Dominik Szoboszlai’s missed penalty cost Liverpool three points as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Burnley at Anfield.
Szoboszlai smashed against the bar when the game was goalless and despite Florian Wirtz giving the Reds the lead before the break, Marcus Edwards equalised for the 19th-placed Clarets in the second period and the Arne Slot’s side were unable to recover.
While Liverpool created several chances, they’ll ultimately rue throwing away victory against Scott Parker’s plucky visitors.
Match report
Liverpool dominated the first half but Burnley showed their resilience, with Hugo Ekitike forcing a decent save out of goalkeeper Martin Dubravka while Jeremie Frimpong had a goalbound shot blocked.
In the 31st minute, the Reds were presented with a huge chance to break the deadlock when Cody Gakpo was adjudged to have been fouled by Clarets midfielder Florentino Lis inside the box and a penalty was awarded. Szoboszlai stepped up but he slammed his effort against the crossbar.
But Liverpool kept probing and got their reward three minutes before half-time when the ball was pulled back for Wirtz, whose fierce effort found the back of the net.
Burnley fired a warning shot three minutes into the second half when Edwards’ effort on the swivel didn’t go too far wide.
Liverpool regained the upper hand but could not double their advantage, with Wirtz prodding into the onrushing Dubravka before Gakpo had a shot cleared off the line by Burnley defender Bashir Humphreys.
On 65 minutes, Jaidon Anthony must have thought he was about to equalise for the Clarets when he was lurking in the box. However, a last-ditch clearance from Reds defender Ibrahima Konate inadvertently steered towards goal, only for keeper Alisson Becker to get down and make a fine save.
But Alisson was given little chance of keeping out Edwards’ acute effort seconds later. The Burnley forward peeled off Liverpool’s defence too easily and fired home to restore parity.
Slot’s troops tried desperately to regain the advantage and substitute Alexis Mac Allister blazed an effort over the bar while Ekitike failed to react to a Curtis Jones cross-shot at the back post for a tap-in.
Despite seven minutes of added-time being signalled, Liverpool were unable to take advantage and there were boos from sections of fans at the full-time whistle. While the Reds are now 12 matches unbeaten, they failed to beat a Burnley team heading towards the drop.
Had to make just one routine save in the first half. Produced an excellent stop to proven an own goal but little chance with Burnley's equaliser.
1. Alisson Becker - 6
Had to make just one routine save in the first half. Produced an excellent stop to proven an own goal but little chance with Burnley's equaliser. | Getty Images
Put on the afterburners a few times down the flank in the first half and went close to scoring. Pace kept asking Burnley all sorts of questions in the second half but lashed one chance over the bar.
2. Jeremie Frimpong - 7
Put on the afterburners a few times down the flank in the first half and went close to scoring. Pace kept asking Burnley all sorts of questions in the second half but lashed one chance over the bar. | Getty Images
Oozed class in the first half. Didn't do much wrong after the break.
3. Virgil van Dijk - 7
Oozed class in the first half. Didn't do much wrong after the break. | Getty Images
Dominant in the air in the first half. Made a crucial interception that was helped out by Alisson's save in the second half.
4. Ibrahima Konate - 7
Dominant in the air in the first half. Made a crucial interception that was helped out by Alisson's save in the second half. | Getty Images