Liverpool shares the top spot with Chelsea in the Premier League table after defeating Burnley by 2 goals to nil. It was a vintage Anfield evening as the crowd returned to the stadium after nearly a year and a half.
Player Ratings:
Alisson Becker (GK) – 8/10
The Brazilian was quick and sharp to get on the ball to clear his lines as and when needed. However, he didn’t have to make many saves throughout the game. A strike from Chris Wood looked dangerous but it was eventually stopped by the last line of defence. Thus, good positioning and game awareness made the saves look easier.
Although Ashley Barnes made him work harder late into the game but Alisson was up to his duties and ended up keeping a clean sheet yet again for his side.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) – 8/10
The hometown boy was brilliant with his passing on the day. The one-touch pass and spin on the ball to set up Sadio Mane’s first goal of this season was the moment of the game for TAA. The England international was always a threat down the right lane, putting some dangerous balls in the box. Thus, ending up getting an assist to his name.
Joel Matip (CB) – 7/10
Matip had a very good game when it comes to winning the ball back not only on the ground but in the air as well. The Cameroon International ended up winning eight aerial duels, which indeed turned out to be more than any other player on the pitch.
Although the centre back was good in winning the balls back for his side but he did offer a lot of chances to the Burnley attackers as well. Thus, it was one of the reasons why Liverpool defence wasn’t that organized in this match.
Virgil van Dijk (CB) – 8/10
Returning from an injury in the last week it was always going to be a challenge for Van Dijk to keep up with the pace of the game. However, the Dutch International was up to his task whenever needed. Good on the ball and off the ball as well proving his physical strength a plus for his side.
Completing full 90 minutes in a physical match might have boosted up his confidence.
Kostas Tsimikas (LB) – 9/10
He was the man of the match. Setting up Diogo Jota for the opening goal with a pitch-perfect ball in the box. Brilliant with his passing and crosses throughout the game. While he was also quick enough to get back to his defensive duties as and when required.
It was a stellar display from the Greek.
Jordan Henderson (CM) – 7/10
The captain was back in the starting XI after a long break. Hendo had the best passing rate (equaling Jota) at 90%. Attempting the most passes after Trent telling to 74 and getting on the ball 61 times during the game, which was the most by any other player.
Although he still needs to get back his game sharpness. Apart from that, it was a solid performance from the captain.
Harvey Elliott (CM) – 8.5/10
Oh Boy! He was the eye-catching performer of the match. Harvey showed what he is capable of when he rolled down a delightful ball to Mohamed Salah to struck it into the back of the nets. However, the goal was eventually ruled out due to Salah, who was found guilty of being off-side.
The young prodigy was also involved in the second goal. Taking on a long ball from Van Dijk on the chest like a pro and ultimately passing it to Trent, who created an assist out of it. Excellent in controlling the ball but was found holding on to the ball a bit too long. The future looks brighter and shiner for the kid.
Naby Keita (CM) – 7/10
Filling in the shoes left behind Georginio Wijnaldum, the Guinean footballer did quite well in breaking up the play and restarting the attacks. It was overall a decent performance for Keita but he could have done a lot more while going forward.
Mohamed Salah (RW) – 7.5/10
Looked a bit frustrated later in the game. Tried to pull out his signature shoot pretty often into the game but was unsuccessful in getting a goal to his name.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian did quite well in the passing department of the match. Overall a decent performance in the game involvement, receiving 30 passes which were more than any of the other two forward.
Diogo Jota (ST) – 8/10
Just like the previous game, the Portugues struck the opening goal in this match as well for the Reds. Although he missed on a chance earlier in the game from a ball delivered by Trent in the box.
Jota was full of energy as usual. Sharp with his finishing skills to give Liverpool the lead early in the game.
Sadio Mane (LW) – 8/10
Kept the opponent’s keeper busy registering 6 shots to his name. Although he struggled to make his presence felt in the initial half but as the game went on he grew with it and finally chopped one past Nick Pope. Sealed the match for his side giving Liverpool a 2 goal cushion in the second half.
Liverpool Substitute Player Ratings
Thiago Alcantara (CM) – 7/10
Replacing Keita in the 81st Minute, the Spanish international received a big cheer from the crowd in the stadium. Returning from injury, Thiago did control the pace of the game. Overall a decent 10 minutes for him.
Roberto Firmino – (ST) – 6/10
The Brazilian did not make any impact in the game. However, he did have a left footed shot saved by Pope. Although he was on the pitch for only 10 minutes replacing Jota in the 81st minute.
Joe Gomez (CB) – N/A
Replacing Tsimikas in the stoppage time (92 minutes), Gomez didn’t really have anything to do being on the pitch for just a minute.
Next up for Liverpool is Chelsea, the Champions League winners will be welcomed by Jurgen Klopp’s side at Anfield.
Liverpool is my Religion and Anfield is my Church. 17th May 1996 the date I had my blood coloured red. The one you love the most you can not live without it and that is football to me.
