Liverpool ratings: Van Dijk, Nunez impress in win at Burnley،
Liverpool moved to the top of the Premier League table on Boxing Day with a 2-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor.
The visitors took an early lead when Cody Gakpo found Darwin Núñez on the edge of the box, and the Uruguay international guided a pinpoint finish beyond James Trafford for his first goal in 13 matches. Gakpo had the ball in the net later in the first half but his effort was disallowed after Nunez was adjudged to have fouled Burnley defender Charlie Taylor. Mohamed Salah then came closest to doubling the lead, although his effort from Gakpo's pass was denied by the crossbar.
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Liverpool thought they had scored again in the second half when Ryan Gravenberch's pass was placed in the corner by Harvey Elliott, but VAR ruled Salah's offside position interfered with play.
Burnley were backed with the game still in play at 1-0, but after Jóhann Gudmundsson and then Jacob Bruun Larsen shot wide, Liverpool substitute Diogo Jota produced an exquisite finish from a narrow angle to finish the three points for Klopp's team. .
Good points
Liverpool created several chances and took control of the game from the start, creating more than enough chances to put the game away. Diogo Jota also made his return to action and was decisive, with an excellent finish past Burnley's best player on the night, Trafford.
Negative points
The Reds could have been more clinical with the chances they created, and they also allowed Burnley back into the game after the hour mark.
Manager's note
Jürgen Klopp, 7 years old — He showed strong team management by starting Jarell Quansah in this one, while his midfield selection also worked with brilliant performances from Harvey Elliott and Ryan Gravenberch. This will be important in the future, in a busy festive calendar. He will also be delighted to see substitute Diogo Jota score on his return to action.
Player Ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Alisson, 6 years old — Two late scares saw Burnley go close with two off-target efforts, with the Brazil international goalkeeper taking advantage of a match in which the opponents failed to register a single shot on target.
DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 7 years old – Started wider in the first half and created space for Liverpool's midfield, also putting a number of dangerous balls into the box.
DF Jarell Quansah, 7 years old – A muscular intervention stops a potentially threatening cross from Zeki Amdouni, who entered a dangerous area after beating Curtis Jones. Reused in the 80th minute, he made no mistake in his challenge.
DF Virgil van Dijk, 8 years old — The Liverpool captain cut a calm figure at the back and impressed with his passing ability, which posed a constant threat to Burnley's defensive line. The Dutch international organized his defense well during the Clarets' best period, always quick to anticipate danger.
DF Joe Gomez, 7 years old — Patient in his defense and got the better of his duels with the Burnley attackers. Provided an option on the left flank and chose the right moments to advance.
Mr. F. Harvey Elliott, 7 years old — Encouragingly, he always looked to play the ball progressively when in possession, and after trying his luck from outside the box early on, he played in Mohamed Salah from a similar position later in the first half. His goal was ruled out by VAR who ruled Salah's offside position interfered with play.
MF Wataru Endo, 7 years old — Another brilliant performance from Endo, in which he was always in the right position to win the ball and showed impressive decision-making in more advanced areas. Additionally, it was the fifth game in 13 days that the Japan international started for Liverpool, making him the only player from Jurgen Klopp's side to do so.
Mr. F. Ryan Gravenberch, 7 years old — The Dutch star impressed as he advanced with the ball, and he should have done better with his effort in the seventh minute which he failed to properly connect with. The Liverpool midfielder looked after the ball, but left the field without an assist after Harvey Elliott's goal was canceled out.
FW Mohamed Salah, 7 years old — The superstar was difficult to collect by the home side, and he finished the first half scoreless despite a powerful save from the goalkeeper before hitting the bar. A constant option in advanced areas, he almost spotted Luis Díaz in the second half at the far post.
FW Cody Gakpo, 7 years old — The Dutch international started from the left flank and linked up well with Darwin Nunez throughout the match, including for the Uruguay international's opener in the sixth minute. He almost got his second assist with a direct pass to Mohamed Salah who was hit onto the bar.
FW Darwin Nunez, 7 years old — A pinpoint finish from the edge gave the Trafford keeper no chance and capped a spirited display which saw his goal drought deservedly end.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes receive no rating)
MF Curtis Jones (for Gravenberch, 66″), 6 — Beaten too easily by Zeki Amdouni on his entry, but helped Liverpool regain control of the match.
FW Luis Diaz (for Gakpo, 67″), 7 — The Colombia international was denied by Trafford with a chance that would have put the game out of sight in the final minutes, although he provided Diogo Jota's assist for Liverpool's second.
MF Dominik Szoboszlai (for Elliott, 67″), 6 — Szoboszlai almost scored moments after his introduction, but his touch diverted the ball away from goal. Launched his next effort from the top and wide of goal.
FW Diogo Jota (for Nunez, 84″), N/R — A positive moment for Liverpool as they welcomed Diogo Jota back from his recent injury, and it didn't take long for him to get on the scoresheet as he scored his 50th goal for the club while wearing the score at 2-0.
