Liverpool 4-2 Burnley player ratings: Adam Lallana returns to the starting line-up in style
Liverpool defeated Burnley at Anfield this afternoon by four goals to two, a result that keeps them within one point of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.However, it was not plain sailing for the home side.
4Roberto Firmino draws Liverpool level after good work from Mo SalahLiverpool were forced to come from a goal behind after Ashley Westwood scored directly from a corner, with goalkeeper Alisson appearing to be fouled in the process.After conceding, the Merseysiders rallied impressively and were ahead before half-time thanks to goals from Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.After Firmino added his second and his side’s third after the break Liverpool entered cruise control and failed to kill off the game despite a host of chances; most notably Mane somehow missed a tap-in from inside the six-yard box. The home side’s complacency almost came back to bite them when Johann Berg Gudmundsson slotted home in injury time to set up a nervy finish.However, in the dying seconds, Sturridge released Mane who rounded Heaton in the Burnley goal and secured the three points.
It was a mixed bag for Liverpool in terms of performances, find out below who stood out and who struggled.
Alisson Becker – 6/10He couldn’t do much about either goal, particularly the first one where he appeared to be fouled. The Brazilian was rarely tested by Burnley otherwise but provided his customary heart-in-mouth moment when in possession and almost fumbled a cross in the dying seconds.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 5/10A game in which he struggled. Burnley’s teenage winger, Dwight McNeil, beat him easily on a number of occasions and his delivery going forward was too often careless and over-hit, an area of his game that he must work on. However, he nearly made up for it with a dangerous ball across the face of goal that Mane somehow put over the top.
4Sadio Mane should have scored another from Alexander-Arnold’s crossJoel Matip – 6/10Misjudged a totally harmless bouncing ball to give away the corner that led to the first goal. Aside from that, he looked assured but was rarely tested by the Burnley attack.
Virgil Van Dyke – 7/10Cool, calm and collected as ever. He looked totally secure throughout and dealt easily with everything Burnley threw at him. He could do nothing to prevent either goal.
Andrew Robertson – 7/10Industrious as ever. He had little to do defensively but was a constant threat going forward, providing a number of wicked deliveries.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 6/10Neat and tidy in everything he did without offering much going forward. Missed an open header which he should have put in the net. He was substituted early, probably with next week’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich in mind.
Fabinho – 7/10Justified his selection over Henderson. The Brazilian offers similar levels of industry off the ball to his English counterpart, but brings a far more positive outlook in possession. He often looked to move the ball forward and in doing so started many of Liverpool’s attacks.
Adam Lallana – 8/10Probably the game’s standout player. The midfielder, who has suffered so many injuries over the past 18 months, brought an intensity that Liverpool’s midfield has been missing recently. He was responsible for Mane’s first goal through an outstanding block. Liverpool fans will hope his form continues as they enter the deciding stage of the season.
4Lallana was a surprise inclusion in Liverpool’s starting line-upSadio Mane – 8/10Took both his goals very well and was a constant threat throughout, be it dropping deep from midfield or stretching the play in behind. Having said that, he did conspire to somehow miss with the goal gaping from a few yards out during the second half.
Roberto Firmino – 8/10Liverpool’s attack appears totally dependant on whether Firmino is having a good day or not. His deft touches and flicks provide the link-up play his strike partners so rely on. He was duly rewarded with two simple tap-ins.
Mohamed Salah – 6/10Full marks for effort. He was a constant threat and never gave up trying to break down the Burnley defence. However, as has often been the case in recent weeks, his decision-making in front of goal was poor. He failed to score or play in Mane when clean through in the second half, and was lucky that Charlie Taylor’s tackle ricocheted into the path of Firmino to slot home. He also chose the wrong pass when in dangerous positions on more than one occasion.
4Mo Salah was a constant thorn in Burnley’s side, but his recent woes in front of goal continuedSubstitutesJordan Henderson – 6/10Had little to do after coming on as Liverpool were cruising. Made one excellent tackle to halt a Burnley attack.
Naby Keita – 6/10Again had little opportunity to show his ability as the midfield area was not much of a contest.
Daniel Sturridge – 7/10He was only on the field for ten minutes but gave a reminder of his talent. Showed lovely feet to set up one attack and provided the killer ball for Mane to finish the game off.
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