Liverpool's front three all managed to get on the scoresheet as Jurgen Klopp’s side reclaimed top spot just hours after Manchester City had leapfrogged them in the lunchtime kick-off.
2023/2024 Premier League
3-1
Match Report
Jurgen Klopp’s patched-up side overcame a nervy start to take the lead through Diogo Jota but were stunned by Dara O’Shea’s equaliser on the stroke of half-time.
In a passionate encounter that saw both managers booked for their touchline protests, Diaz bravely headed his side back in front as Clarets goalkeeper James Trafford came out to challenge.
Darwin Nunez then sealed the points with a neat header to confirm Liverpool’s two-point advantage at the head of the Premier League though City have a game in hand.
Klopp’s depleted line-up missed Mo Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Joel Matip, Alisson, Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley, with Alisson’s flu giving a rare change in goal to Caoimhin Kelleher.
The opening of the upper tier in the Anfield Road Stand meant an attendance of 59,896 – the largest league gate in Liverpool’s history.
But it was the visitors in the midst of a relegation battle who initially looked the most inspired with Zeki Amdouni twice having opportunities to take the lead.
There was relief therefore when the home side struck after 31 minutes which came with assistance from Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.
He came out to claim a corner from Trent Alexander-Arnold that was lofted high and collided with his defender O’Shea instead of reaching the ball.
When it arrived on Jota’s head, the Portuguese forward had little problem nodding home from six yards for his 14th goal of the season.
Trafford partly-redeemed himself to prevent Burnley falling farther behind. Nunez whipped a low ball into Diaz who slid in from six yards to see his effort tipped onto the upright.
Klopp was even more energetic than usual on the touchline but went too far when Jota fell in the box under Hannes Delcroix’s challenge.
The animated German held his arms out wide calling for a penalty and when he continued to show his displeasure, referee Tim Robinson marched over to show him a yellow card.
Burnley’s equaliser after 45 minutes was the least they deserved for their enterprising play.
Brownhill’s outswinging corner found O’Shea unmarked and he planted a firm header past Kelleher into the corner.
It was the first Premier League goal of the Irishman’s career and changed the half-time team talks of both managers.
Alexander-Arnold didn’t re-emerge for the second half with Harvey Elliott coming on and Curtis Jones switching to right-back.
Burnley’s intentions were made clear when Trafford was booed for delaying his goal-kick eating up valuable seconds.
The tactic didn’t work for long with Liverpool regaining the lead after 52 minutes. Elliott made a quick impact getting to the right-hand byline where his low cross flicked off the outstretched boot of Maxime Esteve just high enough for Diaz to bravely force home a header from close range.
The goal irked Vincent Kompany who was booked for protesting a challenge by Mac Allister on David Fofana that was given the other way. The Belgian now faces a touchline ban through the totting up process.
His side though had glorious chances to level again. First, Kelleher dived at the feet of Fofana and was relieved Odobert slashed the loose ball wide. Fofana then went agonisingly close with a cross-shot.
Klopp was in demonic form. He turned away from the pitch and howled at the Liverpool fans to get behind their team. He then stumbled and stopped himself from falling with his hands before continuing “discussions” with the fourth official.
Liverpool pressed for a third and Trafford stretched himself to palm away from Jota.
It finally arrived after 79 minutes with the most popular goalscorer possible.
When Jota’s shot was charged down, Elliott pounced to chip into the penalty area where Nunez used his neck muscles well to steer a header past Trafford.
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
8' CLOSE! Fofana hits the post
13' Arnold’s shot wide out！
19' Yellow Card! Jarell Quansah booked
31' GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Burnley (Jota)
33' Yellow Card! W. Endo booked
45' GOAL! Liverpool 1-1 Burnley (O'Shea)
48' Diaz fails to score a overhead kick！
52' GOAL! Liverpool 2-1 Burnley (Luis Díaz)
62' OFFSIDE! Darwin’s shot saved by Goalkeeper!
67' AGAIN! Fofana’s shot wide out
69' Yellow Card! Darwin Núñez booked
79' GOAL! Liverpool 3-1 Burnley (Darwin Núñez)
Line-ups
Liverpool XI: W. Endo, Van Dijk, Robertson, Jota, Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Mac Allister, Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, Curtis Jones, Jarell Quansah
Subs: Adrian, Tsimikas, Cody Gakpo, Gravenberch, Elliott, Fabian Mrozek, Bobby Clark, James McConnell, Lewis Koumas
Burnley XI: Brownhill, Berge, Hannes Delcroix, O'Shea, James Trafford, Maxime Estève, Lorenz Assignon, Zeki Amdouni, Aaron Ramsey, David Datro Fofana, Wilson Odobert
Subs: Jay Rodriguez, Cork, Benson Manuel, Larsen, Josh Cullen, Hjalmar Ekdal, Arijanet Muric, Vitinho, Han-Noah Massengo