Liverpool left it late, but grabbed a late victory against a ten-man Burnley on Sunday afternoon thanks to a 94th-minute penalty from striker Mohammed Salah.
The Reds have not been short of goals this season and despite the absence of the talented Alexander Isak, they should not have struggled against Burnley at Turf Moor. But struggle they did.
It was the hosts that almost drew first blood with a warning shot that flew over the bar off the boot of Jaidon Anthony. Liverpool endeavoured, but nothing came to fruition. Fancy solo efforts from Salah and Hugo Ekitike barely troubled Burnley stopper Martin Dubravka.
Their opening stanza was summed up by Milos Kerkez, who fell flagrantly in an attempt to win a penalty, only to draw the ire of the Turf Moor faithful. The defender was then yoinked off the park after 38 minutes.
Liverpool returned with purpose in the second half and were nearly rewarded through Ryan Gravenberch’s boot, then Conor Bradley’s head, but both were wide. Dubravka was called upon again to fend off a Florian Wirtz shot from a close angle, but ultimately it looked like plucky Burnley defence would hold.
But midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu earned his second yellow following a brash challenge in the 4th minute, opening the door for the Reds.
The defining moment of the match came from Hannibal Mejbri, whose elbow deflected an attempted cross in the area and a penalty was immediately awarded. Salah made no mistake from the spot, breaking Burnley hearts.
