A hard-fought win for Liverpool against a Burnley side who belied their lowly status in the league to put in a combative performance that will have left the Clarets feeling disappointed that they didn’t come away from the game with at least a point.
Burnley’s failure to score in the first half owed a lot to Allison Becker’s efforts as Liverpool struggled to adapt to the high winds and freezing rain, the Brazilian keeper making several crucial saves and interceptions to deny the opposition.
Indeed, Burnley’s newly-acquired Dutch striker, Wout Weghorst, bought from Wolfsburg in the January transfer window with his typically Sean Dychean attributes of physicality and doggedness, caused problems all afternoon to the Liverpool backline, particularly to Joel Matip, who regularly lost out in the aerial duals and battles of strength and only got respite when the Dutch international limped off in the 75th minute with injury.
If Burnley had gone in after forty-five two up, Liverpool wouldn’t have been able to complain and yet the Reds had their halftime cuppa and orange ahead, the outstanding Fabinho having poked home after Nick Pope had saved his initial effort following a Sadio Mané flick from a Trent Alexander Arnold corner.
It was the most decisive contribution made by the two assist makers – Mané and Alexander Arnold – who both had shaky games.
Mané had opportunities to make simple passes to create goal scoring opportunities, particularly for Mo Salah, but too often failed to execute properly and let Burnley off the hook.
Alexander Arnold was similarly wayward in his passing, though he also showed glimpses of his usual exceptional crossfield passes and dead ball deliveries.
Again, Alexander Arnold’s weakness in defence was exposed – the defender’s inability to perform the first task of the full-back, i.e. block crosses, was frustratingly evident – and he had Fabinho to thank for repeatedly getting him out of tight spots.
The second half was a more comfortable affair for Liverpool and, despite Burnley never letting their heads drop as they fought for the equaliser, the Reds had enough chances to score a second and ease nerves as the game progressed.
Two injuries and substitutions were fundamental to the outcome of the game.
First Jordan Henderson went off on 59 minutes with a knee knock to be replaced by Thiago Alcantara, who’d lost his place in the starting lineup to the impressive Naby Keita.
The experienced Spanish midfielder was truly a wonder to behold, controlling the game with his poise and incisive, faultless passing, which allowed Liverpool to play the game at their pace, keeping the ball and blunting any Burnley threat.
Burnley’s threat was further diminished by a painful looking injury to Weghorst, who had to leave the field after 78 minutes. After his departure, Liverpool’s backline never looked like conceding.
While Liverpool’s win today keeps the title race going in theory – putting the Reds nine points behind Manchester City (who thrashed Norwich 4-0 yesterday) with a game in hand and a trip to the Etihad in April to come – the story at the moment is Manchester City being relentless upfront and invulnerable at the back – City have the best defensive record in the league – while Liverpool, whoever they play, always look susceptible to conceding even if their attacking options and play is as good as if not better than City’s.
We’ll be able to say with more clarity if Liverpool’s challenge to Man City is genuine or wishful thinking after the next few games.
After both City and Liverpool have Champions League games in midweek – Liverpool play away to Inter Milan while City face Sporting Lisbon – Liverpool have two eminently winnable games at home – against Norwich and Leeds – while, next weekend, City face Antonio Conte’s Spurs who, despite some wretched results recently – home losses to Wolves and Southampton – will surely put up stiffer resistance than some of City’s more recent opponents.
