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Liverpool climbed back to the top of the Premier League on Saturday with a 3-1 victory over Burnley, courtesy of well-taken goals by Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez.
The Reds temporarily conceded first place to Manchester City after the champions’ 2-0 triumph over Everton at the Etihad hours before, but Jurgen Klopp’s side kept their composure to put in a professional performance and claim all three points at Anfield.
Creating Jota’s opener in the first half, Trent Alexander-Arnold broke the record for the most assists in Premier League history by a defender, shortly before departing at the break for Liverpool substitute Harvey Elliott.
Mail Sport assesses the stars’ performances from the match, providing a rating for each player.
Darwin Nunez (centre) bagged Liverpool’s third goal as the Reds beat Burnley 3-1 on Saturday
Diogo Jota opened the scoring with a well-placed header on the half-hour mark at Anfield
LIVERPOOL
Caoimhin Kelleher 6
Deputised well in Alisson’s absence and was quick off his line to deny Fofana. Little he could have done about the Burnley goal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 6
Wrote his name into the Premier League history books by becoming the all-time record assist-maker among defenders. Not his best display defensively.
Jarell Quansah 5.5
Had his blushed spared by Kelleher after making a meal of his clearance and had to be cautious once booked. But otherwise a solid display from the youngster.
Virgil van Dijk 6
Did the basics well and dealt with Burnley’s aerial threat with ease. Defended as one would expect him to but lacked his usual positivity with long-range passes.
Andrew Robertson 6.5
A tidy return for the Scot once he grew into the game. Flooded the box with several trademark deliveries from the left-hand side and proved a menace for the Clarets.
Wataru Endo 7
Showed Liverpool fans what they were missing against Arsenal. Broke up play brilliantly and helped steady the ship at 1-1. Should have done better for the goal.
It was an excellent afternoon for Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, who broke the record for the most assists in Premier League history among defenders by setting up Jota’s opener
Harvey Elliott was Mail Sport’s player of the match despite only entering the field at half time
Curtis Jones 6.5
Managed the tempo well in midfield until he was forced to deputise at right-back from half time. Showcased his versatility superbly in what was an unnatural position.
Alexis Mac Allister 6.5
Given extra freedom alongside Endo in midfield and didn’t set the world alight creatively. Otherwise, a decent display from the switched-on Argentine.
Diogo Jota 7
Among the goals again and covering Mohamed Salah’s absence exceptionally. Set the tone with a great header but snatched at a couple of shots unnecessarily.
Darwin Nunez 6
Had an extremely quiet first half but always posed a threat in attack. Patience finally paid off with a well-taken goal in what was another spirited performance.
Luis Diaz 7
Grabbed the most important goal of the game to swing momentum in Liverpool’s favour. Didn’t always execute his wide play perfectly but posed a threat nonetheless.
Substitutes:
Harvey Elliott (45′) 7.5
Changed the game after his introduction with positive runs and creative passing. Boosted Liverpool’s confidence at a time when things were looking nervy for them.
Cody Gakpo (82′) N/A
Konstantinos Tsimikas (90′) N/A
Bobby Clark (90′) N/A
James McConnell (90′) N/A
Luis Diaz fired Liverpool back ahead after the break with a well-taken effort in the 52nd minute
Nunez ended his Anfield goal drought, scoring at home for the first time since October 2023
BURNLEY
James Trafford 6
Under increasing pressure from Liverpool, the ‘keeper pulled off some fine saves but was at fault for the Reds’ opener.
Lorenz Assignon 7
Did well to deny a rampant Liverpool as their stature grew in the second-half.
Dara O’Shea 7
Helped provide Burnley a consolation and keep Liverpool from keeping a clean sheet with a lovely bulleted header.
Maxime Esteve 6
Distinguished himself with his first Premier League start after signing during the January window.
Hannes Delcroix 6
Tried to keep a lid on Alexander-Arnold but found himself unable to fully suppress the defender.
Josh Brownhill 6
Provided a fine assist from a Burnley corner for O’Shea’s solitary goal.
Sander Berge 7
Spurred on Burnley’s front-footed start and helped the away side keep up pressure on the Reds before they settled.
Aaron Ramsey 6
Tangled up with Mac Allister in the VAR squabble before Liverpool’s second was allowed to stand, and could have been cleverer to help deny the hosts.
Wilson Odobert 6.5
Showed off strong ball-carrying skills to get Burnley’s attack up and running.
Burnley defender Dara O’Shea equalised on the stroke of half-time and had a very good game
Lorenz Assignon (left, tussling with Andrew Robertson) also impressed in defence for Burnley
David Fofana 5.5
Unable to replicate his heroics against Fulham to launch a Burnley fight-back, missing a number of strong chances.
Zeki Amdouni 6
Tested Kelleher well in the first-half, and helped add menance to the visitors’ attack.
Substitutes:
Vitinho (80′) N/A
Han-Noah Massengo (81′) N/A
Jacob Bruun Larsen (86′) N/A
