September 14, (THEWILL) — Mohamed Salah rescued Liverpool with a stoppage-time penalty at Turf Moor on Sunday, ensuring the champions maintained their perfect start despite a stubborn Burnley performance.
The Egyptian forward converted from the spot after Hannibal Mejbri was penalised for handball in the closing moments, breaking the hearts of the home supporters who had watched their team defend magnificently throughout the encounter.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot chose not to include record signing Alexander Isak in his matchday squad for the trip to Lancashire, confirming the Swedish striker would make his debut in Wednesday’s Champions League fixture instead.
The decision left supporters waiting to see their marquee addition in action, though the champions ultimately found another route to victory through familiar means.
Scott Parker organised Burnley in a disciplined 5-4-1 formation designed to frustrate Liverpool’s attacking players and capitalise on counter-attacking opportunities.
The Clarets executed their game plan effectively during the first half, with Martin Dúbravka remaining largely untested except from set-piece situations, while Liverpool struggled to break down the organised defensive structure before the interval.
Slot’s tactical adjustments at half-time proved crucial, with Conor Bradley’s introduction at full-back injecting fresh energy into Liverpool’s previously lacklustre display.
The visitors dominated the second period, bombarding Burnley with set-plays and forcing Dúbravka into action, notably from a powerful Dominik Szoboszlai effort that required the goalkeeper to scramble clear.
Burnley appeared to have weathered Liverpool’s sustained pressure until Lesley Ugochukwu received a second yellow card in the final stages, reducing the home side to 10 men.
The numerical disadvantage proved costly when the handball penalty was awarded, allowing Liverpool to continue their pattern of late victories that has characterised their campaign opening.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
