Liverpool climbed back to the top of the Premier League on Saturday with a 3-1 win over Burnley, thanks to well-taken goals from Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez.
The Reds temporarily had to cede top spot to Manchester City following the champions’ 2-0 win over Everton at the Etihad, but Jürgen Klopp’s side kept their composure to put in a professional performance and win all three points to claim at Anfield.
Trent Alexander-Arnold created Jota’s first-half opener and broke the record for most assists in Premier League history by a defender, shortly before heading off at half-time for Liverpool substitute Harvey Elliott.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United’s victory over Luton took Burnley level with the Blades at the foot of the Premier League, while Vincent Kompany’s side would face title contenders Arsenal next.
Mail Sport assesses the stars’ performances during the match and provides a rating for each player.
Darwin Nunez (centre) scored Liverpool’s third goal as the Reds defeated 3-1 on Saturday
Diogo Jota opened the scoring after half an hour at Anfield with a well-placed header
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LIVERPOOL
Caoimhin Kelleher6
Did well in Alisson’s absence and was quick off his line to deny Fofana. There was little he could have done about Burnley’s goal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 6
He wrote his name into the history books of the Premier League by becoming the all-time record assist-maker among defenders. Defensively not his best performance.
Jarell Quansah 5.5
His blushes were spared by Kelleher after he made a meal of his approval and he had to be careful once he booked. But otherwise a solid showing from the youngster.
Vergilius van Dijk 6
Did the basics well and dealt with Burnley’s aerial threat with ease. He defended as you would expect from him, but lacked his usual positivity on long-range passes.
Andrew Robertson6.5
A neat return for the Scot once he had grown into the game. The box was flooded with several trademark deliveries from the left and proved a threat to the Clarets.
Wataru Endo 7
Showed Liverpool fans what they were missing against Arsenal. Brought up play brilliantly and helped keep the ship at 1-1. Should have done better in front of 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 opener
Harvey Elliott was Mail Sport’s player of the match, despite not taking the field until half-time
Curtis Jones6.5
Managed the pace well in midfield until having to replace the right-back from half-time. Demonstrated his versatility superbly in an unnatural position.
Alexis Mac Allister 6.5
Given extra freedom next to Endo in midfield and not setting the world on fire creatively. Otherwise, a decent performance from Argentina.
Diogo Jota7
Another one of the goals and exceptional to cover for the absence of Mohamed Salah. Set the tone with a great header, but take a few shots unnecessarily.
Darwin Nunez 6
Had an extremely quiet first half, but was always a threat in attack. Patience was ultimately rewarded with a well-taken goal in another spirited performance.
Luis Diaz7
He scored the most important goal of the match and turned the momentum in Liverpool’s favour. Didn’t always execute his wide play perfectly, but was still a threat.
Substitutes:
Harvey Elliott (45′) 7.5
Changed the game after his introduction with positive runs and creative passing. It boosted Liverpool’s confidence at a time when things were looking nervous for them.
Cody Gakpo (82′) N/A
Konstantinos Tsimikas (90′) N/A
Bobby Clark (90′) N/A
James McConnell (90′) N/A
Luis Diaz gave Liverpool the lead again after the break with a well-taken effort in the 52nd minute
Nunez ended his Anfield goal drought, scoring at home for the first time since October 2023
BURNLEY
James Trafford6
Under increasing pressure from Liverpool, the keeper made a number of fine saves but was at fault in the Reds’ opening game.
Lorenz Assignon7
Did well to deny the rampant Liverpool as their stature grew in the second half.
Dara O’Shea 7
Helped to give Burnley a consolation and prevent Liverpool from keeping a clean sheet with a beautiful header.
Maxime Esteve6
Distinguished himself with his first Premier League start after signing during the January window.
Hannes Delcroix6
He tried to keep Alexander-Arnold under control, but found he could not fully suppress the defender.
Josh Brownhill6
Provided a great assist from a Burnley corner for O’Shea’s only goal.
Sander Berge7
Stimulated Burnley’s front foot start and helped the away side keep up the pressure on the Reds before settling down.
Aaron Ramsey 6
Embroiled with Mac Allister in the VAR row before Liverpool’s second was allowed to stand, he could have been smarter to help deny the home side.
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 played a very good game
Lorenz Assignon (left, battling Andrew Robertson) also impressed in Burnley’s defence
David Fofana 5.5
Unable to repeat his heroics against Fulham to launch a Burnley fightback, missing a number of strong chances.
Zeki Amdouni6
Tested Kelleher well in the first half and ensured that the visitors’ attack gained even more threat.
Substitutes:
Vitinho (80′) N/A
Han-Noah Massengo (81′) N/A
Jacob Bruun Larsen (86′) N/A