Image source: Liverpool fc
When football fans talk about drama, passion, and never-say-die spirit, they often point to matches like this. On a rain-soaked Sunday at Turf Moor, Liverpool showed once again why they are reigning champions, grabbing a dramatic 1-0 victory over Burnley with a last-gasp penalty from none other than Mohamed Salah.
Just when it looked like Burnley would frustrate the Reds and hold them to a gritty draw, Salah stepped up in the 95th minute and delivered yet another moment of magic. With ice in his veins, he hammered home from the penalty spot, sending the away fans into absolute ecstasy and keeping Liverpool’s perfect start to the season alive.
A Tactical Chess Match in the First Half
From the outset, Liverpool looked comfortable on the ball, dominating possession and moving it patiently across the pitch. However, Burnley were resolute and compact, showing why Turf Moor is never an easy place to visit. Despite having the lion’s share of the ball, Liverpool struggled to break through Burnley’s stubborn defense in the opening 45 minutes. The hosts, meanwhile, had the first real sight of goal when Jaidon Anthony fired over from just outside the box.
Liverpool had a series of corners midway through the half, and Ibrahima Konate came agonizingly close to scoring when he headed over from close range. But overall, the final third felt blunt and disjointed. The game’s tempo wasn’t helped by the heavy rain, which made passing tricky and led to some cautious play. Arne Slot made his first change before the break, replacing the booked Milos Kerkez with the ever-reliable Andy Robertson. It was a smart move, as the Scottish left-back immediately brought some attacking drive, even testing the keeper moments after coming on.
Hugo Ekitike also had a decent effort late in the half, weaving in from the left and toe-poking an effort just wide. Still, despite these flashes of danger, the match went into halftime goalless, with Liverpool needing a serious spark.
Liverpool Turn Up the Heat After the Break
Whatever was said in the dressing room clearly worked. Liverpool came out for the second half with renewed energy, aggression, and attacking intent. Conor Bradley was introduced for Alexis Mac Allister at halftime, allowing Dominik Szoboszlai to shift into a more central role. That change almost paid off instantly, as Ryan Gravenberch fired a volley just over and Bradley saw a header go wide.
The visitors were now camped in Burnley’s half, and it felt like a goal was coming. Florian Wirtz twisted and turned his way into the box only to drag his shot off target. Then Szoboszlai unleashed a trademark long-range rocket that forced Martin Dubravka into a sprawling save. Still, Burnley held firm. Scott Parker’s side dug deep and defended like their lives depended on it. But the pressure was clearly mounting.
Super Subs and Tactical Shifts
Arne Slot began rolling the dice with around 20 minutes left. Federico Chiesa came on for Hugo Ekitike, adding flair and directness to the attack. He nearly made an instant impact too, heading wide from a beautiful Robertson cross.
Burnley were now clinging on. Their resistance took a major blow in the 84th minute when Lesley Ugochukwu received his second yellow card and was sent off. Down to ten men, Burnley had to survive a full-on siege. Slot made his final push by bringing on Jeremie Frimpong and youngster Rio Ngumoha in the closing minutes. And it was that decision which proved decisive.
The Decisive Moment: Salah Delivers Under Pressure
Deep into stoppage time, with frustration building and the clock ticking, Jeremie Frimpong found space on the right and whipped in a dangerous cross. As the ball flew into the box, Hannibal Mejbri instinctively raised his hand and made contact. It was a clear penalty. No debate. The referee pointed to the spot and Turf Moor held its breath.
Mohamed Salah stepped up. The Egyptian King had been quiet for much of the match, but champions know how to seize the moment. With a cool head and steely focus, Salah rifled the ball high into the net, leaving Dubravka no chance. 95th minute. 1-0 Liverpool. Pandemonium in the away end.
Arne Slot’s Gambles Pay Off Again
It’s still early days under Arne Slot, but Liverpool’s identity under the Dutchman is becoming clearer with every game. This team is patient, calculated, and mentally unshakable. While the first half may have lacked sparkle, the second was a display of controlled dominance and smart tactical decisions.
Slot kept faith with the same starting XI that beat Arsenal two weeks ago, showing trust in his squad’s continuity. Though Alexander Isak was missing from the matchday squad, with Slot confirming the striker is being saved for the midweek clash with Atletico Madrid, the team still found a way to win without him.
Crucially, Slot’s substitutions particularly the introduction of Frimpong and Chiesa injected the pace and width Liverpool needed to break down a stubborn Burnley side. These aren’t just changes for the sake of change they’re calculated moves with clear intent.
What This Win Means for Liverpool
This victory means more than just three points. It’s about momentum, belief, and maintaining a psychological edge over their rivals.Liverpool have now won every game in their title defense so far, and they’re doing it in all kinds of ways from slick performances to gritty last-minute dramas like this one. The resilience and unity on display at Turf Moor are signs of a squad that believes they can go all the way again. Mohamed Salah’s penalty was his sixth goal of the season and yet another reminder of his clutch gene. Whether it’s an early strike or a 95th-minute decider, Salah continues to be Liverpool’s main man in the biggest moments.
Looking Ahead: Atletico Madrid Awaits
Next up is a huge European night. Liverpool face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, and Slot will hope to have Alexander Isak fit and ready to make his long-awaited debut. The performance against Burnley wasn’t perfect, but it showcased Liverpool’s ability to dig deep and fight for every inch. That kind of character will be crucial on the continental stage. With the squad gelling, young talents like Ngumoha getting minutes, and key players delivering under pressure, the signs are incredibly positive.
Final Whistle Thoughts
Football doesn’t always go by the script and that’s exactly why we love it. For 94 minutes, Burnley looked like they might just pull off a draw. But Liverpool had other ideas. Salah’s 95th-minute penalty was the climax of a night full of grit, guts, and just enough guile to get over the line. It wasn’t pretty, but it was powerful. And sometimes, that’s what championship teams are made of. Turf Moor might not have seen many goals this weekend, but it witnessed something far more thrilling: the heart of a champion refusing to give up.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com