Verdict in Liverpool – Reds refuse to be out of the way against Burnley to show their race bottle in the title



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You learn a lot about a team on days like this.

As the rain fell and the wind wreaked havoc on Anfield, Liverpool simply refused to go out of his way.

Under extreme pressure and in the face of adversity, Jurgen Klopp's players reduced to one point the leading position of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League standings.

It would have been easy for the Reds to lose their cool after the scandalous decision that allowed Burnley to take the lead in the corner of Ashley Westwood.

But instead of feeling sorry for themselves and tackling stubborn opposition, they channeled their anger against this injustice in the best possible way.

See how Liverpool rated against Burnley HERE

A courageous and lively response turned a nightmare into an imposing victory.

Adam Lallana summed up this demonstration of ardent desire and commitment. He seized with force his chance to shine.

The Reds midfielder suffered two years of painful sores, but here's a timely reminder of what he's capable of when he's in top form. Klopp's faith was well and truly repaid.

After making an indefatigable change, Lallana rightly retired, winning the man of the match trophy. He set the tone by pressing him and gave the Liverpool midfielder a much needed creative spark. For those who have written off, a slice of humble pie should be on the menu.

There has been a lot of talk about Liverpool's bottle during the last weeks' wobble. But this performance should silence the debate.



Sadio Mane from Liverpool celebrates
Sadio Mane from Liverpool celebrates

The discipline, maturity and control that drove the Reds so far have been put forward. There was no trace of panic.

Goodison's frustration was forgotten as goals were flowing again. Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane struck before the break to give Liverpool the advantage.

The second place for Firmino allowed them to breathe and after Johann Berg Gudmundsson, substitute for Clarets, reduced a recess, Mane had the last word in stoppage of play with his 50 goals for the club.

Which season the Senegalese international is living! Mane, who has now scored 17 goals this season, has scored six straight home games. Only Michael Owen, Fernando Torres, Luis Suarez and Mo Salah have achieved this feat for the Reds at the time of the Premier League.

Liverpool will visit the Allianz Arena for its Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on Wednesday night, with momentum and convictions restored. They look more powerful over the counter and it's a positive sign as they pursue a valuable goal.

Win at Fulham next weekend – as City is concerned about the FA Cup's duty against Swansea – and Klopp's men will be leading the Premier League standings for the international break.



Liverpool's Sadio Mane celebrates his team's second goal
Liverpool's Sadio Mane celebrates his team's second goal

This is no longer in the hands of the Reds. After three months as a hunted, they are now the hunter, but this title race is still very much alive.

Eight days from the end, Liverpool is not going quietly. They just need to continue to take care of their own affairs so that, if the city falls, they cash in. The final announcement is exciting.

Before the kickoff, Klopp was surprised by Lallana's victory over Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri, after choosing to give his captain Jordan Henderson a break before his trip to Germany.

The manager revealed that only a fourth league start for Lallana was rewarded for his "outstanding" week on the training ground. Klopp's judgment turned out to be perfect.

Lallana led the charge after a controversial six-minute delay over Liverpool.

The Reds did not help when Joel Matip conceded a corner unnecessarily, but the result was ridiculous from blundering referee Andre Marriner.



Mohamed Salah (left), James Milner (center) and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool discuss a free kick
Mohamed Salah (left), James Milner (center) and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool discuss a free kick

Alison Becker's attempts to treat the Westwood investor were clearly embarrassed by the fact that James Tarkowski leaned on his shoulder. The ball sailed on Liverpool No 1 and was tucked away in the farthest corner.

However, to the chagrin of the Reds, Marriner granted the goal and Alisson's furious protests earned her a booking. What a contrast to the helping hand given to City by the officials in their first match against Watford 24 hours earlier.

Anfield was shaken in life. The Kop let out a provocative roar as Liverpool pulled up his sleeves and showed his stomach to fight.

The hosts sped up the pace and began to stretch Burnley's backline. Firmino's strike was narrowly deflected over the bar after he locked Salah's pass.

Liverpool soon restored parity. Lallana threw a perfect pass across ground for Salah, whose sliding double with Gini Wijnaldum opened the flank of Sean Dyche.



Roberto Firmino of Liverpool celebrates the third goal of his team
Roberto Firmino of Liverpool celebrates the third goal of his team

Tom Heaton has not failed to center the Egyptian International Center and Firmino has happily helped.

Decibel levels have been increased. Liverpool lobbied for the Clarets to have no respite, Lallana and Firmino closing the space several times.

Just before half an hour, the Reds were in front. Lallana is thrown on the path of Phil Bardsley's clearance attempt.

The bullet hit Salah's path, annoyed by Charlie Taylor. While Anfield was screaming for a penalty kick, Mane bounded and hit the ball at home.

The weather was about as steady as Marriner's, as the sun turned to rain, changing into melted snow, then he was reviving.

Lallana stayed at the heart of the Reds' best, while he found pockets of space and games connected intelligently.



Adam Lallana with Astley Westwood in the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Burnley FC in Anfield

The swirling wind made life difficult but in the second half, Liverpool was rarely troubled. The defensive rock Virgil van Dijk was once again huge and Fabinho impressed in front of the Dutchman.

Salah, who was thwarted by a good rescue from Tom Heaton, was not retained and played five scoreless matches, which is now the longest barren run of his career in Liverpool.

However, Salah has always made an eloquent contribution to the team. Some of his connections with Mane and Firmino were delicious.

Halfway through the second half, he was 3-1. Heaton's sad goal landed at Salah's feet. He ran to the point before being shot by Taylor.

With Marriner playing the advantage, Firmino doubled his account for the afternoon.

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Liverpool match day

Henderson and Keita replaced Wijnaldum and Lallana as Liverpool qualified for the win.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was replaced late precaution, should have enjoyed another decisive pass for his collection, but Mane still hit the bar at three meters.

Some defenses allowed Gudmundsson to reduce the deficit, but the outcome was not in doubt.

Substituting the elegance of the ball by Daniel Sturridge, Mane immediately cleared the ball and he went around Heaton to score.

A difficult test had been passed brilliantly with character in abundance.

MATCHING FACTS


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Liverpool: Alison, Alexander-Arnold (Sturridge 86), Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum (Henderson 68), Lallana (Keita 77), Mane, Salah, Firmino.

Not used: Mignolet, Lovren, Shaqiri, Origi.

Burnley: Heaton, Bardsley, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor, Hendrick (Gudmundsson 79), Cork, Westwood, McNeil, Barnes (Vydra 86), Wood (Crouch 79).

Not used: Lowton, Brady, Gibson, Hart.

Arbitrator: André Marriner

Presence: 53,310

goals: Westwood 6, Firmino 19, Mane 29, Firmino 67, Gudmundsson 90 + 1, Mane 90 + 3.

Reservations: Alisson, Fabinho

Man of the match: Adam Lallana. Repayed Klopp's faith in style.

  • What did you think of Liverpool's performance? Let us know in the comments below

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