Burnley 0-3 Liverpool: 5 talking points as Reds keep up impressive form | Premier League 2020-21 

Liverpool defeated Burnley 3-0 on Wednesday
Liverpool defeated Burnley 3-0 on Wednesday

#3 Impressive Nat Phillips steps up at both ends

Nat Phillips made crucial contributions for Liverpool
Nat Phillips made crucial contributions for Liverpool

The long-term injuries sustained by Liverpool defensive regulars Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez saw Nathaniel Phillips called upon more frequently than might have been the case.

Indeed, the former Bolton Wanderers academy player had been close to joining Swansea City on loan last summer before the deal ultimately fell through.

Despite the unexpected prominence in Liverpool's starting lineup, the 24-year-old has adapted effortlessly. He put on another fine showing at Turf Moor against Burnley.

Phillips was instrumental in keeping Liverpool's clean sheet intact and made a crucial goalline clearance when the hosts were in the ascendancy.

His biggest contribution, however, came at the other end when he scored his first goal for Liverpool to help them obtain a more convincing lead.

#2 Mo Salah squanders opportunity to go clear in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot

Mo Salah missed some good chances
Mo Salah missed some good chances

Mo Salah has arguably been Liverpool's most consistent player this season, with the Egypt international not suffering from the drop in form that afflicted most of his teammates.

The 28-year-old came into this clash neck-and-neck with Harry Kane on 22 goals in the race to win the Premier League Golden Boot.

The Tottenham Hotspur man drew blanks in his side's tame 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on home soil earlier in the day, leaving the coast clear for Salah to overtake him on the scorers' chart.

This, however, did not happen, with the Liverpool number 11 missing his shooting boots, despite getting several opportunities.

In the first half, Salah blazed over the bar from eight yards out with only the goalkeeper to beat. Considering his immense ability, it was a big miss by the former Chelsea man, and he will be hoping that it does not cost him in his quest for a third Golden Boot.

#1 On another day, Liverpool might have paid the price for their profligacy

Sadio Mane was one of several Liverpool players to miss presentable opportunities
Sadio Mane was one of several Liverpool players to miss presentable opportunities

Liverpool have struggled to see out games in recent weeks and needed last-gasp heroics from their goalkeeper against West Brom on Sunday.

The Reds need not have waited so long to get a winner as they fashioned enough chances at the Hawthorns to win two matches. However, their ineffectiveness in front of goal saw them needing the record-breaking Alisson to spare their blushes in the 95th minute.

It was more of the same against Burnley and despite eventually racing into a three-goal victory, the recent indecisiveness in attack is sure to be a cause for concern for Jurgen Klopp.

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Edited by Rachel Syiemlieh