A heartbreaking end summed up the mood in Lancashire as Burnley were denied a hard-fought point by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who converted from the spot in the 95th minute to snatch victory for the champions.
Scott Parker’s side had defended with remarkable discipline for almost the entire game, limiting Arne Slot’s team to just two shots on target despite conceding nearly 80% possession. Yet one moment of misfortune — a late handball by Hannibal Mejbri — proved decisive, leaving the Clarets with nothing to show for their efforts.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Parker admitted the outcome was “heartbreaking” but praised the spirit and organisation his side displayed against one of the strongest teams in Europe.
‘A heartbreaking end’ – Scott Parker reacts
“I’ve seen disappointments in my time and my career. At times we survived like our life depended on it today. We knew we had to give that. The overriding factor here is that everything we set about to be today I am immensely proud of the players. The game ends in a real heartbreaking way for us. It is what it is. We just fell a little bit short with the last-minute penalty.” — Scott Parker, Sky Sports
Parker accepted the penalty decision, describing it as the correct call under the laws of the game, but lamented the harsh nature of the incident.
“It is handball. In the law of it, it is handball. We will have to change in the technique of defending things with hands behind the back. But really proud of the team. My team today epitomised spirit.” — Scott Parker
The Burnley boss also defended Hannibal Mejbri, who was penalised after the ball struck his arm at close range.
“His body action was turning and his arm has gone out. The ball is probably coming at 80mph and it has hit it. The only learning for Hannibal is that we will have to train with hands behind the back.” — Scott Parker
Ekdal: ‘So typical and not a nice moment’
Burnley defender Hjalmar Ekdal echoed his manager’s frustration, admitting the penalty was unfortunate but insisting the team could be proud of their performance.
“Of course it’s a mistake and he knows it. We told him [Hannibal Mejbri] afterwards that it happens. It’s very unfortunate. We did such a good game, keeping it tight and hoping to see the game through then this moment comes. Of course it’s going to happen. It’s so typical and not a nice moment.” — Hjalmar Ekdal, Sky Sports
Ekdal stressed that Burnley executed their game plan well and were seconds away from earning a vital point.
“We followed our game plan so well it became hard for them. We knew how to play and everyone was sticking to it. I think we have to be happy with the performance. Both last week and this week we are so close to getting a point.” — Hjalmar Ekdal
Analysis
The numbers reinforced the story of Burnley’s resilience: 20% possession, just three shots of their own, but 12 crucial blocks to frustrate Liverpool until the dying minutes. For Parker, the challenge will be to turn such gallant displays into points, with defensive organisation already proving a strength but results still eluding his side.
Liverpool, meanwhile, were indebted once again to Salah. The Egyptian not only sealed the win but also made history, overtaking Billy Liddell as the club’s record league penalty scorer with 35 and moving into fourth place on the Premier League’s all-time scorers list with 188 goals.
For Burnley, this was indeed a “heartbreaking end,” but also another performance that demonstrated their fight and unity under Parker.
👉 Can Burnley’s spirit and organisation turn narrow defeats into survival points as the season unfolds?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 14 Sep 2025 16:35
Deserve what actually? a point? Didnt create or do anything even despite Liverpool having the possession for 80% of the time.. They'll get relegated
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