Liverpool climbed back to the top of the Premier League on Saturday with a 3-1 victory over Burnley, courtesy of well-taken goals from Diogo Jota, Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez.
The Reds temporarily ceded top spot to Manchester City following the champions’ 2-0 win over Everton at the Etihad hours earlier, but Jurgen Klopp’s side maintained their composure to put in a professional performance and take the three points in Anfield.
Creating Jota’s first goal in the first half, Trent Alexander-Arnold broke the record for most assists in Premier League history by a defender, shortly before coming on at half-time for Liverpool substitute Harvey Elliott.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United’s win over Luton put Burnley level on points with the Blades at the bottom of the Premier League table, and Vincent Kompany’s side will face title contenders Arsenal next.
Mail Sport evaluates the performance of the stars of the match, providing a rating for each player.
Darwin Nunez (centre) scored 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
Substituted well in Alisson’s absence and quickly came off his line to deny Fofana. He could have done little about Burnley’s goal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 6
He wrote his name in the Premier League history books by becoming the all-time assist record among defenders. It’s not his best defensive performance.
Jarell Quansah 5.5
Kelleher saved her blushes after taking advantage of her clearance and had to be careful once booked. But otherwise, a solid performance from the youngster.
Virgil van Dijk 6
He did the basics well and handled Burnley’s aerial threat with ease. He defended as expected, but lacked his usual positivity on long-distance passes.
Andrew Robertson6.5
A tidy return for the Scot once he got familiar with the game. He flooded the box with several trademark shots from the left wing and proved a threat for the Clarets.
Wataru Endo 7
He showed Liverpool fans what they were missing against Arsenal. He interrupted the game brilliantly and helped stabilize the score at 1-1. He should have done better for the goal.
It was an excellent afternoon for Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, who broke the record for most assists in Premier League history among defenders by setting up Jota’s first goal.
Harvey Elliott was Mail Sport’s player of the match despite only taking the field at half-time.
Curtis Jones 6.5
He managed the pace well in midfield until he was forced to replace the right-back from the break. He magnificently showed off his versatility in what was an unnatural position.
Alexis MacAllister 6.5
He was given more freedom alongside Endo in midfield and didn’t light up the world creatively. Otherwise, a decent display from the fired-up Argentine.
Diogo Jota 7
Again among the goals and exceptionally covering the absence of Mohamed Salah. He set the tone with a great header, but missed a couple of shots unnecessarily.
Darwin Núñez 6
He had an extremely quiet first half but always represented a threat in attack. Patience finally paid off with a well scored goal in what was another spirited performance.
Luis Diaz 7
He scored the most important goal of the game to give Liverpool momentum. He didn’t always perfectly execute his wide game, but he still posed a threat.
Substitutes:
Harvey Elliott (45′) 7.5
He changed the game after his introduction with positive runs and creative passing. He boosted Liverpool’s confidence at a time when things seemed difficult for them.
Cody Gakpo (82′) N/A
Konstantinos Tsimikas (90′) N/A
Bobby Clark (90′) N/A
James McConnell (90′) N/A
Luis Díaz put Liverpool ahead again after the break with a good shot in the 52nd minute.
Núñez ended his goal drought at Anfield, scoring at home for the first time since October 2023.
BURNLEY
James Trafford 6
Under increasing pressure from Liverpool, the goalkeeper made some good saves, but was at fault for the Reds’ first goal.
Lorenz Assignón 7
He did well to deny a rampaging Liverpool side as their stature grew in the second half.
Dara O’Shea 7
He helped provide Burnley with a consolation and prevent Liverpool from keeping a clean sheet with a beautiful header.
Maxime Esteve 6
He distinguished himself with his first Premier League start after signing during the January window.
Hannes Delcroix 6
He tried to control Alexander-Arnold, but found himself unable to completely suppress the defender.
Josh Brownhill 6
He provided an excellent assist from a Burnley corner for O’Shea’s solitary goal.
Sander Bergé 7
It sparked Burnley’s start and helped the away team keep the pressure on the Reds before they settled.
Aaron Ramsey 6
He tangled with Mac Allister in the VAR dispute before Liverpool’s second goal was allowed, and could have been smarter to help deny the hosts.
Wilson Odobert 6.5
Showed strong ball-carrying skills to get Burnley’s attack going.
Burnley defender Dara O’Shea equalized just before half-time and had a very good game.
Lorenz Assignon (left, fighting with Andrew Robertson) also impressed in defense for Burnley.
David Fofana 5.5
Unable to replicate his heroics against Fulham to launch a Burnley counter-attack, he missed several important opportunities.
Zeki Amdouni 6
Tested Kelleher well in the first half and helped add threat to the visitors’ attack.
Substitutes:
Vitinho (80′) N/A
Han-Noah Massengo (81′) N/A
Jacob Bruun Larsen (86′) N/A