For the second match in a row, the Clarets were dealt a harsh stoppage-time defeat, this time from a penalty in the dying moments.
Before the international break, it was Manchester United and Bruno Fernandes who struck late; on this occasion, it was Liverpool’s Mo Salah.
The decisive spot kick came after Hannibal blocked Jeremie Frimpong’s cross with his elbow. Salah stepped up and fired home, leaving the visitors heartbroken.
It was a cruel conclusion to what had otherwise been a disciplined and determined performance from the Clarets, who had successfully frustrated the league leaders and limited their clear-cut chances.
“It’s really devastating to lose like that,” Parker admitted.
“That’s two weeks in succession now where a last-minute penalty has cost us the game. It’s tough to take because the players didn’t get the result their effort deserved.
“But I can’t fault the performance. We came here with a clear game plan against a top side. Everyone knows over the past few years you can’t give Liverpool space — if you do, they punish you. So we set out to deny them that, and for the most part, the lads executed it brilliantly.
“There were moments where we let them speed things up and it caused us problems, but overall, the players stuck to the plan and showed the discipline we’ve been working on.
“I feel for them. Honestly, I’m gutted. At my age, I’ve had my fair share of highs and lows in sport and in life, and moments like this would have been massive for the group. Still, there’s a lot of pride to take from today.
