Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League after their gutsy 3-1 win over Burnley at Anfield.

First Half

Liverpool's penchant for starting games slowly almost came back to bite them again as Burnley turned the heat up in the opening minutes of the Saturday afternoon clash.

Caoimhin Kelleher - who played ahead of an ill Alisson - was forced into an early save thanks to savvy play from Vincent Kompany's side who impressed hugely at the beginning of the clash.

It was a slow start for Liverpool who struggled to create anything of note and had trouble breaking down Burnley's compact style of play which has hindered them in the past.

However, when failing to score goals from open play, Liverpool can always fall back on their ability to net from set pieces and that's exactly what they did as Trent Alexander Arnold's cross was headed in by Diogo Jota for his ninth Premier League goal of the season.

Looking as if they'd be heading into the break on top, Liverpool's defence once again failed to keep a clean sheet as Burnley's Dara O'Shea's impressive header beat Kelleher to draw Burnley level right before half-time.

Second Half

Liverpool couldn't start a second half as badly as they did the first so that was certainly a positive for Jürgen Klopp's side.

In what was a noticeable change in Liverpool's approach to the game, an increase in aggression paid off as Harvey Elliott's pass to Luis Díaz was deflected which allowed the Colombian to head home to put Liverpool back on top just minutes after the start. After some checks via VAR, the goal was ruled onside.

For those thinking the second Liverpool goal would mean a barrage of goals would start going in for the Reds, they were hugely wrong as Burnley fought back and almost grabbed a second equaliser.

David Datro Fofana took advantage of Jarell Quansah's mistake as he went one-on-one with Kelleher but the Irishman stood tall to deny the Ivorian before Wilson Odobert blasted wide from close range.

Just minutes after the gilt-edged chance, Fofana had another opportunity to draw Burnley level but his strike ended up just wide of the post in a huge chance for the away side.

Burnley would soon rue their missed chances as Harvey Elliott turned creator again as his cross inside the box met Darwin Núñez whose header beat James Trafford in what was a fourth-headed goal of the game.

LFC Globe Verdict

It wasn't your typical Liverpool performance who looked vulnerable at times to a team that is currently facing relegation but it was a win, regardless.

While there wasn't a standout performance from the Reds, the most important thing was picking up three points, especially after Liverpool's 3-1 defeat to Arsenal last week.

Man Of The Match And What's Next?

Diogo Jota has continued to be Liverpool's saviour in the absence of Mohamed Salah as the Portuguese forward has continued his remarkable goalscoring run since his return from injury.

The striker has no doubt cemented his place in Liverpool's starting eleven, even with the incoming return of Mohamed Salah as Jota continues to prove his importance to Liverpool week after week.

It's a much-needed return to winning ways for Liverpool who end the week at the top of the table before they travel to West London to take on Brentford on Saturday (February 17) at 12:30 PM (UK time).