Liverpool left it late yet again to beat Burnley, with Mohamed Salah‘s stoppage time penalty salvaging a poor performance from him.
Burnley 0-1 Liverpool
Premier League (4) | Turf Moor
September 14, 2025
Goal: Salah (pen) 90+5′
Alisson (out of 10) – 6
This always felt like a day when Alisson would be watching his teammates dominate possession in front of him, so his biggest test was keeping warm!
He didn’t have a save of genuine note to make in the whole game, but did nothing wrong with his distribution.
Can’t get more than a six for having nothing to do!
Dominik Szoboszlai – 8
After his star turn against Arsenal, Szoboszlai again started at right-back.
Liverpool’s No. 8 again did a solid job there, albeit in less spectacular fashion than last time.
Moved into midfield when Conor Bradley came on at half time and almost opened the scoring with a fierce long-range strike – one of six attempts on the day, which was more than anyone.
Ibrahima Konate – 7
Konate made a welcome return to form at home to Arsenal and this was again much more like it from him.
Granted, the Frenchman wasn’t too busy defensively, but his pace was important when Burnley counter-attacked and he was strong in the air.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
Van Dijk has been near-perfect so far this season and, barring one sloppy early pass that allowed Burnley to burst forward, he was immaculate again here.
The Liverpool captain was superb aerially, getting himself in the right position to clear corners, and his one-on-one ability also stood out at times.
A monstrous presence in this Reds side.
Milos Kerkez – 5
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 14, 2025: Liverpool's Milos Kerkez is shown a yellow card by referee Michael Oliver during the FA Premier League match between Burnley FC and Liverpool FC at Turf Moor. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Kerkez hasn’t made a wholly convincing start to his Liverpool career and this was a 38 minutes to forget for him.
After being booked for an embarrassing dive inside the area, he was taken off by Slot before half-time after a generally erratic showing.
Needs to display a better football brain so we can all stop the Alberto Moreno comparisons.
Ryan Gravenberch – 8 (Man of the Match)
On a day when too many Liverpool players were short of their best, Gravenberch looked a class act, recording 100 percent pass accuracy and creating four changes (his most as a Liverpool player).
The Dutchman produced some lovely footwork in tight areas, while his long legs were vital in thwarting one counter-attack from the hosts.
A lovely footballer to watch.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6
Mac Allister has a habit of being off the pace straight after an international break, often quite understandably.
He was on the receiving even of a nasty tackle, which may have hampered him, but his passing radar was miles off.
There was still some good on show, but he went off at half-time.
Florian Wirtz – 6
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 14, 2025: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz during the FA Premier League match between Burnley FC and Liverpool FC at Turf Moor. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool fans are still waiting for Wirtz to explode into life and this was another performance that left you wanting more.
That’s not to say that he was poor, with some nice touches on show, but he didn’t do enough to impress either.
Much better in the second half and showed glimpses of his brilliance.
Mohamed Salah – 6
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 14, 2025: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring the first goal via a penalty during the FA Premier League match between Burnley FC and Liverpool FC at Turf Moor. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
We were giving Salah a four before his match-winning moment!
Once again, this was a match in which Salah simply couldn’t get involved, as he adjusts to a tweaked system to accommodate Wirtz.
The Egyptian isn’t getting into the areas he needs to be, seemingly limited by being forced to stay wide.
That said, he buried a stoppage-time penalty to retain Liverpool’s 100 percent record, in a priceless contribution.
Cody Gakpo – 7
Of Liverpool’s attackers, Gakpo was arguably the most likely to produce one moment of genuine quality in the first half.
His ability to cut inside onto his thunderous right foot always made him a threat, and he had the beating of Kyle Walker. Corners were good, mostly, too.
Hugo Ekitike – 6
Ekitike was faced with trying to find space against a well-drilled Burnley side and this was a tough challenge for him.
At no point did he feel like being a difference-maker, as was the case in the opening few games, and he was substituted after the break.
One good piece of trickery and a poked effort was as good as it got for him.
Substitutes
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 14, 2025: Liverpool's Milos Kerkez is replaced by substitute Andy Robertson during the FA Premier League match between Burnley FC and Liverpool FC at Turf Moor. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Andy Robertson (on for Kerkez, 38′) – 7
Hit the target straight after coming on and was certainly more controlled than Kerkez.
Conor Bradley (on for Mac Allister, 46′) – 7
Steered an effort just wide and bought lots of direct running from right-back.
Federico Chiesa (on for Ekitike, 72′) – 6
Headed wide immediately.
Jeremie Frimpong (on for Konate, 87′) – 7
Had a chance to win it just before the penalty, but his finish was tentative. A difference maker though from the bench.
Rio Ngumoha (on for Wirtz, 87′) – 7
Great pass to Frimpong and looked lively again in the short cameo.
Subs not used: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Endo, Nyoni
Arne Slot – 7
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 14, 2025: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot tells Milos Kerkez why he has been substituted off during the FA Premier League match between Burnley FC and Liverpool FC at Turf Moor. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Slot will feel disappointed by Liverpool’s performance, but yet again his team found a way to win, which is down to the winning mentality.
His decision not to put Alexander Isak in the squad looked like it would backfire, but bringing off Kerkez early is worthy of praise, showing the ruthless edge he possesses.
Top of the league after four games, and without being on top form, which can only bode well, surely?