Liverpool 2-0 Burnley: Routine win as the Reds return to Anfield

After 538 days without a capacity crowd at Anfield, there 58,000 of us crammed into our home to watch Liverpool grind out a 2-0 win over a feisty Burnley side. 

It may be only the second game of the season, but results like today are the type champions get against teams who come to play hoof-ball and frustrate the home team. Burnley had absolutely no intention to play football, instead relying on long balls upfield to hope one of Chris Wood or Ashley Barnes can flick a header on to one of Dwight McNeil or Johan Gudmunsson on the wings. They came to kick and shove and frustrate Liverpool players to prevent their regular fluid style of play. That didn’t happen. Liverpool players were excellent with the ball at their feet, particularly the midfield three who kept the play moving well and recycled play when necessary. Jordan Henderson’s return to the side was very welcome as he replaced Fabinho, who didn’t play due to personal reasons. 

Speaking of the lineup, there was a full Premier League debut for 18 year old Harvey Elliot, who was quite frankly superb in the advanced midfield role. Quick feet, lovely passing, constant pressing, he very much impressed on his first top flight start. The boy has a very high ceiling and if he continues to be a regular in Klopp’s team - and could even excuse the boss if he decides not to sign another midfielder to fill Gini Wijnaldum’s void. 

Andy Robertson was only fit enough to make the bench after a quick recovery from his preseason injury, however once again the Scotsman was not missed in the slightest due to a phenomenal performance from Kostas Tsimikas. The Greek international impressed on his first Premier League start against Norwich last week, but he bossed the left flank at Anfield. After getting the assist for Diogo Jota’s opener (his second in as many games) he was the main focus of Liverpool’s attack from the left side, being involved in most  of the attacks. Tsimikas was my, and the majority of Liverpool fans’ choice for Man of the Match and ensured that Andy Robertson doesn’t have a nailed on start for the game against Chelsea next weekend. On the other side, Trent Alexander-Arnold was as good as ever, providing the assist for Sadio Mane’s first goal of the season and Liverpool’s second of the game, meaning all four forwards have opened their accounts for the season. 

Mohamed Salah was desperate for a goal in this game after having one ruled out for offside in the first half due to a tight offside after a VAR check, but the Egyptian couldn’t double his seasons tally. 

Defensively, Matip and van Dijk were shaky at times in the centre of defence for Liverpool. With the like for like players of Barnes and Wood up top for Burnley, they caused our centre backs some problems with their size and strength, as Burnley hit the post in the opening exchanges and continuously had a whipped ball across the box that caused issues. Barnes had a goal ruled out for a clear offside just after the restart but on another day the Clarets could have bagged a goal or two. However I do think that the fact Liverpool kept a clean sheet and took all three points shows the progression of this team. This would have been a game that we would have dropped points in three or four years ago after being under pressure early on and struggling to create due to a low block and rigid midfield. Allison also made some fine saves to keep Burnley off the score sheet, and van Dijk made a characteristic last ditch tackle to prevent Barnes. But positionally, both the centre backs could be better, as well as the press from all players in the back line. 

All in all, a 2-0 win flatters Liverpool slightly as Burnley probably deserved a goal, but the grinding out of results like this prove Liverpool are here to dance with the top dogs once again and really go for the title again this year, and probably have the players to challenge on multiple fronts in the Champions League. The match against Chelsea next Saturday will be by far the biggest challenge so far this season and may give us an indication of who will more likely to be winners by the end of the season. 

Until then, thanks for reading. YNWA.