Liverpool’s 1-0 win at Burnley may not have been their most convincing performance of the season, but it delivered three crucial points and offered plenty of talking points.
Here are five things we learned from a tense encounter at Turf Moor.
1) Mohamed Salahslow start is a mild concern but his heroics endure
However you slice it, Mohamed Salah has had a slower start to the season than Liverpool would have hoped. After scoring on the opening night against Bournemouth, the Egyptian had largely been quiet in the subsequent fixtures, rarely making the kind of decisive impact fans have come to expect. The 95th-minute penalty against Burnley may have masked some of those concerns, but it was a reminder of the quality he brings when it matters most.
Against Burnley, Salah once again waited until the 95th minute to make his mark, converting a penalty to seal victory.
While it is encouraging to see Salah step up when it matters most, there are mild concerns over his adjustment to life alongside Liverpool’s new additions. The forward himself admitted he is still learning the movements of some teammates a natural process but one that has seen him fall short of top form in recent weeks.
That said, the late goal extends Liverpool’s club-record streak of consecutive games with a goal to 38, and the Reds now have the chance to match Tottenham’s all-time record of 39 in next week’s Merseyside Derby against Everton at Anfield. Salah’s ability to deliver at crucial moments remains unquestionable; the hope is that his consistency in open play will return sooner rather than later.
2) Milos Kerkez is still learning and Robertson’s leadership is priceless
Milos Kerkez’s display against Burnley was a mixed one. The 21-year-old looked eager to impress, but his overzealousness proved costly. He picked up a needless booking and appeared ready to commit a second ill-timed challenge. Slot didn’t wait until half-time, making the bold call to replace Kerkez with Andy Robertson midway through the first half a move that might have surprised some but was entirely justified.
For Kerkez, these moments are part of his growth. Despite a strong start to life at Liverpool, he is still adjusting to the intensity, expectations, and positional nuances of the Premier League.
By contrast, Robertson’s introduction highlighted the immense value of experience and leadership. Coming off the bench, the vice-captain delivered a masterclass in both performance and attitude, demonstrating why he is a guiding presence in a squad that features so many new faces. Liverpool’s depth of character and maturity in these moments cannot be overstated, especially in a season that’s transitional.
3) Defensive solidity once more
No late victory is possible without a strong defensive platform, and at Burnley, Liverpool’s centre-back pairing of Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk delivered just that. Up against a physical, direct Burnley side in gusty conditions, both defenders were immense. Konate won 14 duels the most of any player on the pitch while Van Dijk added 10, constantly snuffing out danger and providing calm reassurance at the back. It was their consistency that allowed Liverpool to press late and eventually snatch the winner.
4) Midfield duo shine once more
Liverpool’s midfield showed mixed fortunes against Burnley. Dominik Szoboszlai, who had impressed as a right-back before the international break, struggled to find his rhythm in this game, particularly in breaking down Burnley’s low block. His involvement improved only after Conor Bradley’s introduction allowed a positional tweak, highlighting the need for Liverpool’s midfielders to be adaptable and patient against stubborn defensive setups.
Ryan Gravenberch, on the other hand, was one of the few bright spots. Sharp, energetic, and constantly looking to drive play forward, the Dutchman showed why he is a key component in Liverpool’s midfield.
That said, he required more support from the players ahead, indicating that while individual performances can shine, Liverpool’s creativity and cohesion remain a work in progress. With matches against Atletico Madrid and Everton looming, rotation will be key, and both Szoboszlai and Gravenberch are likely to see significant roles across multiple positions.
5) Burnley a blueprint for Atletico Madrid clash
Liverpool’s next challenge is Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, and in some ways, Burnley provided perfect preparation. Diego Simeone’s side are masters of the low block, looking to frustrate and contain teams in the final third much like Burnley did at Turf Moor. Liverpool’s ability to patiently probe and eventually find a way through is an encouraging sign ahead of the European clash.
Slot also has options on the bench, with Alexander Isak potentially providing a fresh attacking spark against stubborn defences.
