Mohamed Salah’s stoppage-time penalty kept Liverpool’s perfect start to the Premier League intact, sealing a scrappy 1-0 victory over promoted Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday.
The champions were far from convincing and looked set to drop their first points of the season until substitute Hannibal Mejbri handled Jeremie Frimpong’s cross deep into stoppage time. Salah, below his usual sharpness throughout, converted from the spot in the 95th minute to break Burnley hearts.
British record signing Alexander Isak was left out of the squad, prolonging the wait for his debut after a £125 million move. Without their marquee striker, Liverpool lacked a cutting edge. Their only first-half effort on target came from full-back Andrew Robertson, while Burnley’s well-drilled defence, the meanest in English football last season, stood firm.
Dominik Szoboszlai tested goalkeeper Martin Dubravka after the interval, but for long spells the visitors failed to trouble Burnley. Even when Lesley Ugochukwu was dismissed for a second booking in the 84th minute, the hosts looked set to hold on for a point.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted his side had been fortunate:
“I know how hard it is to create chances against a team with 11 players in their own box. It’s not a criticism, but it shows the quality of Premier League players. It was very difficult.”
Burnley coach Scott Parker praised his players’ resilience despite the crushing finish:
“The overriding factor is that everything we set out to do today, the players delivered. I am immensely proud. The ending was heartbreaking, but it is what it is.”
The result extends Liverpool’s goalscoring streak in the Premier League to 38 matches, their longest such run. Salah’s goal was his 188th in the competition, taking him above Andrew Cole into fourth on the all-time list.
Liverpool remain unbeaten after four matches, though each victory has required a late goal.
