Liverpool arrived at Turf Moor brimming with belief, confidence, and expectation. But once again, the reigning Premier League champions had to summon every ounce of their fighting spirit to secure victory. This was not just about breaking down Burnley’s stubborn defense—it was also about surviving adversity, tactical challenges, and the physical toll on key players.
Arne Slot’s men got the job done, yet the spotlight after the final whistle quickly shifted away from Mohamed Salah’s dramatic late penalty. Instead, the focus turned to the fitness of Alexis Mac Allister and the surprising withdrawal of Milos Kerkez before half-time.
Burnley’s Wall and Mac Allister’s Knock
From the start, Burnley frustrated Liverpool. Compact, disciplined, and relentless in defense, they limited the champions to few clear openings. Salah, Alexander Isak, and Dominik Szoboszlai pressed forward, but the claret wall held firm.
The turning point came with Lesley Ugochukwu’s rash challenge on Mac Allister. The Argentine midfielder—so vital to Slot’s system—went down clutching his leg, sparking concern among the visiting support. Though he continued until the break, his substitution at half-time raised questions.
Slot explained afterwards that the decision was not solely about the knock. While the tackle had hurt, Mac Allister’s overall fitness was also a factor. Having missed much of pre-season, he lacked the conditioning to play three high-intensity matches in a week. After logging 90 minutes on international duty, his manager feared fatigue would catch up with him.
“I had always planned to take Alexis off around the hour mark,” Slot revealed. “But given the circumstances, it made sense to do it at half-time.” The move was tactical, precautionary, and above all, designed with the long season in mind.
Kerkez Substituted Early
The early removal of Milos Kerkez also raised eyebrows. The young full-back had been booked and then penalized in a contentious challenge that, despite winning the ball, sparked uproar from Burnley players and fans. Slot, assessing the situation, sensed the danger.
“In that atmosphere, one more mistimed challenge could easily have been a red card,” he explained. Taking no chances, Slot replaced Kerkez before the break—an unpopular but calculated decision to protect both the player and the team.
Bigger Picture for Liverpool
Liverpool left Turf Moor with three points, but also with fresh worries. Mac Allister’s condition and the careful management of the squad will be crucial in the weeks ahead as the Reds juggle their league campaign with Champions League commitments.
For Slot, the night was about more than beating Burnley. It was a reminder of the delicate balance between chasing results in the moment and safeguarding his squad for the long road ahead.
