Despite all the talk of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland being untouchable at Manchester City, Liverpool are optimistic about the strength of their squad.
Jurgen Klopp’s side, who were without key players including Mohamed Salah and Alisson, got the job done in front of a record Anfield crowd. That’s despite being without a recognized right-back in the second half due to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury.
Darwin Núñez, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo have all scored important goals off the bench this season, while on Saturday it was Harvey Elliott, another substitute who made the difference with two assists after his half-time debut. Elliott made 25 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, including 35 as a substitute.
It’s not what the ambitious 20-year-old wants, but captain Virgil van Dijk insists the whole squad must contribute if Liverpool are to bid farewell to Klopp’s Premier League champions. “I’m sure Harvey would like to play every week, but at the highest level you have to be patient and have your moments,” Van Dijk said. “He’s got to keep going.
Don’t be upset if he doesn’t start sometimes. It’s part of the business. When an opportunity presents itself, you have to run for it, and in this case, Harvey did just that. “The substitutes have had a huge impact on our games this season and this is another clear example. No doubt it will remain the same in the future.”
Burnley looked relaxed on paper, but Klopp was aware of the potential pitfalls and was more active than usual on the touchline. The late departures of Alisson and Joe Gomez due to flu, injuries to Salah, Joel Matip and Dominic Szoboszlai, Ibrahima Konate’s suspension and Conor Bradley’s absence due to the death of his father leave Liverpool’s squad divided.
Dara O’Shea’s header denied Diogo Jota’s opener and Alexander-Arnold was ruled out after the break with a knee problem, with Klopp replacing Elliott (right) and Curtis Jones on the right flank. For the first time in his career. Elliott did enough to earn MVP honors in just 45 minutes.
He brought energy down the right flank and crossed for Diaz and Nunez to maintain Liverpool’s two-point lead. The theater’s astonishing attendance of 59,896 surpassed the largest attendance recorded when the Anfield Road top stand was opened in 1949.
Klopp described it as a “controversial miracle”. “It was really cool at the right time.” With City not visiting Anfield this season, Mood is likely to become the 12th man. Burnley manager Vincent Kompany said: “This is a group with a long history and passion for the team.
It’s always difficult. Emotions ran high, with both managers receiving yellow cards for their complaints. Klopp saved Jota’s penalty and Kompany fouled Aaron Ramsey to set up Liverpool’s second goal. With Andy Robertson starting his first game since October, Kostas Tsimikas coming off the bench and Salah and Bradley returning to training next week, Liverpool will be further strengthened, especially if Alexander-Arnold’s problem is as mild as it is it was expected.
City, with De Bruyne and Jack Grealish on hand at the weekend, boasted the strength of their bench, but that was not lacking at Anfield. “I am very impressed with the players we have brought in,” Van Dijk said. “It’s important that guys take advantage of their moments and do that.”
Despite their entrepreneurial spirit, things are not easy for Burnley as a whole. The next player in front of them is Arsenal.
