Liverpool may have put in one of the worst performances this season at Anfield, but to play that badly and still go away with the three points is a very good sign and can help stow away the fears of playing bus-parking teams in the league.
Liverpool came out 2-1 winners against Burnley. Ashley Barnes scored early on for the Clarets, but by Georginio Wijnaldum got the Reds level just before half-time and Emre Can scored a lovely low drive in the 61st minute to give the Reds the lead.
Jürgen Klopp’s men were far from their best though. They were sloppy in possession, second to every ball and made silly mistakes all over the pitch. The first goal by Burnley was well placed but it epitomised how poor the Reds had been in the opening period of the game.
In these kind of games, you usually need your striker to pull something out of nothing, however, today it was Liverpool’s two central midfielders who did just that. At the end of the day, Liverpool got the points so we can’t complain to much..
Here are my Liverpool player ratings:
Simon Mignolet - 7
Made a couple good punches and showed authority in the box when Burnley were threatening from set pieces.
Nathaniel Clyne - 4
One of his worst performances, He was OK defensively but going forward, he didn’t provide anything down the right hand side.
Joel Matip - 5
Struggled to handle the Burnley front two for the majority of the game. Made some crucial blocks and clearances in the second half but he must improve.
Ragnar Klavan - 5
Andre Gray didn’t give him a moment’s notice in the first half, so much so, Emre Can had to go back and help him out. Not too convincing from the Estonian.
James Milner - 5
Got caught out quite a few times and his lack of pace cost him on a couple of occasions. Not a good day for the left back.
Emre Can - 6
For 60 minutes, he was well below par. He made so many mistakes and wasn’t taking the simple pass. But, that’s one pile-driver of a goal, so he gets a six!
Georginio Wijnaldum - 6
Always seems to crop up when Liverpool need him in the box. Took his goal well and kept his composure just before half-time.
Adam Lallana - 5
Much like the rest of the team, he wasn’t at his best in the middle of the park. Lacked the usual tenacity and guile we’re used to seeing.
Phillipe Coutinho - 4
Deservedly taken off in the second half. Coutinho struggled massively to create and influence the game, just seemed like nothing was coming off for the Brazilian.
Sadio Mané - 6
One of the few shining lights in the first half. Kept running at the full back and asking questions of their back line.
Divock Origi - 4
Not the performance we wanted from Divock Origi. Liverpool needed someone to hold the ball up and occupy both centre backs and he couldn’t deliver. Not been a great season for him.
Substitutes
Ben Woodburn – 6: Had some good touches and didn’t look out-of-place on the pitch. Valuable 30 mins for the youngster.
Lucas Leiva – 6: Helped shore up the back in the dying moments