Liverpool left it late but Mohamed Salah’s stoppage-time penalty proved decisive in a 1-0 victory over Burnley, keeping the champions unbeaten in the Premier League.
The Egyptian forward converted from the spot in the 95th minute to break Burnley’s stubborn resistance. In doing so, he not only secured three vital points for Arne Slot’s side but also etched his name further into Liverpool history.
First half: Frustration for the champions
Arne Slot’s team dominated the opening period, enjoying 80% possession and completing over 600 passes. Yet, despite their territorial dominance, chances were limited. Burnley defended resolutely and looked threatening on the counter.
The Reds were forced into an early tactical change when Kerkez, already booked, was replaced by Robertson in the 38th minute to avoid further risk. By half-time, Liverpool had managed only one shot on target, underlining Burnley’s defensive organisation.
Second half: Block after block
The second half continued in the same pattern. Liverpool piled forward, producing 24 attempts in total, but were repeatedly thwarted by Burnley’s defensive line, who blocked 12 shots over the course of the match.
Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai both tried their luck from distance, while Salah remained quiet until the final stages. Burnley’s Ugochukwu was dismissed in the 83rd minute for a second yellow card, leaving Vincent Kompany’s men to finish with ten.
Salah delivers — and makes history
Deep into stoppage time, Liverpool were handed their chance after a Burnley handball inside the box. Salah, calm under pressure, stepped up to send Trafford the wrong way. It was his 35th league penalty goal for Liverpool, making him the club’s all-time top scorer from the spot, overtaking Billy Liddell’s record of 34.
The strike also moved him into fourth place on the Premier League’s all-time scorers list with 188 goals, one clear of Andy Cole.
Salah: “We don’t give up”
“Tough opponent today, we tried our best to get the ball between the lines. It was tough but I am glad we managed it. We have a few new players in the starting line-up and it takes time to adapt. We don’t give up. We try and push ourselves to the limit and as a team we did that.” — Mohamed Salah, speaking to Sky Sports
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, speaking to Sky Sports:
“We obviously try to break teams down. We had to be patient and had to be ready. We just kept looking for the goal and the opportunities. A well deserved win but if I am Burnley it is never nice to concede a penalty.
“At the end of the day it was a penalty and Mo scored it perfectly. He is a world class player and we know he can deliver in these moments.
“Key today was not to get frustrated. It could have been a draw as well but we take the three points and move on to Wednesday.”
Mohamed Salah vs Burnley – Key Stats
| Stat (vs Burnley) | Mohamed Salah |
|---|---|
| Expected Goals (xG) | 0.79 |
| Goals | 1 (Penalty) |
| Assists | 0 |
| Expected Assists (xA) | 0.15 |
| Touches | 55 |
| Accurate Passes | 37/43 (86%) |
| Key Passes | 1 |
| Crosses (accurate) | 3 (0) |
| Ground Duels (won) | 3 (0) |
| Aerial Duels (won) | 3 (1) |
| Possession Lost | 15 |
source: sofascore match data – 14 September 2025
Though Salah was far from his sharpest in open play, his composure from the spot reinforced why he remains Liverpool’s talisman.
Analyst verdict – by John William
This was a match that showcased both Liverpool’s weaknesses and their strengths. Without Isak, the Reds lacked a cutting edge until Salah stepped up. Slot will be concerned by his side’s reliance on blocked shots and speculative efforts, but encouraged that his team continued to push until the final whistle.
For Burnley, Kompany can take huge positives from a disciplined defensive display. Limiting Liverpool to two shots on target across 95 minutes is no small achievement. Yet, as so often against top opposition, one lapse proved costly.
Key insights
- Mohamed Salah scored a 95th-minute penalty to give Liverpool a 1-0 win.
- The goal made him Liverpool’s record league penalty scorer (35).
- Salah is now 4th on the Premier League all-time scorers list (188).
- Liverpool had 80% possession and 24 shots but only two on target.
- Burnley blocked 12 shots and defended bravely despite Ugochukwu’s late red card.
What’s next for Liverpool?
The victory sets up a huge week for the champions. They face Atletico Madrid in their Champions League opener on Wednesday, followed by the Merseyside derby at the weekend.
With Salah back among the goals and chasing more records, Liverpool will hope their new £125 million man, Alexander Isak, can make his debut soon to further boost their attacking options.
👉 Is Mohamed Salah still Liverpool’s most important player — even as Alexander Isak prepares to make his debut?
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