Impotent Reds left red-faced at Anfield fortress
Liverpool’s 68-match unbeaten streak at Anfield in the Premier League ended with a 1-0 loss to Burnley yesterday in the latest setback of a fading title defence.
Ashley Barnes scored from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute after the forward was brought down by goalkeeper Alisson Becker as Burnley became the first team to win a league match at Anfield since April, 2017.
It was Burnley’s first win at Liverpool since 1974 and it leaves Jurgen Klopp’s side six points behind leaders Manchester United halfway through their title defence, having not scored in four successive games.
‘‘It obviously didn’t work out tonight and that’s what we have to admit,’’ Klopp said. ‘‘It’s obviously my fault.’’
Frustrations boiled over at the halftime whistle as Barnes reacted angrily to Fabinho appearing to flick out at him, provoking a small melee, but referee Mike Dean only showed the Brazilian a yellow card.
Meanwhile, Klopp and Burnley manager Sean Dyche had their own heated exchange as they headed down the tunnel.
‘‘I didn’t start it, but it’s nothing,’’ Klopp said. ‘‘All good.’’
Dyche also downplayed the confrontation. ‘‘It was just two managers fighting for their team, wanting to win a game. There’s nothing wrong with that.’’
While Liverpool are chasing a recordequalling 20th English title, Burnley are trying to stay in the league, and they moved seven points above the drop zone.
‘‘We knew if we keep believing we will get something,’’ Barnes said. ‘‘We were growing into the game. We managed to stick to our jobs, slow everything down, and it worked.’’
Liverpool were again made to pay for their lack of a cutting edge – having left the out-of-form Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino on the bench for an hour – and the team has now gone seven hours, 18 minutes without scoring in the league.
The only point taken off Liverpool at home in last season’s title charge came in a draw with Burnley.
Dyche’s team finished this game with the same amount of possession – 29 per cent – but crucially went one better.
Burnley employed similar tactics of defending resolutely, competing physically and taking the opportunity when it arose.
The same could not be said for Klopp’s side, which had 27 attempts but only six on target.
With captain Jordan Henderson out with a minor groin problem and Salah and Firmino rested, the onus was put on replacements Divock Origi, who has one league goal since December, 2019, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Neither lived up to the billing and were taken off before the hour-mark, with Origi missing the chance of the night just before halftime.
An uncharacteristic mis-kick from Burnley captain Ben Mee put Origi clean through, but his lack of game time and confidence showed as he blasted a shot past goalkeeper Nick Pope but against the crossbar.
The Belgium striker’s only goal this season came in the 7-2 League Cup victory at Lincoln.