Liverpool 2, Burnley 1: First Thoughts

Liverpool 2 Wijnaldum 45+1’, Can 61’ Burnley 1 Barnes 7’’

• Pre-match thought: Lots is being made about this being Liverpool’s chance for revenge, and it’s hard to look at it any other way, after the loss early on in the season still stings. But with Hendo, Lovren, and now Firmino all out, anxiety can’t help but build.
• Burnley have definitely come to play, probably to hang onto the shred of confidence that this match can hand them.
• Not a great start for Liverpool’s defense, who are looking absolutely watery.
• Case in point. Goal. Ashley Barnes for the opposition at 7’, taking advantage of those defensive blunders.
• Now is definitely the chance for Liverpool to prove their mettle.
• Mané with a FANTASTIC run at twelve in a half minutes, but too heavy of a touch for Origi to capitalize on, but it hopefully wakes up the team for to get in.
• Still hoping that old adage “scoring too early” is holding true and only for Burnley.
• This writer missed when Burnley picked up Joey Barton but now all I can hope for is a win to rub it in his face. Definitely on a list of punchable faces. (And personalities).
• We’ll be lucky if Emre Can doesn’t get sent off today - he’s already gotten called out for a late tackle and given away a free kick.
• GOAL! GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM saves from going into the half one-nil down. The midfielder (who literally only scores at home) bangs one in during stoppage time and brings us level!
• Halftime: Liverpool still have a lot of work to do to keep keep pace with a highly organized Burnley, having looked slow and the midfield unable to get the ball to the players that can work with it. Here’s hoping Gini’s goal was the much needed injection of energy to get ahead in the second half.
• Liverpool doing better with counterattacks as the second half gets underway, but Burnley’s defense is still not to be messed with. Far from parking the bus, to be sure.
• Burnley has been absolutely stellar today, and if they pick up a win it will be 100% deserved. They’re out and playing and despite Liverpool’s possession, are making sure they’re unable to do anything with it.
• So many corners today. SO. MANY. And they’ve all been dreadful. To be fair, only corners that score are good.
• Coutinho comes off for baby Ben Woodburn at 60’. 17 year old, hoping to bring in some much needed bravery and energy to the midfield.
• GOAL! Emre Can looking to redeem himself for his recent poor form with a strike and brings the Reds ahead!
• And then promptly gets a yellow card right after for a late challenge. Never change, Emre.
• Credit to Burnley, even 2-1 down they have continued to fight and make sure this isn’t an easy win for Liverpool.
• Liverpool have had two great chances shut down by well placed Burnley defenders in these final minutes, keeping them on their toes and unable to find that perfect final touch.
• 4 minutes of added time and 4 minutes of added stress as Liverpool defend their most dangerous lead.
• Final: A nervous and ugly win, but Liverpool were able to snatch it from Burnley literally by the skin of their teeth (and maybe some Burnley defenders). Well earned revenge, though, and Liverpool remain in the top four.

We'll be back shortly to take an in-depth look at everything that happened in today's game with the full recap. Until then, let us know your take on the ups and downs of the match in the comments, and if you haven't already, join the community on the Liverpool Offside, where we'll have full coverage and lively in-game discussion for every match this season.