Goals from Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane gave Liverpool a comfortable 2-0 victory over Burnley, on a day when supporters were welcomed back to Anfield for the first time since March 2020.
While the two strikers secured three points for Liverpool with their goals in the first and second half, it is the impressive views on the hill and in midfield that can impress Jurgen Klopp the most; Kostas Tsimikas and Harvey Elliott. on his first Premier League start, brilliant in particular.
For the visitors, it was an afternoon of frustration when the chances came and went for Sean Dyche’s side. Creating opportunities was not an issue for the Clarets, but a lack of calm in front of goal and several good saves from Alisson kept Liverpool’s clean sheets.
Nick Pope was just as impressive at the other end, making smart saves late to deny Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohammad Salah, but there was nothing he could do to prevent Jota’s opening – a clever header from Tsimika’s cross – or Mane’s clinical others.
This is how Liverpool’s players rated on a comfortable afternoon …
Virgil van Dijk applauds a sold-out Anfield / Catherine Ivill / Getty Images
Alisson Becker (GK) – 7/10 – Although the Brazilian striker left today with a clean sheet and a summary of some impressive saves, a mistake in the first minutes almost gave Burnley the opener.
Trent Alexander -Arnold (RB) – 8/10 – Back to its electrifying best, charge up and down the wing on purpose. His delivery was also quality, while his quick assist for Mane’s goal was excellent.
Joel Matip (CB) – 6/10 – A clean sheet may have been chalked up, but Matip will be the first to admit that Liverpool’s defense was not as organized as it needed to be. Too many chances were given to Burnley.
Virgil van Dijk (CB) – 7/10 – The most dominating central defender was without a doubt Van Dijk, but he did not have a great day today, often losing his footing on the muddy pitch. Made a couple of important blocks.
Kostas Tsimikas (LB) – 8/10 – In just his second Premier League start, Tsimikas got an assist – whipped in a great cross for Jota to look home. A star displayed from the Greek.
Jordan Henderson returned to Anfield is a long notice / Catherine Ivill / Getty Images
Jordan Henderson (CM) – 7/10 – The Liverpool captain started at Anfield for the first time since losing to Everton last spring. Gives a solid performance and shows no signs of rust.
Harvey Elliott (CM) – 7/10 – The teenager started today for the first time in the Premier League and caught the attention with a lively show. Won two free kicks in the initial 10 minutes and would have received an assist to his name if it were not for the flag of the line flag.
Near Keita (CM) – 7/10 – The possessive midfielder chased Burnley in the middle of the park and helped break up the game and restart attacks.
Sadio Mané struggles to try a shot / Catherine Ivill / Getty Images
Mohamed Salah (RW) – 8/10 – Salah was unlucky to have a goal ruled out for offside, but was a constant threat all the time. Cutting inside seems so obvious, but stopping him is a completely different story.
Diogo Jota (ST) – 8/10 – The Portuguese striker scored his second goal of the season with a fine header halfway through the first half. Faded again, as he did on opening day, but another positive display.
Sadio Mane (LW) – 8/10 – Mane sealed the three points for Liverpool with an excellent finish in the middle of the second half. Had a number of efforts in goal and looked more like his old self.
Klopp was selective with his substitutes on Saturday / Visionhaus / Getty Images
Thiago Alcantara (CM) – 7/10 – Passed the ball impeccably after coming on, but got only ten minutes of action.
Roberto Firmino – (ST) – 6/10 – Not enough time to make a telling impact but had a left foot effort saved by the Pope.
Joe Gomez (CB) – N / A
