Liverpool drop points at Anfield in the Premier League for the first time this season after a 1-1 draw with Burnley. The Reds had more than enough chances to win the game but poor finishing and even worse refereeing meant we had to settle for a point. This result means Liverpool will need to win all three of their remaining games to break the league points record.
In goal, Alisson had virtually nothing to do all game and stood no chance with the Burnley equaliser. The free kick that led to the finish should not have been given, while there was also a foul on Fabinho by Tarkowski to set up the goal.
In defence, Neco Williams started his second match in a row, this time at right-back in place of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson filled in the remaining three spots. Robertson had his first good game since the restart and opened the scoring with a fantastic header after a lovely clipped pass from Fabinho. The Scotsman looked back to his usual self, constantly an option on the overlap and dogged in defence.
In midfield, Fabinho, Wijnaldum and Curtis Jones were handed starts. Fabinho was the standout, providing an excellent all-round display. The Brazilian was brilliant defensively and constantly involved in attack – we’ve seen him create goals with that floated ball to the back post before and he did it once again. Sadly, I think my patience with Gini Wijnaldum has finally run out. It is simply unacceptable to go missing as often as he has this season and in campaigns gone by. This year should be his last at the club. I thank the Dutchman for his service and he has been a solid player for us up until now, but the time has come for an upgrade.
In attack, the “fab three” started, however, they were anything but fab in this one. Mo Salah had two or three incredible chances but spurned them all, Firmino showed why he hasn’t scored an Anfield league goal in over a year with his lack of composure in the box, and Sadio Mane had one of his worst performances of the season. If just one of the trio had been on their game, the Reds win comfortably. Unfortunately for us, they all had an absolute stinker.
I have to give someone Man of the Match, despite being apoplectic at the fact we haven’t come away with a win, there. For that reason, I’m going with Andy Robertson. Got himself a goal, put in a number of good balls that perhaps should have been tucked away and defended pretty well, too.
