The unbeaten run at Anfield came to an end for Liverpool.
Liverpool’s unbeaten streak of 68 games in the Premier League finally came to an end on Thursday night as Burnley’s Ashley Barnes snatched a late winner. Jurgen Klopp’s side lost for the first time at Anfield since April 2017, when former Red Christian Benteke led his Crystal Palace side to a 2-1 victory.
The 1-0 defeat to Sean Dyche’s men was unprecedented, and Liverpool now finds themselves in danger of slipping out of the top four positions based on Tottenham and Everton’s results in the near future.
Liverpool made three changes to the starting lineup from the draw against Manchester United. Fringe players like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Divock Origi were given a chance, which saw Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah drop down to the bench. Returning centre-back, Joel Matip, replaced Jordan Henderson, who was out with a minor groin issue.
Burnley set up in their traditional 4-4-2 formation, with goalscorer Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood leading the line. The duo offered their side an attacking outlet to hold off constant attacking pressure from Liverpool, which eventually worked wonders in the 83rd minute.
Although Liverpool dominated possession all game and created 23 chances for themselves, their barren spell in front of goal in the Premier League did continued. The last time the Reds netted in the top flight was Sadio Mane’s early goal in a 1-1 draw at home to West Brom.
Former Red Jamie Carragher was unimpressed with Liverpool’s performance and grew increasingly worried over the side’s bad run of form.
"While on duty with Sky Sports, he said: “If the next run of games do not go well then I have no doubt they will be well out of the title race by the middle of February, the end of February.”"
Liverpool now has an FA Cup tie to look forward to at Old Trafford on Sunday, but before that let’s take a look at the three defining moments which cost us the game against Burnley.