Liverpool edged out Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor thanks to a dramatic injury-time winner from Mohamed Salah, but the game was as much about Arne Slot’s bold in-game management as it was about the decisive goal.
The Premier League champions had been frustrated for long periods by newly promoted Burnley, who defended with grit and discipline. Slot’s side found it difficult to break the hosts down, and their challenge was made trickier by the early substitution of summer signing Milos Kerkez.
The Hungarian left-back was withdrawn just 37 minutes into the contest, replaced by Andy Robertson after a difficult first half. Kerkez had endured a torrid spell, first sparking controversy after going to ground inside the Burnley penalty area for diving. Referee Michael Oliver was unmoved by loud appeals from the away end and instead awarded a free kick to the Clarets, booking Kerkez for simulation.
Sky Sports co-commentator Jamie Carragher was scathing in his verdict:
“It was a dive. There are no doubts about it. That is absolutely stupid. Well done to the referee.”
Things worsened for the 21-year-old minutes later when he clumsily brought down Anthony midway inside Liverpool’s half. With Kerkez already on a yellow card, Slot decided the risk of a second booking was too high.
The Liverpool boss made a decisive call to turn to Robertson before half-time, and the experienced Scot wasted no time in making an impression. He drove down the flank, creating space in the box and testing the goalkeeper with a fierce shot, setting the tone for Liverpool’s renewed push.
Carragher praised Slot’s management, even if Kerkez was left disappointed by the decision:
“Really good management. This game is going to be about counter attacking, and something could happen to see him pick up a second yellow. Andy Robertson is hardly a bad replacement.”
Kerkez’s difficult afternoon was in sharp contrast to his outstanding performance a fortnight ago in Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal, where he had handled the threat of Noni Madueke with impressive maturity. Slot and the Anfield faithful know the Hungary international has the talent and tenacity to succeed, but his Turf Moor outing served as a reminder of the adjustment period required at the top level.
Liverpool pushed relentlessly in the second half, but Burnley continued to hold firm, with goalkeeper James Trafford making several key saves. Just when it seemed the points would be shared, Salah delivered the decisive moment in injury time. Latching onto a loose ball inside the box, the Egyptian kept his composure to fire past Dubravka and send the away end into raptures.
The late winner not only preserved Liverpool’s perfect start to the season with a fourth successive victory but also underlined the value of Slot’s willingness to act decisively when the game called for it.
For Kerkez, this was a harsh lesson in the unforgiving demands of the Premier League. For Liverpool, it was another demonstration of resilience, patience, and the quality to find a way when it matters most.
