Burnley under lights on Boxing Day; It’s not the easiest scenario for Liverpool, who need a win after a second consecutive Premier League draws at Anfield. But goals from Darwin Nunes and Diogo Jota six minutes later gave Jurgen Klopp three points on the hour at the M65 and the only Christmas present that mattered for him and his football club. However, the situation in the Liverpool dugout was not so bright for a while.
Further VAR controversy and confusion occurred at Turf Moor. Numerous chances came and went, like two goals disallowed. It wasn’t all that much hype, but Liverpool finally got over the line to go top of the Premier League ahead of Thursday’s clash between Arsenal and West Ham. It was no different to the trip to Sheffield United earlier this month. Their overall control of the game was clear, but so was their waste in front of goal.
It was a similar story when they managed to save 34 points against Manchester United and 13 points against Arsenal with just one goal. 19 shots on goal tonight resulted in just 2 goals, but this time, nothing came of it.Like the pregame light show, this game started right away. Klopp’s five substitutions raised eyebrows in advance, but Liverpool put their foot firmly on the accelerator at the whistle.In the first 10 minutes, United had four shots on goal, one of which was an unsuspecting shot by Nunez.
Clever interplay with Cody Gakpo on the left allowed Liverpool’s number 9 (named the starting 11) to find space on the edge of the box. In typical Darwin style, from the sensational to the sublime, it was the latter this time as he finished high into the bottom corner to open the scoring. It was the first goal in two months. Burnley were out of action early in the game and Liverpool will no doubt regret that tonight’s game wasn’t over sooner. Ryan Gravenbirch missed a four-on-four, Mohamed Salah hit the crossbar and Waturo Endo forced Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford into a decent save. There were chances for both sides though, with Zeki Amduni and Josh Brownhill both firing wide for the hosts in an entertaining half hour.
The biggest story of the first half was Cody Gakpo being undone by a foul on Darwin Núñez in the penalty area, and the resumption of contact with Burnley defender Charlie Taylor was lackluster at best. In the end, VAR agreed with the center man. Another season, another clash between Jurgen Klopp and referee Paul Tierney. After the break, Klopp’s anger at the referee increased tenfold. A fine Liverpool move was ruled out by VAR Simon Hooper as Harvey Elliott headed home a corner. Mohamed Salah broke up play, preventing Trafford from seeing the ball offside. It was a very hard thing.
Especially since there was no protest from the Burnley keeper and he never responded. This has breathed new life into previously hopeless homeowners and housing assistance. Liverpool’s lead was still a point and suddenly Vincent Kompany’s side were ahead. Suddenly Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson misdirected the pass. Suddenly there was a loud noise and Tough Moor screamed.
