Liverpool Player Ratings: Salah’s Late Penalty Seals Win Over Burnley

Liverpool player ratings took center stage as the Reds battled to a dramatic 1-0 victory over Burnley, with Mohamed Salah’s stoppage-time penalty maintaining their flawless start to the Premier League season. In a tightly contested match at Turf Moor, Liverpool’s attacking frustrations were only alleviated by a late gift, as the reigning champions left it late once again.

Liverpool Player Ratings: Reds Rely on Late Drama

Liverpool player ratings reflect a performance full of grit but short on attacking inspiration. Despite controlling possession, Arne Slot’s side struggled to break down Burnley’s organized defense. The urgency and creativity that fans expect from Liverpool was lacking for large spells, with the team registering just four shots on target throughout the game.

Mohamed Salah—often Liverpool’s talisman—endured a frustrating afternoon, misplacing passes and missing chances. However, he redeemed himself by coolly converting the crucial penalty in the 95th minute, ensuring Liverpool’s 100% record remained intact.

How the Game Unfolded at Turf Moor

Both sides entered the game seeking to make a statement, but the encounter quickly developed into a cagey affair. Burnley defended deep, frustrating Liverpool’s efforts to find an early breakthrough. New £125 million signing Alexander Isak was notably absent from the squad, leaving Liverpool looking toothless up front.

The visitors struggled to carve out meaningful opportunities, and Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka made several strong saves when called upon. As the clock ticked down, Burnley appeared set to earn a hard-fought point—until Lesley Ugochukwu’s late red card tilted the momentum. Deep into stoppage time, a clear handball by Hannibal Mejbri inside his area handed Salah the chance to play hero.

Key Player Ratings from Liverpool’s Win

– **Alisson Becker (7/10):** Solid when required, composed distribution.
– **Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10):** Provided width but lacked his usual sharp delivery.
– **Virgil van Dijk (7/10):** Commanding at the back, marshaled the defense well.
– **Ibrahima Konaté (6/10):** Reliable alongside Van Dijk, but not overly tested.
– **Andy Robertson (6/10):** Energetic up and down the flank, but found little joy in attack.
– **Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):** Worked hard, but struggled to find incisive passes.
– **Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):** Kept possession ticking, key interceptions.
– **Curtis Jones (5/10):** Quiet game, found it hard to influence proceedings.
– **Mohamed Salah (7/10):** Off-form for much of the match but decisive from the penalty spot.
– **Darwin Núñez (5/10):** Lacked sharpness, few sights of goal.
– **Luis Díaz (6/10):** Showed flashes of threat, but no end product.

Burnley’s Resilience Tested to the End

Burnley deserve credit for their organization and resilience. Manager Vincent Kompany’s tactics limited Liverpool’s usually fearsome front line. Dubravka’s leadership in goal and the defensive discipline of his back four kept the visitors at bay for 95 minutes. The late dismissal of Ugochukwu, however, proved costly, as Burnley’s composure wavered at the crucial moment.

What This Means for Liverpool’s Title Ambitions

Liverpool’s ability to win ugly and grind out late victories is a hallmark of champions, but the lack of attacking fluidity—especially against defensively solid opposition—will be a concern for Arne Slot. With Champions League fixtures looming, improvement in the final third is essential if Liverpool are to sustain their impressive start.

Opinion: Liverpool’s Late Shows Can’t Last Forever

Liverpool player ratings against Burnley tell the story of a team that knows how to get results, even when far from their best. While Salah’s late penalty kept the momentum alive, reliance on last-gasp drama is a risky habit. If the Reds are to challenge on multiple fronts this season, they must rediscover their attacking edge and put games to bed earlier. For more insights, visit our homepage for more news on Premier League action and Liverpool’s pursuit of glory.