'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Liverpool registered a crucial win against a stiff Burnley side as Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino did business for the hosts. The weather conditions were terrible and they were derailing the tempo of the game. Surprisingly, it was Burnley who broke the deadlock at the 6th-minute mark as Ashley Westwood's corner kick went straight into the back of the net and this was allowed by the referee despite a strong shout of foul from Reds' goalkeeper Alison Becker.
The challengers responded strongly and quickly as they turned the tide emphatically and acquired the lead in the 29th-minute mark, thanks to goals from Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. Sunshine returned at Anfield in the second half and later it became relatively comfortable afternoon for the Reds when Firmino scored again to extend the hosts' lead to two.
In stoppage time Burnley unsettled Liverpool once more as Johann Berg Gudmundsson struck a close-range shot to put one back for the visitors but Mane ensured The Reds won the game by two goals cushion and it was his 50th goal for the club since joining in 2016.
It is an immensely important victory for the Reds as they seek to regain their spot at the top of the pile from defending, Champions Manchester City. Here are the major reasons why Jurgen Klopp's men registered a win over Burnley.
#3 Virgil Van Dijk Colossus again as Reds backline nullifies Barnes and co.
The commander of the best defense in the league, Virgil Van Dijk was again rock-solid at the back against Burnley. Yes, Burnley did score two goals and one was arguably the result of Matip's needless giving up of the corner, but Reds' defense did block numerous balls from the visitor's midfield and Van Dijk's clearances were immensely crucial.
The Dutch center back won countless individual battles and it was yet another solid day at the office for him. He provided the rigidity needed at the back and kept his co-defenders concentrated on the game, thanks to his incredible leadership skills.
#2 Quick come-back
Burnley's early goal did unsettle the Anfield and essence of agitation was everywhere in the Stadium. Sean Dyche's Burnley is a side which likes such situations when they take an early lead and then defend tightly and trouble the opponent with a high degree of physicality.
Thus, a very quick response was needed from the hosts and they did so thanks to strikes from Firmino and Mane. Maybe it would have been a tough afternoon for the Reds if they hadn't gained lead quickly.
After pulling level, they were able to balance the game and turned everything in their favor. Although Burnley continued to fight harder, The Reds didn't give them the chance to hurt them as they dominated proceedings and secured a vital victory to keep them close to Manchester City in the Premier League title race
#1 The front three were in flying colors
After a long time, Liverpool's forward trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah were at top of their form and their relentless urge and quick passing torn Burnley's defense apart.
Roberto Frimino leveled the score with a goal from very close range for the hosts which was powered by Mohamed Salah's run from the right flank. In-form Sadio Mane earned a lead for his side and Firmino scored again to give Reds a comfortable lead. The Senegalese forward scored his 50th goal for the club right at the end of the match which sealed the victory for the title challengers.
Throughout the game, the forward trio which often gets proclaimed as ' fab three ' was in flying colors and Reds' supporters would hope their form remains intact until the cessation of the campaign.
