Liverpool scrapped a 1-0 victory at Turf Moor in difficult conditions to close the gap with Manchester City to 9 points. Let’s have a look at the player ratings as Liverpool beat Burnley 1-0.
Player Ratings Burnley vs Liverpool
Goalkeepers & Defenders
Alisson Becker (GK) – 8/10
Alisson made important saves and interceptions on multiple occasions to deny Burnley. In particular, his saves against Rodriguez and Brownhill were vital. Combined with his distribution and sweeping, he made life easier for the rest of the squad.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) – 6.5/10
He didn’t register any goals or assists, but his dangerous corner led to Fabinho’s goal. Aside from a couple of wayward long balls, his distribution was good. Couldn’t link up with Salah and Henderson today, but found himself in promising positions.
Joel Matip (CB) – 6.5/10
The Cameroon center-half made a few errors in distribution in the first-half, but composed himself in the second. The windy conditions along with the physical nature of Burnley’s style of play made life difficult. However, the clean sheet is well deserved.
Virgil van Dijk (CB) – 7/10
Admirable performance from the Dutchman. Organized the defence well and along with Matip, helped catch Burnley offside numerous times before the break. Virgil van Dijk looks back to his best.
Andrew Robertson (LB) – 6.5/10
His overlapping runs and crosses found no result, but was energetic and hard-working throughout. Enough to keep Kostas Tsimikas on the bench.
Midfielders
Fabinho (CM) – 9/10 (Man of the Match)
Fabinho was everywhere on the pitch. When the Brazilian wasn’t doing roulettes, he was moping up the danger and kept the ball moving. His goal in the 40th minute turned out to be the winner; for which he made an intelligent run to turn home his rebound. Imperious.
Jordan Henderson (CM) – 5/10
The skipper is dishing out Jekyll and Hyde performances this season. For every Manchester United and AC Milan performance, there’s a Chelsea and Leicester performance. It was a similar case against Burnley. His pass accuracy was only 50% and made a sloppy tackle, for which he was booked. Subbed in the 59th minute for Thiago.
Naby Keita (CM)- 7/10
Keita was almost impeccable in this game. The Guinean international had a passing accuracy of 90% and made 5 tackles. He also won 6 duels and made 4 recoveries (per Squawka Football). We hope Keita continues these performances to pick-up form and subsequently return some control to Liverpool’s midfield.
Forwards
Roberto Firmino (ST) – 5.5/10
Firmino started in the centre for the first time since October of 2021, but couldn’t make it count. His forays into promising positions didn’t lead to a goal. More alarmingly, his touch wasn’t the best either. Firmino even tried a few skills but was dispossessed. However, his tenacity and work rate was as high, as it has ever been.
Sadio Mane (LW) – 6/10
Mane was a bit off and even though he created a few chances, he was sloppy in his attempts. Case and point being, his effort against Nick Pope. However, his initial attempt led to a goal for Fabinho.
Mohamed Salah (RW) – 6/10
It was an off day for the Egyptian King too. Never threatened Pope and was muted throughout the game. He was nudged in the penalty box but VAR turned down the penalty shouts.
Substitutes
Thiago (CM) – 7/10
The Spaniard had an instantaneous impact as Liverpool started ticking with his arrival. Provided composure and control to midfield.
Diogo Jota (LW) – 6/10
Had a roaring reception from the travelling fans and like Thiago, made an immediate impact. His runs on the left-wing troubled Burnley. However, he missed a chance upfront.
James Milner (CM) – N/A
The vice-captain barely had a kick on the ball.
