Liverpool consolidate fourth place, five points clear of Arsenal

A 2-1 comeback win over Burnley gives the Anfield team a big advantage in the race to the top 4.

» Priest Nguyen Dinh Thuc incited parishioners

Emre Can's goal brought three important points for Liverpool. Photo: Reuters.

Goals: Wijnaldum (45'+1), Can (61') - Barnes (7')

Burnley opened the scoring in the seventh minute through Ashley Barnes, who tapped in a low cross from Lowton in the box. It wasn't until the end of the first half that the home fans at Anfield got to celebrate after Georginio Wijnaldum's close-range finish, Liverpool's first shot on target in the first half.

Liverpool's comeback was sealed in the second half. Emre Can's low shot from 25 yards out found the far corner of the Burnley net.

Liverpool have taken advantage of the FA Cup tie between their closest rivals Arsenal and Man Utd to widen their lead in the Premier League table. Klopp's side have 55 points, five ahead of Arsenal and six ahead of Man Utd. Liverpool have played two more games than the pair.

Liverpool's attack played poorly for most of the match. Photo: Reuters.

After an impressive performance in the previous round when they crushed Arsenal 3-1, this was an ugly but necessary victory for Liverpool. Liverpool have not lost a game against the top 6 this season, but the struggle against Burnley shows that the team "falls ill" when facing the lower teams.

Five of Liverpool’s defeats this season have come against teams in the bottom half of the table, Burnley being one of them, having beaten Liverpool in the first leg. In the first 30 minutes of the return leg, Liverpool didn’t even create a single clear-cut chance despite playing at Anfield.

This was a disappointing performance from Liverpool as too many players were underperforming. Philippe Coutinho failed to complete his creative duties and provide good passes to his teammates, while Divock Origi failed to get a single shot on target.

Speaking after the match, coach Klopp had to admit that this was Liverpool's first ugly victory this season. However, the German coach seemed satisfied because the team knew how to win in matches where they thought they would lose points.

Burnley are currently in 12th place with 31 points, seven points above the relegation zone. In the last five rounds, this team has not won with three defeats and two draws.

According to VNE