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Match Report: Liverpool 3:1 Burnley - Liverpool Return To Top Of Premier League With Hard-Fought Win

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Liverpool returned to the top of the after their gutsy 3-1 over at .

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.

- 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.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: of Liverpool scores his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Burnley FC at Anfield on February 10, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

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.

Burnley's Irish defender #02 Dara O'Shea (R) celebrates after scoring the equalising goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Burnley at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on February 10, 2024. (Photo by Ian Hodgson / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by IAN HODGSON/AFP via Getty Images)

Looking as if they'd be heading into the break on top, Liverpool's defence once again failed to keep a as Burnley's Dara O'Shea's impressive header beat Kelleher to 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 's side.

In what was a noticeable change in Liverpool's approach to the game, an increase in aggression paid off as 's pass to was deflected which allowed the Colombian to head 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 side.

Burnley would soon rue their missed chances as Harvey Elliott turned creator again as his cross inside the box met 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 last week.

Man Of The Match And What's Next?

Liverpool's Portuguese striker #20 Diogo Jota celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Burnley at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on February 10, 2024. (Photo by Ian Hodgson / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by IAN HODGSON/AFP via Getty Images)

Diogo Jota has continued to be Liverpool's saviour in the absence of 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 on Saturday (February 17) at 12:30 PM (UK time).