Liverpool Leave It Late to Beat Burnley and Extend Perfect Start

Drama at Turf Moor

Liverpool’s trip to Turf Moor ended in familiar fashion, with yet another late winner, as discussed in detail on The Gags Tandon Show on Anfield Index. The show opened by joking that fans are “losing seven years of our life every game this plays,” before admitting the euphoria of late drama never truly gets old.

Dave Davis described the run of 90+ minute goals as feeling like “we’re playing the end of the season at the beginning,” and questioned whether the team can sustain this rollercoaster across nine months. Andy Wales was equally reflective, admitting “I’m not sure [my heart] can make it to Christmas if we carry on like this.”

The panel highlighted the wider context of integrating summer signings like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak into Arne Slot’s system. Andy argued that “the rhythm and the familiarity between the players isn’t quite there yet… we will get better and we will find how we work this system.”

Concerns Over Fluidity

Despite the late win, concerns remain over Liverpool’s attacking patterns. Dave Davis said bluntly, “it doesn’t look like a system… it looks like a collection of individuals.” He noted that Liverpool still rely heavily on individual moments of quality, citing “a bit of Mo magic, a Wirtz pass or… a Szoboszlai free kick” as decisive moments.

Andy pointed out that four attackers were on the pitch but “we barely got any of them involved,” criticising the lack of penetration against Burnley’s deep block. He argued that Wirtz is most effective closer to goal and lamented the current approach: “you’re getting him on the ball in deeper areas… it’s congested around him.”

Tactical Choices and Substitutions

The discussion turned to Arne Slot’s game management. While some fans have questioned the timing of substitutions, Dave defended the manager: “Slot likes a rhythm team… he’s trying to get that early whether we like it or not.” He praised the decision to substitute Milos Kerkez after a rash yellow card, calling it “ruthlessness” from the coach.

Both guests agreed that Ryan Gravenberch was Liverpool’s standout performer. Dave went as far as to call him “probably our best player overall,” crediting his interceptions and ball progression.

Burnley’s Approach and Big Decisions

The panel was unimpressed by Burnley’s lack of ambition. “They offered nothing,” said Gags, adding that Liverpool “were the only team playing for a win.” Andy felt Burnley were fortunate to keep 11 men on the pitch after a strong tackle on Alexis Mac Allister, calling it “very lucky to stay on the pitch.” Dave criticised the VAR decision too, saying: “you see the foot bend… he’s out of control… crazy it was cleared.”

Perfect Record but Room for Improvement

Liverpool have taken 12 points from 12 and sit top of the league, but the panel stressed the need for improvement. Andy summed it up: “you can’t keep relying on getting these winners late on. Something needs to change.” Dave agreed that tougher tests lie ahead, warning that a repeat of this performance in the derby “will not be happy at all.”