Liverpool FC’s winning streak at Anfield finally came to an end on Saturday afternoon with the Reds’ 1-1 draw against Burnley FC. A masterclass from the Clarets’ goalkeeper Nick Pope was the key factor for the visitors managing to secure a point on their travel to Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp made quite a few changes to his Liverpool FC starting lineup with injury to Jordan Henderson and squad rotation in mind. Both Reds’ academy graduates Neco Williams and Curtis Jones were given a start, a first for the latter. Trent Alexander Arnold was given a rest and thus featured on the bench.
The hosts started the game with the same energy that is has become a characteristic for Jurgen Klopp’s side. A couple of chances did fall Liverpool FC’s way to score, however, a brilliant block by Burnley center-back James Tarkowski denied Mohammad Salah to get onto the end of Andy Robertson’s fine cross.
Jones, handed his first Premier League start by Klopp, found himself in a number of goalscoring opportunities throughout the game. The youngster’s first effort on goal was saved by Nick Pope, who only minutes later made another fine stop to deny Salah from scoring.
Another effort by the Egyptian star in the following minutes was thwarted by the Clarets’ shot-stopper, who is leading the clean sheets charts in this season’s Premier League.
However, Liverpool FC were finally successful in opening their account when Fabinho delivered a wonderful floating pass that stretched about diagonally across the area. Robertson got to the end of the ball and nodded it past Pope to give the Reds’ the lead.
Just before the half-time whistle blew, a brilliant linkup between the Liverpool FC players allowed Sadio Mane to have a crack on goal. However, despite the power in the shot struck by the Senegalese, Pope conjured up a fantastic diving save to prevent the hosts from taking a two-goal lead into the end of the opening 45 minutes.
Firmino found himself onto a ball released by Salah and his shot struck the post, just after the second half had commenced. Another chance fell Jones’ way, however, the 19-year old’s left foot effort shot wide of the goal.
A free-kick awarded to Burnley in the opposition half proved to be the turning point in the game. Jay Rodriguez pounced upon the ball and his strike went beyond Alisson to level the game for the Clarets.
The final minutes of the game proved to be even more frustrating for the Reds. An effort by Gudmundsson struck the crossbar and prevented the visitors from taking a lead that would have guaranteed them three points.
The final whistle soon blew, which meant that Jurgen Klopp’s side dropped points at Anfield for the first time in the 2019-20 Premier League season.
MATCH STATS
SCORE: 1-1
Possession: Liverpool FC- 70.8% Burnley FC- 29.2%
Yellow Cards: Liverpool FC- 1 Burnley FC- 2
Shots: Liverpool FC- 23 Burnley FC- 6
Offsides: Liverpool FC- 2 Burnley FC- 3
