Liverpool secured their first win in three Premier League games to retake their place at the top of then table with victory over Burnley. 

Darwin Nunez gave the visitors the lead after just six minutes at Turf Moor with the Uruguayan striker producing an assured finish from the edge of the box to notch his fifth Premier League goal of the campaign.

Jurgen Klopp’s side exuded confidence for the remainder of the opening 45 minutes and appeared to have doubled their lead through Cody Gakpo but his strike was ruled out due to a foul by Nunez.

Burnley committed men forward as they searched for an equaliser in the closing stages but they would be made to pay as Diogo Jota capitalised on a counter attack to notch his fiftieth Liverpool goal and secure three points.

Mail Sport’s JOE BERNSTEIN has rated the Liverpool players.

Here is how they have fared…

A returning Diogo Jota netted late to seal victory for Liverpool against Burnley at Turf Moor

LIVERPOOL: (4-3-3)

Alisson – 6.5: While his opposite number was regularly forced into action it was a comparatively quiet afternoon for the Brazilian at Turf Moor. Had no real threats to deal with and was largely accurate with his distribution.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6: Less involved offensively than he has been in the past but was assured when Burnley enjoyed a spell of momentum after the interval.

Virgil van Dijk produced a typically assured performance in the centre of defence

Jarell Quansah – 7.5: After a quiet first 45 minutes found himself frequently called into action as the game progressed. Made a pair of critical challenges around the hour mark to deny the hosts.

Virgil van Dijk – 7: Typically strong performance from the Dutchman who seems to be getting back to his best this season. Combined his defensive duties with some smart searching passes.

Joe Gomez – 6.5: Pressed high up the pitch as Liverpool took control in the second-half. Came close to netting his first career goal for the club.

Wataru Endo – 7: All-around strong performance throughout but was nearly punished and had to be bailed out by his defence for a wayward pass late on.

Ryan Gravenberch showed glimpses of his potential in midfield but was occasionally wasteful in midfield

Ryan Gravenberch – 6.5: Did what was required of him in midfield but failed to really impress. Still yet to reach the performances levels that made him so vaunted this summer.

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Harvey Elliott – 7: Will no doubt be frustrated to have been denied a goal by VAR, but an otherwise positive showing from the 20-year-old who is quickly becoming an integral part to his side’s success this season.  

Mohamed Salah – 6.5: Exudes quality on the ball and worked hard to be involved but struggled to impact the game the way he so often has in the past.

Harvey Elliott will be frustrated to have been denied a second Premier League goal of the season

Cody Gakpo – 6.5: Was a consistent threat down the left hand side and was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet after VAR ruled that Nunez had committed a foul in the build-up to his goal.

Darwin Nunez – 7.5: Produced a quality finish from the edge of the box to give the Reds an early lead and end a run of several games without a goal.

Darwin Nunez netted his fifth goal of the season top give the Reds the lead after six minutes

Substitutes:

Curtis Jones (67′ for Gravenberch) – 6

Dominik Szoboszlai (67′ for Elliott) – 6

Luis Diaz (67′ for Gakpo) – 6

Diogo Jota (84′ for Nunez)

Manager: Jurgen Klopp – 7

Three points and a return to the top of the Premier League table will likely come as a relief to the Liverpool boss after successive draws. His side dominated and could have netted several more if not for the heroics of James Trafford in the Clarets goal. May still be unhappy that his side were twice denied goals by VAR. 

Subs not used: Kelleher, Konate, Chambers, McConnell, Bradley.