwu had been sent off late on.
BALLGM rates Liverpool’s players from Turf Moor…
The hosts had, in truth, earnt a share of the spoils as Liverpool rarely threatened, Salah the chief culprit as the visitors had just four shots on target. But a clear handball by a heart-broken Hannibal Mejbri deep in stoppage time spared the Reds’ blushes as Salah made no mistake from the spot.
With new £125million ($169m) signing Alexander Isak not in the squad, the Reds looked toothless in attack for the vast majority of the afternoon in a worrying display by Arne Slot’s side. Just minutes from becoming the third goalless draw of this Premier League weekend alone, this game had all the makings of one where neither side ever truly looked like scoring.
Martin Dubravka and his defence put themselves on the line and blocked countless attempts on goal but, ultimately, Liverpool found a way to win in the most dramatic of circumstances after Lesley Ugochukwu had been sent off late on.
BALLGM rates Liverpool’s players from Turf Moor…
Alisson (6/10):
Burnley did not have a shot on target, so it was a quiet afternoon for the Brazil shot-stopper.
Dominik Szoboszlai (7/10):
Starting out at right-back, Szoboszlai then moved into midfield for the second period. Has shown his versatility in recent weeks and impressed again, contributing to the attack with his dangerous crossing and shooting ability.
Ibrahima Konate (6/10):
Did his job to ensure Burnley’s threat was minimised on the counter-attack, though that ultimately proved a rare occurrence.
Virgil van Dijk (6/10):
Showed Foster who’s boss when the Burnley striker attempted to dribble past him in the first half. Looked in control at the back as the home side rarely threatened.
Milos Kerkez (3/10):
Looked a liability in arguably his most challenging display in a Liverpool shirt so far. Received a booking for diving and committed a needless foul on the counter before Slot hooked him after just 37 minutes.
Ryan Gravenberch (6/10):
A steady performance in midfield, though the Reds will have hoped to create more across the pitch and the Dutchman could have contributed more.
Alexis Mac Allister (5/10):
Looked composed in possession while failing to influence the game as much as he would’ve liked. Injured by an Ugochukwu tackle in the first half, the Argentina international was withdrawn at the break.
Florian Wirtz (6/10):
Without making the key contribution he still craves, Wirtz did appear more influential as he looked to get on the ball and make things happen. Also forced Dubravka into a rare save.
Mohamed Salah (5/10):
Was far from his best but stood up when it mattered to fire home from the spot in stoppage time. While his wayward crossing and general lack of threat will be concerning, Salah and Liverpool will be glad to move on with the three points.
Hugo Ekitike (6/10):
Showed some good touches on the ball but rarely threatened in front of goal and was withdrawn after 71 minutes.
Cody Gakpo (5/10):
Not the best performance by the Dutchman, who attempted to affect the game from the left before going through the middle alongside Salah for the final stages as Liverpool went all-out attack.
Andy Robertson (6/10):
Looked significantly better than Kerkez when he came on. Could even have scored within a minute of his introduction after a brave run forward.
Conor Bradley (6/10):
Another bright display off the bench after coming on at half-time. Both substitute full-backs may well be knocking on Slot’s door in the week.
Federico Chiesa (5/10):
Replaced Ekitike and headed just wide seconds after his introduction. Evidently a player trusted more by the manager in the new season.
Jeremie Frimpong (7/10):
Won the last-gasp penalty with a cross from the right after also forcing Dubravka into a save just prior. An impactful cameo off the bench.
Rio Ngumoha (N/A):
Only played a few minutes but his threat was still evident. Played the ball with pace into Frimpong to force the save.
Arne Slot (7/10):
Made the right decision to take off Kerkez in the first half. Most of his substitutions paid off, but the Reds manager will know that performances must improve in the coming weeks.
