Liverpool achieved a club record 13th straight win on Saturday against Burnley at Turf Moor. The Reds found the back of the net three times on the day courtesy of Trent Alexander-Arnold (later recorded as a Chris Wood own goal), Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino.
The win not only gave Liverpool their record-setting 13th straight victory, but it returned the club to the top of the Premier League after Manchester City had won earlier in the day. Now, the Reds go into the international break as the only Premier League team with 12 points from 12.
Liverpool defeat Burnley 3-0
Liverpool not only achieved a big victory over Burnley, now unbeaten in six straight games against the Clarets, but they kept their first clean sheet of the season.
Goalkeeper Adrian was called into action just once on the day as he made a brilliant low save to his right. Following that chance, Liverpool’s defence tightened up and the Champions League winning foursome of Andrew Robertson, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold pitched a shutout.
Since Liverpool’s early experimenting with a high line, manager Jurgen Klopp has reverted back to what worked last season. It has also seen Matip reinserted in the team in back to back to back Premier League matches. Ditching the high line has not only helped Liverpool’s back four, but Adrian too. He has had more protection and it must be said his performance against Burnley has so far been his best.
Mane and Firmino love to score against Burnley
Both Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino scored in Liverpool’s 3-0 win. Mane has now scored three goals in his last two matches against Burnley while Firmino has tallied three goals in his last three games against the Clarets. Firmino’s was his 50th Premier League goal, setting a new record for Brazilians in the English top flight.
Liverpool’s front three have looked bright this term, and despite Mane’s outburst at Mohamed Salah after being substituted, everything seems right with the trio.
While some in the media have argued Mane’s anger toward his teammate was uncalled for and unprofessional, others see it as a throwback to yesteryear. There was a time when teammates would have a go at each other on the pitch and vent their frustrations in public. Think of the days of Kenny Dalglish and Graeme Souness. Mane wants to win and having a go at a player for being too selfish is good for the team.
The international break
Liverpool have played four matches and won four to start the Premier League season. The international break brings to end what is a relatively quiet first part to the season. At least as quiet as five games in all competitions can be.
Liverpool will play five matches over a 14-day period in September. Newcastle United (home), Napoli (away in the Champions League), Chelsea (away), MK Dons (away in the Carabao Cup), and Sheffield United (away) are all on tap for September.
It will be a difficult month as not only will the Reds play five times in 14 days, but they will play just one match at home. Alisson Becker could return by the end of September, however, no concrete updates on his recovery have leaked out of Anfield.
According to This is Anfield, 30 Liverpool players have been called up for September international matches. It is the price of having star players and being the reigning Champions League winners. Seventeen senior players will go on international duty with both Mane and Salah remaining on Merseyside.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho, Firmino, Van Dijk, Georginio Wijnaldum, Robertson, Divock Origi, Dejan Lovren, Rhian Brewster, Harvey Elliott, and several others have all been called up for their respective nations and teams.
Liverpool will return to Premier League play on 14 September against Newcastle United.
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