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Liverpool 3-1 Burnley – Premier League Player Ratings

Match day 24 saw the Reds entertain relegation battling Burnley, six days after their disappointing 3-1 defeat against Arsenal. The game was rather painful and after a horrid first half showing and open second period, a 3-1 win was gratefully accepted.

The line-up and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Caoimhin Kelleher – 8.0

The world’s greatest goalkeeper was missing with flu, which allowed one of the finest deputies to step in between the sticks. The 25-year-old produced a very good stop early on, as Liverpool were slow out of the Anfield gates. The reserve stopper could do nothing for the equaliser, as the power header flew into the net. A second superb stop was needed at 2-1, before some good positioning stopped another chance for the Clarets to equalise.

Was exactly what he needed to be and more so.

Andy Robertson – 7.0

The role at left back switched back to the Scotland captain, as Joe Gomez missed out with flu. Was neither good nor bad and offered too little in the final third through a difficult first half. Was far better in the second half, as he offered more and more opportunities with his crossing and running. Promising comeback start.

Subbed – 90+6 mins

Trent Alexander Arnold – 4.0

The vice-captain came back into the starting eleven last week, potentially a week too early. After a slow start, he gradually grew into the game before producing the corner kick to take the lead. Struggled in his defensive output, as he played like a defender that wanted to be in midfield. The assist moved him up to a four out of ten, in a game where hopefully he simply was not well.

Subbed – 45 mins

Jarell Quansah – 8.0

The England under-21 defender came in for the suspended Ibou, with a steady and unspectacular first half showing. Was reliable and strong when called upon, as counters came and went throughout. Was decisive when he was called upon, as Fofana started to make things happen. A defensive star in the making.

Virgil van Dijk – 7.0

The captain and leader of this team, was alert after any early scare that was saved by his young keeper. The first half was about concentration and good positional sense, as the Burnley moments lessened by the minute. Commanding in his leadership in a game that was far from pretty.

Curtis Jones – 8.0

The future England midfielder was okay in the first half, with possession and moments where he needed to be cleaner on the ball, yet was always willing to commit. Was moved into right back for the second half and looked far more confident than his predecessor. Got better as the game went on and showed great maturity.

Man of the match

Alexis Mac Allister – 6.0

The Argentina World Cup winner would have been delighted to have been moved up the pitch, yet was unable to stamp his usual deep-lying authority on a disappointing first half. Was not sure where to be positionally, yet once Trent was removed, it allowed him to move into a more natural shape and dictate more in midfield. Again, improved as the game went on.

Subbed – 90+6 mins

Waturu Endo – 7.0

The Japan captain did what was needed, as he covered ground, shielded the defence, and won the ball as needed, through a rather mundane opening 45 minutes. Was good on the ball in the second half, yet seemed to allow runners going the other way. Looked very happy with Alexis next to him.

Subbed – 90+6 mins

Luis Díaz – 6.0

The Colombian flyer was a little sporadic and frustrating in the first half, as good possession failed to lead to anything fruitful. It was not until he scored the Reds’ second goal did he really contribute anything meaningful, as his dribbling was often overrun or his final pass lacking.

Subbed – 82 mins

Darwin Núñez – 7.0

The Uruguayan raging bull was quiet for the opening exchanges, before forcing the opposing keeper into a wonderful one-handed save. Was energetic and available, yet the low block was organised and aggressive against his endeavour. His goal (late on) was deserved and it was a lovely header beyond the keeper.

Diogo Jota – 7.0

The Portuguese attacker scored the opening goal after a horrible starting period, with a right place, right time, header off a Trent corner. His game before and after was largely scruffy and he struggled to get into the game as the Reds sought the killer blow. Does what is needed when asked.

Subs

Harvey Elliott – 8.0 (on 45)

Came on with a buzzing energy that brought the second goal and more balance to the midfield.

Cody Gakpo – 5.0 (on 82)

Came on to offer little.

Kostas Tsimikas – N/A (on 90+6)

Came on.

James McConnell – N/A (on 90+6)

Came on.

Bobby Clark – N/A (on 90+6)

Came on.

The Manager

Jürgen Klopp – 7.0

The German manager was hamstrung by injuries and an apparent outbreak of the flu, with many of his players lacking the drive and determination required.

He was superb in taking Trent Alexander Arnold out of the fray at half time, as moments are now vital to season success. The changes allowed more players to produce, without having to carry a vice captain that does not want to be in the defensive third.

The latter subs were a reaction to the increasing scoreline and overall, the boss did what was needed in tough circumstances and a difficult game.

Pre-match Prediction

Liverpool 4 – 1 Burnley

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