Liverpool ratings: Elliott, Kelleher crucial in win vs. Burnley،
Liverpool restored their status as Premier League leaders on Saturday after securing a 3-1 victory over Burnley at Anfield.
A flat early performance from the Reds saw Burnley enjoy the better part of the first spell. However, after failing to capitalize on the hosts' slow start, the Clarets went down 1-0 thanks to Diogo Jota's header from Trent Alexander-Arnold's corner.
Liverpool looked to have taken control of the game after the opener, but manager Vincent Kompany's visitors hit back just before the break with an impressive header from Dara O'Shea.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)
Alexander-Arnold was replaced at half-time by Harvey Elliott and it didn't take long for the 20-year-old to make an impact, assisting Luis Díaz who headed in from close range.
Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who was a standout player on the day, made an important save to deny David Datro Fofana, who had a second chance moments later which he headed past the post. Díaz should have played in Darwin Núñez for what would have been a great chance for Liverpool to take a two-goal advantage, but Jota's harder effort was saved by James Trafford.
Nuñez got his goal soon after, however, with a well-placed header for Elliott's second assist of the match.
Good points
Liverpool were brilliant at times and fought well amid a flu outbreak in the camp. A strong performance from Andy Robertson added value going forward while, apart from his missed pass to Nuñez, Díaz also shone. Elliott also stood out after coming off the bench.
Negative points
A slow start saw Burnley take control of the match early on, while their goal was a poor one to be conceded by Liverpool. Liverpool need to do better at defending set pieces. Mistakes at the back also forced Kelleher to be at his best in Alisson's absence.
Manager's note
Jürgen Klopp, 7 years old — Jurgen Klopp was disappointed to see his side's slow start, but he made a number of adjustments to take control of the game, his best stopping the effectiveness of Burnley's wide players. His decision to send on Elliott proved decisive, while getting the best out of Robertson, who delivered a remarkable performance in his bid to reclaim the left-back position.
Player Ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Caoimhin Kelleher 8 — The Republic of Ireland international prevented Burnley from taking the lead with a brave save to deny Zeki Amdouni. He couldn't do much against the Clarets goal, with O'Shea's header pinpointed into the top corner, but he then made another big save to deny Fofana in the second half. His contribution was vital in securing the three points.
DF Andy Robertson 7 — A first start in over four months after his recent return from injury, and it was a solid overall performance. He constantly extended the play down the left flank and seemed to gain confidence as the match progressed. A promising return for the Scottish captain.
DF Virgil van Dijk 6 — An early error forced Kelleher to stop Amdouni, and overall Van Dijk didn't appear to be at his usual dominant level. He should have done better with his header which was directly at the goalkeeper in the second half.
DF Jarell Quansah 6 — Booked in the 20th minute following a poorly timed challenge, and needed Kelleher to come to his rescue after an error allowed Fofana to make an effort on goal. Later improved with a number of well-timed tackles.
DF Trent Alexander-Arnold 7 – The vice-captain helped move the ball into advanced areas and deployed his full passing range to help Liverpool initiate attacks. He scored the first assist from a precise corner for Jota's header, but he was substituted at half-time as a precaution, which could be due to the recent flu outbreak in the Reds team.
MF Wataru Endo 7 — It was straight back to action for Endo after returning from the Asian Cup with Japan, and he put in an assured display in providing the anchor at the base of the midfield. He needed a lot of possession and often made the right decision, while winning a positive number of duels in central areas.
MF Curtis Jones 6 — Jones took care of the ball and tried to keep things going in the right direction, often finding Liverpool's attackers in advanced positions on the pitch. Played an incisive pass to Robertson on the first pass which forced a block from O'Shea.
MF Alexis Mac Allister 6 — Things didn't really go their way in the attacking areas for the Argentina international, who fought well in midfield but didn't affect the game in the final third as much as he would have liked.
FW Luis Díaz 7 — The Colombia international had an impressive game in which he was at the heart of several of Liverpool's best attacks, and also stood out for his work running back to help defend during Burnley's periods of possession. He missed a key pass that would have put Nuñez in a great position to score in the second half.
FW Darwin Nuñez 7 — Nuñez found space behind the defense with positive runs in behind, almost getting an assist for Díaz in the first half before a strong save from Trafford. He continued to impress with his off-the-ball movement and finally got his reward with a technically difficult header executed to perfection to give Liverpool a two-goal advantage.
FW Diogo Jota 7– After nearly playing Nuñez in for a great chance, Jota timed his best moment later to give Liverpool the lead from a corner with his fourth goal in his last four league matches.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes receive no rating)
Harvey Elliott (Alexander-Arnold, 45') 8 — It wasn't long before Elliott made his mark on the match, delivering an assist as he picked out Díaz at the near post with a pushed cross. An excellent overall performance, in which he got another assist with a precise ball to Nuñez.
Cody Gakpo (Díaz, 81') N/R — Introduced immediately after Liverpool's third goal, his size and hold-up play help his team control the game and defend set pieces.
Kostas Tsimikas (Robertson, 90'+6) N/R — The first appearance since his injury in the Premier League home game against Arsenal is a positive step forward.
James McConnell (Endo, 90'+6) N/R — The 19-year-old became the anchor in midfield for the final two minutes, making only his second Premier League appearance.
Bobby Clark (Mac Allister, 90'+6) N/R — In comparison, a grizzled veteran, Clark made his fourth league appearance for Liverpool as a late substitute.
