Liverpool suffered yet another blow in their bids to retain the Premier League title when they were beaten 1-0 by Burnley at Anfield.
Despite dominating possession and the number of chances throughout the match, the visitors put on a typical, defensive performance and were awarded for their hard work by a late goal from the penalty spot.
The result means Jurgen Klopp’s side have won just three of their last 10 games in all competitions, as his key players once again faltered.
Liverpool v Burnley: Player Ratings, Match Stats, Player Stats
✔️ GOOD PERFORMANCE
Ashley Barnes: 6.9
Playing up front for Burnley doesn’t look like much fun. As a defensive team, the strikers are often tasked with chasing down long balls, closing down opposing defenders and doing their best to make the most of very little.
Fortunately for the visitors, that’s exactly what Ashley Barnes did on Thursday night and he was awarded for his efforts with a goal. Not only did the 31-year-old striker score from the penalty spot to collect only his second goal of the season, but also managed to hit three shots on target as he proved to be a constant nuisance for Klopp’s side.
❌ BAD PERFORMANCE
In only his second start of the season, very few would have doubted that a home tie against a stubborn and defensive Burnley side was a tall order for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Unfortunately for the England international, Dyche’s compact side offered very few opportunities for the 27-year-old forward to get back into the swing of things. In 57 minutes of football Oxlade-Chamberlain managed just one shot on target, a single touch of the ball in the opposing box and just one cross.
On a night Klopp needed his reserve players to step up and show that they could win games, Oxlade-Chamberlain unfortunately disappointed.
⭐ STAR MAN
Nick Pope: 8.3
Burnley’s entire system is based on defensive stability and as such Sean Dyche’s side wouldn’t get very far if they didn’t have a goalkeeper they could rely on. Fortunately that’s exactly what they had against Liverpool in the form of Nick Pope.
Whether it was getting in front of Divok Origi shots, punching Trent Alexander-Arnold crosses clear or simply making superb, reaction saves against a number of Liverpool’s best attacking players, Pope was on hand to seemingly block just about everything Klopp’s side had to offer.
Liverpool v Burnley: Player Ratings, Match Stats, Player Stats
Thiago Alcântara 
Fabinho 
Marcus Rashford 
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 
Man Utd 
Liverpool 
Everton 
Tottenham 
Man City 
Burnley 
