Home » Teams » Liverpool » Magnificent Mane, fantastic Klavan – The best and the worst rated Liverpool players against Burnley

Magnificent Mane, fantastic Klavan – The best and the worst rated Liverpool players against Burnley

Final Result: Burnley 1-2 Liverpool

Liverpool, having won two back to back home games against Swansea and Leicester City, had a tough away outing against high-flying Burnley at Turf Moor in less than 48 hours time. The injuries of Philippe Coutinho and Mohamed Salah kept the Reds under immense pressure considering the contest that the league is currently offering for a top-four finish and it was a tough ask for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool to register three consecutive wins in this festive season.

The game, however, proved to be a close encounter and a dramatic late goal from Ragnar Klavan sealed all three points for Liverpool on new year’s eve. The Reds had a barren first 45 minutes but broke the deadlock when Sadio Mane scored from a spectacular strike midway through the second half.

The Reds needed to record a clean-sheet in order to snatch all three points but suffered a massive setback in the closing minutes when Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson directed a free header into the back of the net. But the game was not done yet and it was Estonian centre-back Ragnar Klavan who proved to be the unlikely hero for the visitors when he headed home from close range in stoppage time to seal a win.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s free-kick was headed into the path of Klavan who made no mistake to restore the lead. The Reds maintained the ‘top-four’ status for the time being, ahead of their FA Cup outing against Merseyside rivals Everton and Premier League clash against Manchester City in a fortnight.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Simon Mignolet (6.5)

Made some routine stops and particularly did well to deny Sam Vokes’ header. Could have done little to stop Gudmundsson’s equaliser in the closing minutes though.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (6.5)

The teenager had a decent outing despite losing a few duels and dispossessed once. He fought hard against Burnley’s physical game and didn’t allow Scott Arfield to trouble much down the right flank. Had a stunning long-range effort, only to be denied spectacularly by Nick Pope.

Dejan Lovren (8)

The Croatian has hardly put a foot wrong since conceding an unlucky spot-kick against Everton and dealt well against Burnley’s long-balls and set-pieces. Also had a massive influence in securing a hard-fought win when he headed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s free-kick into the path of his defensive partner Ragnar Klavan, who made no mistake to grab a late winner.

Ragnar Klavan (8.5)

The Estonian centre-back has been the most consistent central defensive star for Liverpool and showed why he is rated highly by Jurgen Klopp. Klavan not only maintained the defensive composure but also scored a late winner in stoppage time to seal a crucial win for the Merseysiders.

Joe Gomez (6.5)

Was having a decent outing in a makeshift left-back role but lost his concentration in the closing minutes. He was at fault for Burnley’s equaliser for not marking Gudmundsson properly and allowing him to have a free header to finish from close range. Gomez is a huge talent but needs to be more concentrated and less erroneous in coming days.

Emre Can (8)

Was combative throughout the game with his physicality, runs, and forward balls. Won lots of duels, snatched possession repeatedly and screened his defence whenever needed.

Georginio Wijnaldum (6)

Worked hard, tried to carry the ball forward with his runs down the middle. But he lacked composure and his touches let him down mostly. The Dutchman needs to rediscover his form in order to stay relevant in Klopp’s plan for next season.

Adam Lallana (7.5)

Lallana had his first start of the campaign since returning from injury and had a decent outing before being replaced by James Milner in the closing minutes. He made an outstanding last-ditch tackle to save his side in the first-half and continued to impress with his footwork in the attacking third.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (8)

The Englishman is showing his true potential consistently and delivered another steady display against the Clarets this afternoon. He looked menacing with his runs and pace, also had his part in Liverpool’s late-winner when his stupendous free-kick was headed into the path of Ragnar Klavan by Dejan Lovren, with the Estonian snatching an incredible win for the Reds. Was replaced by Joel Matip in closing seconds.

Sadio Mane (8)

The only man from Liverpool’s ‘Fab Four’ who started the game and silenced his critics with a stunning goal to earn his side a second-half lead. Mane was struggling to find his form in recent weeks, but the goal he scored will make him confident enough ahead of the Everton clash. Was replaced by Roberto Firmino minutes after scoring his goal.

Dominic Solanke (6)

The youngster was handed a start but failed to impress. Had a few good movements and took part in the build-ups but his touches were heavy. Still looking for his first goal for the club since completing a Bosman transfer from Chelsea back in the summer.

Subs

Roberto Firmino (6)

Mostly spent his time to defend the lead.

James Milner (N/A)

Was introduced in the 86th minute.

Joel Matip (N/A)

Was introduced at the added time of the second-half.