Liverpool once again needed stoppage-time drama to snatch victory, as Mohamed Salah’s late penalty condemned Burnley to a cruel 1-0 defeat in the Premier League.
The champions looked destined for a frustrating stalemate after wasting 26 shots and enjoying almost 80 per cent possession, only to be gifted a breakthrough when Hannibal Mejbri handled inside the area.
Referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot, leaving Salah to step up and thunder the ball into the top corner for his first and only attempt of the game.
Burnley, who had battled bravely after Lesley Ugochukwu’s red card, were left heartbroken.
Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane was critical of Hannibal’s error, branding it “madness” that had cost his side a valuable point.
The win ensured Arne Slot’s men remain the only side with a 100 per cent record, stretching their scoring streak to 38 consecutive league games.
Yet, for long spells, Liverpool looked short of their usual cutting edge.
“Burnley defended with spirit, but Liverpool deserved it based on dominance,” said Keane. “The top teams keep going until the end—and that’s exactly what they did.”
Slot: ‘We wore them down’
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot admitted his team struggled to break down Burnley’s deep defensive block.
“It wasn’t a game with many chances because they had 11 players in the box,” Slot told Sky Sports. “But the longer it went, the more they tired. We kept moving the ball, kept attacking, and eventually it led to the penalty. Against that many defenders, scoring from open play isn’t as easy as people think.”
Parker: ‘Heartbreaking, but proud’
Despite the late blow, Burnley manager Scott Parker was full of praise for his players’ resilience.
“At times we defended like our lives depended on it—and I’m proud of that,” Parker said. “We denied them space, we survived so many moments, and the spirit was incredible. To lose like that is heartbreaking, but my team gave everything.”
On the decisive penalty, Parker admitted: “It’s handball by the laws of the game. Maybe the lesson is we need to adapt our defending, perhaps even training with arms behind our backs. It’s a harsh one, but it’s something we must learn from.”
Liverpool march on, but only just—while Burnley leave with pride bruised but spirit intact.
