A 1-1 draw with Burnley at Anfield caps off a disappointing seven days for the Reds. Here are our Liverpool player ratings:
Redemption was certainly on the table for Liverpool today. But unfortunately, they were not able to deviate from a recent string of disheartening results and ended in a 1-1 draw with Burnley.
After an absolutely soul-crushing 5-0 defeat to Manchester City last weekend and another disappointing game against Sevilla in the mid-week Champions League match, the home crowd at Anfield was itching for a positive effort.
Liverpool hadn’t lost at home against Burnley for over 40 years entering today’s game. And while that record remains untainted, a draw was certainly not the result the team was looking for.
Jürgen Klopp did change the XI, giving Coutinho his first start of the season and also adding Daniel Sturridge into the mix.
But perhaps the most puzzling move made by Klopp was the decision to leave recent signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the bench again — this time, in favour of James Milner. There were also a few other notable changes to the starting unit at defence and in the midfield.
Confirmed #LFC team and subs to face @BurnleyOfficial... pic.twitter.com/ChYtvsuVkD
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 16, 2017
Today’s match ended as one of the typically disappointing Liverpool games fans have come to almost expect against smaller sides such as Burnley. And it looked eerily similar to Wednesday’s Champions League affair against Sevilla.
Liverpool dominated possession early and often, cutting off Burnley passes at ease and pushing their opponents back.
However, due to some casual defending, the Reds ended up conceding the first goal. A big header from Robbie Brady found its way to Scott Arfield, who put it past Mignolet to give Burnley a 1-0 lead.
But the home team would respond almost immediately. Mohamed Salah capped off a great run with a left-footed effort in the 30th minute to bring the game back to a draw.
And from there, it was all Liverpool, but also no Liverpool.
The Reds were constantly on the front foot, often forcing Burnley to defend for their lives. But a lack of finishing was Liverpool’s downfall today.
Burnley would completely park the bus to begin the second half, and the ultra defensive play began to frustrate both the Liverpool players and their supporters.
You could feel the tension mounting as each minute passed and each shot missed its mark.
The fans grew restless, and unfortunately when the final whistle blew, they were forced to accept the 1-1 draw and subsequent dropped points.
Despite a rather lackluster team performance, there were a few shining stars in today’s game.