Burnley 0-1 Liverpool: Salah’s Late Penalty Breaks Turf Moor Resistance

Liverpool finally found a way past Burnley’s stubborn defence as Mohamed Salah converted a stoppage-time penalty to earn the champions a narrow 1-0 victory at Turf Moor.

The Reds travelled without £125 million summer signing Alexander Isak, who is still building fitness after forcing through his move from Newcastle. His absence left Arne Slot’s side short of a focal point in attack for most of the game, but Salah’s calm finish from the spot in the 95th minute ensured Liverpool avoided an early-season stumble.

As expected, Liverpool controlled the ball from the outset, recording nearly 80% possession in the first half. Yet despite their dominance, they struggled to create clear chances, managing just one shot on target before the break.

Burnley were compact, well-organised, and offered flashes of danger on the counter. Slot made a notable decision on 38 minutes, withdrawing Kerkez for Robertson after the young left-back picked up a booking and conceded a free-kick. It was a move designed to protect against Burnley’s transitions.

At the interval, it remained 0-0 — a frustrating reflection of Liverpool’s sterile possession and Burnley’s disciplined shape.

The second half saw more of the same, with Liverpool camped in Burnley’s half. Vincent Kompany’s side produced an extraordinary defensive display, blocking 12 of the visitors’ 24 shots. Gravenberch, Szoboszlai and Wirtz all saw efforts deflected away, while Salah endured another quiet evening in open play.

Burnley’s Ugochukwu was dismissed on 83 minutes for a second yellow card after fouling Wirtz just outside the box, leaving the hosts clinging on with ten men. It looked as though they would hold out for a famous point until added time brought late drama.

In the 95th minute, Liverpool were awarded a penalty after a handball inside the area. Up stepped Salah, who had cut a frustrated figure for much of the game. The Egyptian kept his cool, sending Trafford the wrong way to secure Liverpool’s third win of the season.

The goal spared Liverpool from an underwhelming goalless draw and shifted focus back to their upcoming Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid and the Merseyside derby that follows.

The stats underline Liverpool’s dominance, but also Burnley’s resilience. For nearly the entire game, Kompany’s men kept the champions at bay until Salah’s decisive moment.

Liverpool stay unbeaten and keep momentum heading into a decisive week. Slot’s side are still searching for fluency, but with Isak yet to make his debut and Salah rediscovering his scoring touch, optimism remains high.

Burnley, meanwhile, will take heart from pushing the champions to the brink. Their defensive organisation and sheer determination were remarkable, though the late penalty left Turf Moor deflated. Performances like this, however, suggest Parker’s team are more than capable of battling for survival.

👉 Can Mohamed Salah’s late winner kick-start his season — and give Liverpool the momentum they need in Europe and the derby?