Liverpool’s stuttering Premier League title defence suffered another blow on Saturday evening as the reigning champions were held to a 1–1 draw by newly promoted Burnley at Anfield.
The result not only deepened frustration among the home supporters but also saw Liverpool enter the history books for the wrong reasons. Arne Slot’s side became the first reigning Premier League champions to fail to beat any promoted team at home in the same season. The draw leaves the Reds fourth in the table, 14 points adrift of leaders Arsenal, further eroding their hopes of retaining the title.
Missed chances and mounting frustration
Liverpool dominated possession from the outset and appeared in control for long periods despite the absence of Conor Bradley. However, their inability to convert clear opportunities once again proved costly.
Midway through the first half, Cody Gakpo was brought down in the penalty area by Florentino, presenting the hosts with a golden chance to take the lead. Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up but struck the crossbar, a miss that visibly deflated both players and crowd.
The Reds eventually broke the deadlock before half-time. Twelve minutes after the missed penalty, Florian Wirtz opened the scoring with a clinical finish from the edge of the box. The move originated down the left flank through Hugo Ekitike, whose run unsettled Burnley’s defence before Curtis Jones threaded a precise pass into Wirtz’s path. The German midfielder made no mistake, firing decisively past the goalkeeper.
Burnley respond with belief
Anfield expected Liverpool to build on their advantage after the break, but the second half told a different story. Burnley emerged with renewed confidence and nearly equalised early on when Marcus Edwards curled an effort narrowly wide of Alisson’s post.
The warning went unheeded. Edwards soon found his moment, cutting inside onto his left foot and driving a low shot across Alisson to level the score and stun the home crowd. The equaliser energised the visitors, while Liverpool struggled to regain their composure.
Despite late pressure from the hosts, Burnley held firm until the final whistle, which was met with groans from the stands. For Scott Parker’s side, battling relegation, the draw represented a hard-earned and morale-boosting result.
Unwanted history and focus on Europe
The stalemate carried wider significance. According to Opta, Liverpool are now the first defending Premier League champions to fail to defeat any promoted side at home in a single campaign. After 22 matches, they sit on 36 points, a daunting distance behind Arsenal at the summit.
Attention now turns to European competition, with Liverpool travelling to France to face Olympique Marseille in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, January 21. The trip offers Slot’s men an opportunity to respond and restore confidence.
There is also cautious optimism surrounding Mohamed Salah, who is expected to return swiftly following his AFCON disappointment. His potential availability for the Marseille clash would provide a significant boost to a Liverpool side grappling with form and injury concerns.
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